Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds on an unforgettable 7-day Kiwi adventure exploring Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d’Urville Island.
Famed for the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines these regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country’s most important conservation efforts.
Formed by a system of submerged valleys carved out following the last ice age around 10,000 years ago, the scenic playground of Marlborough Sounds encompasses some 1,500-kilometres of forested coastline, sheltered inlets and bays awaiting exploration, many only accessible by sea. The union of three main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds – Marlborough Sounds has more than 50 Department of Conservation managed reserves and several predator-free wildlife sanctuaries.
Just 500 treacherous metres from the mainland, d’Urville Island was named after French admiral Jules Sebastian Cesar Dumont d’Urville and his ill-fated passage of the infamous French Pass in January 1827. After several near misses, while seeking passage inside the island, he came close to losing his ship Astrolabe after hitting the reef. Now a possum, rat and weasel-free conservation reserve, d’Urville Island is one of the last strongholds of the critically endangered Long-tailed Bat and provides a respite for the world’s rarest shag – the King Shag – and several other species of rare birds and geckos.
A voyage of adventure and discovery awaits in Marlborough Sounds.
Read MoreHeritage Explorer
Vessel Type: Expedition Yacht
Length: 30 metres
Passenger Capacity: 18
Built: 2004
Heritage Explorer, a New Zealand-built 30-metre expedition yacht launched in 2004 by Carey’s Boatyard in Picton, joins Heritage Expeditions’ fleet to offer intimate discovery experiences along New Zealand’s coastline. With a maximum of 18 guests across 10 well-appointed cabins, the vessel combines contemporary wood-finished interiors with panoramic dining and lounge areas, extensive covered outdoor spaces, and a range of expedition equipment including kayaks, fishing gear, and two tenders for deeper exploration. Guests enjoy an open bridge policy, locally sourced cuisine prepared in a commercial kitchen, and the guidance of an enthusiastic expedition team and New Zealand crew.
The yacht features state-of-the-art technology for comfort and performance, including dual 653 hp Scania engines, bow thrusters, fin stabilisers, full air-conditioning, sound-attenuated generators, and a hydraulic aft ramp. Accommodation ranges from the Master Suite on the Bridge Deck with queen bed and private deck access, to Lower Deck cabins with doubles, singles, or bunks, all with ensuite bathrooms and storage. Measuring 30 m in length, 7.8 m in breadth, with a draft of 1.93 m and 76.1 gt, Heritage Explorer cruises at 10 knots, providing an intimate yet fully equipped platform for immersive New Zealand expedition travel.
Your tour highlights
• Discover Queen Charlotte Sound
• Visit d’Urville island
• Explore Pelorus Sound
• Visit Blenheim
Tour itinerary
Make your way to the designated meeting point in Blenheim for your transfer to Heritage Explorer in Picton (times and meeting point will be confirmed with your voyage documents).The Captain and Expedition Team will be waiting to welcome you aboard Heritage Explorer and show you to your cabin. You will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself on board then join fellow travellers and your Expedition Team as we set sail along Queen Charlotte Sound this afternoon. ***Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in reverse.***
First sighted in 1642 by Abel Janszoon Tasman while seeking shelter for his ships Heemskerck and Zeehaen from a storm near d’Urville Island, it was Captain James Cook who would first set foot here aboard the Endeavour during his five visits to Ship Cove, his New Zealand base between 1770 and 1777, in what he would call Queen Charlotte Sound. We spend two full days exploring the waterways and islands of scenic Queen Charlotte Sound with opportunities to head ashore and walk a section of the Queen Charlotte Walkway as well as search for birdlife on the predator-free islands. A visit to Tory Channel brings the whaling history of the Perano Whalers to life. We also plan to visit Ship Cove and learn of its history, exploring the region and visiting Captain Cook’s memorial inaugurated in 1913. Another conservation success story, Blumine Island has seen the translocation of several rare bird species including the once widespread Orange-fronted Parakeet, now New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, which were translocated to the island between 2011 and 2012. Also thriving on the island are South Island Saddleback, brought back from the brink of extinction last century from just 36 birds rescued in 1964, descendants of these birds were translocated to Blumine Island in 2009.
Today we sail through the iconic French Pass and the wake of French Explorer Dumont d’Urville and then explore the island named in his honour. The outermost island in the Marlborough Sounds, d’Urville Island features imposing sea cliffs along its west coast, a high mountainous backbone and the fastest moving tidal flows in New Zealand between the French Pass tempered by some of the country’s finest peninsula scenery. Dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals are frequently seen in the waters surrounding the island and it was here that Pelorus Jack, the endearing Risso’s Dolphin who famously stole the nation’s heart, guided ships through these waters between 1888 and 1912.
The largest in the Marlborough Sounds, Pelorus Sound’s main channel winds some picturesque 55 kilometres south between steep verdant hills from Cook Strait to Havelock. Boasting 380 kilometres of shoreline, the endless bays and sheltered coves of Pelorus Sound are perfect for exploration. Venturing into Pelorus Sound we head to Ngawhakawhiti Bay where nature surrounds us and it’s possible to get a glimpse of what the sounds would have been like before the native forest was cleared. The more active can enjoy the walking part of the Nydia Track before we explore Nydia Bay. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner and celebrate our adventures.
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $4,740
DEPARTURES 17 May 2026 / 23 May 2026 / 20 Nov 2026 / 2 Dec 2026 / 8 Dec 2026 / 19 Apr 2027 / 25 Apr 2027 / 17 May 2027 / 23 May 2027 / 12 Nov 2027 / 18 Nov 2027 / 24 Nov 2027
Other cabin types available:
Salvin's Twin or Double from $5276pp
Wandering from $5564pp
Royal from $6548pp
20% off selected cabins
Book before 30 June 2026 and SAVE 20%* on all berths on Discover Marlborough Sounds voyages departing in November & December in 2026 and April, May & November 2027.
*T&C's apply, new bookings, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• Pre/Post cruise transfers
• Experienced expedition leader and team
• All meals while on board
• House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• All expedition shore excursions
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• Landing fees, pre/post cruise transfers
• House drinks