Cruise Description

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.

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.