South Island & Fiordlands of New Zealand
10 nights Bluff to Wellington
Ancient glaciers carved these remote southern landscapes where towering cliffs frame misty fiords and island sanctuaries shelter rare native birds.
Departs
- 24 December 2026
Coral Expeditions
South Island & Fiordlands of New Zealand (10 nts)
Prices for 2026
Press the arrow on the next line to see the full price list.
2026 prices – Coral Adventurer
| Cabin | 2026 Full Fare | 2026 NRMA* | Xplorers Club Silver** | Xplorers Club Gold*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coral Deck Stateroom | $9,990 pp | $8,991 pp | $8,539 pp | $8,089 pp |
| Promenade Deck Stateroom | $11,990 pp | $10,791 pp | $10,245 pp | $9,711 pp |
| Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom | $15,420 pp | $13,878 pp | $13,184 pp | $12,490 pp |
| Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom | $16,890 pp | $15,201 pp | $14,439 pp | $13,680 pp |
| Bridge Deck Balcony Suite | $21,730 pp | $19,557 pp | $18,571 pp | $17,601 pp |
All prices are per person, twin share in AUD.
Multiple Cabin Discounts: Please ask us about discounts for 2+ cabins.
*NRMA members (not an NRMA member? Ask us and we’ll help you sign up) – Receive 10% off the full cruise fare. Savings are subject to availability on selected dates. MYNRMA Members also get complimentary Deposit Protection and 1x complimentary bottle of wine.
**Xplorers Club Silver – Receive 5% off the full cruise fare if you’ve previously cruised with Coral Expeditions on any of their cruises between 6-13 nights. This discount can be combined with the NRMA offer. The above price grid reflects this discount combination (NRMA 10% off the full fare plus an extra 5% off the full fare for the Xplorers Silver).
***Xplorers Club Gold – Receive 10% off the full cruise fare if you’ve previously cruised with Coral Expeditions on a combination of cruises totalling between 14-50 nights. This discount can be combined with the NRMA offer. The above price grid reflects this discount combination (NRMA 10% off the full fare plus an extra 10% off the full fare for the Xplorers Gold).
Click here to see full terms and conditions of Xplorers Club prices.
Inclusions
- All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
- Wifi Access – Starlink standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
- Post-cruise transfers to CBD hotel or airport
- 24-hour coffee and tea station
- Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
- Tips and gratuities
- Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
- Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
- Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
- Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
- Expedition diary, along with a photo gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
- All meals, chef-prepared on board
- All excursions with our Expedition Team
- Pre and post cruise accommodation
- Premium Internet services
- Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
- Optional helicopter flight over from Stewart Island to Rakiura over Rakiura National Park (additional cost).
- Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
- Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
- Laundry service (available at a cost)
Itinerary Highlights
-
Spend Christmas Day exploring the remote beauty of Dusky and Doubtful Sounds in Fiordland National Park, then come together in the evening for a celebratory dinner with your fellow travellers.
-
Explore Stewart Island (Rakiura) to a Norwegian whaling station and guided hike along the Rakiura Track.
-
Enjoy birdwatching on predator-free Ulva Island, a sanctuary for rare native species.
-
Join a guided whale-watching tour in Kaikōura to spot sperm whales and dolphins.
-
In Akaroa, take a scenic harbour cruise to spot Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, sea bird colonies and potentially the endangered Little Penguin.
-
Discover the importance of Ship Cove (Meretoto) and learn about its maritime significance.
Meet your group in Queenstown for morning tea before journeying to Bluff. Board Coral Adventurer in the afternoon, settle into your stateroom, and enjoy Captain’s welcome drinks as you sail past Stirling Point, the start of your southern voyage.
Celebrate Christmas and Boxing Day in the untouched wilderness of Dusky Sound. Join zodiac trips, guided hikes, kayaking or a cold swim among towering cliffs, waterfalls, and rich wildlife. Finish the day with a festive dinner aboard as nature envelops you.
Drift into the serene wilderness of Doubtful Sound, formed over eons by glaciers. Cruise past wildlife-rich islands, hike between coves, and plunge into glacial-clear waters, a pristine, meditative experience deep in Fiordland.
Explore Stewart Island’s lush native forest. Walk predator-free Ulva Island to possibly spot kiwis, saddlebacks and more, hike parts of the Rakiura Track, explore Oban’s arts and friendly charm, or opt for a scenic flight over rugged coastlines.
Arrive in heritage-rich Dunedin. Guided tours highlight its Scottish and Māori past, botanical gardens, and steep streets. Then enjoy free time to visit galleries, cafés, stroll or simply soak in this city’s living history.
Discover the French-chartered town of Akaroa, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater. Enjoy a harbour cruise spotting Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, seabirds and perhaps even the rare Little Penguin, amid charming European streets.
Journey to whale-watching capital Kaikōura. Join a marine tour for the opportunity to see sperm whales, dolphins, and perhaps blue whales. Back aboard, unwind over a celebratory evening, reflecting on the ocean’s giants and coastal charm.
Moor in peaceful Marlborough Sounds. Visit Ship Cove, where Cook spent hundreds of days. Choose between walking alongthe Queen Charlotte Track or bird watching on predator-free Motuara Island.
Your expedition concludes this morning in Wellington. Disembark and enjoy an included transfer to your destination, or choose to spend the day exploring the vibrant New Zealand capital.
Embrace the unexpected – it’s part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.
Coral Adventurer
Life aboard Coral Adventurer exploring New Zealand’s southern waters offers a welcoming escape among dramatic coastlines and wild landscapes. Traverse through mist-shrouded fiords as stories flow over fresh, regional feasts from our open galley. Get even closer, with our purpose-built ships and wander ancient rainforests, kayak beneath towering cliffs, or spot fur seals and seabirds with expert guides. With alfresco moments, warm hospitality, and every day a discovery, every evening feels like coming home.
Click for cabin photos
EMAIL LOUISE
