Set sail aboard Le Soléal for a 12-day brand-new expedition cruise to discover the South Island of New Zealand between enchanting landscapes and observation of extraordinary wildlife, in one of the best-preserved environments on the planet.
Le Soléal will first set sail to the South-West region of the South Island to discover magnificent Fiordland National Park, which is an integral part of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound or the better-known Milford Sound: you will discover these fiords shaped by successive glaciations, bordered by majestic cliffs. ...read more /> Then you will sail towards Ulva Island, one of the few predator-free sanctuaries of New Zealand and a haven for many rare species of birds and plants that are rare, or have died out, on the mainland of New Zealand.
Le Soléal will then set sail for the Snares Islands, one of the archipelagos of New Zealand's Sub Antarctic Islands. These remote island outposts are collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a myriad of wildlife with many species endemic to the region and even to individual islands. In these islands often described as the "Galapagos of the Southern Ocean", this amazing nature can provide great experiences.
Then the Banks Peninsula will reveal wonderful landscapes of lush hills and rugged coasts during your calls in the bays of Akaroa, an ancient flooded volcano crater. There you will experience a unique mix of Maori, French and European cultural heritage.Your ship will then proceed to the east coast of the Southern Island.
You will sail to the rocky peninsula of Kaikoura to admire New Zealand's rich biodiversity. Finally, Dunedin, your port of disembarkation, will draw the end of this wonderful voyage.The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive
Depart
Day 1:Dunedin
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18:00
Day 2: Cruising At Sea
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Day 3:Dusky Sound
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Day 4:Doubtful Sound
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Day 5:Milford Sound
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Day 6: Ulva Island
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Day 7: Snares Islands
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Day 8: Cruising At Sea
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Day 9:Akaroa
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Day 10:Kaikoura
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Day 11: Cruising At Sea
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Day 12:Dunedin
07:00
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Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Transfers to and/or from the ship port may be required.
Life Onboard Le Soleal
Brochure
Ponant Luxury Cruises (2023-24)
Discover our range of incredible luxury expeditions and yacht-style voyages in 2023, exploring Antarctica, the Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean & Latin America, The Indian Ocean & Persian Gulf and Oceania & Polynesia. Includes a range of trailblazing polar explorations aboard Le Commandant Charcot. If you are a travel agent, please email brochures.aus@ponant.com...more with your details and number of copies to be ordered.
Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details
Note Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.