The Southern Fiords – South bound

Hiking, Birding, Swimming , Kayaking , Cultural, History, Cetacean watching

In Māori legend, the Fiords were formed by Tu-te-raki-whanoa. Chanting a powerful karakia  or prayer he hacked at the towering rock walls with his adze and carved them from the earth. He reputedly started in the south working his way north to Milford Sound. He was inexperienced when he started, chopping repeatedly leaving many islands and inlets. His inexperience has created what is arguably one of the world’s finest and remotest cruising grounds. Join us on this expedition as we explore the many islands and inlets in the Southern Fiords.   

Please note, we do not publish a day to day itinerary, except for first and the last days because these are expeditions. However each of our expeditions has a clear goal or objective and you have a role in both defining and achieving those. That, in our opinion, is the spirit of genuine expedition travel. Also please note, these are not “guided” trips, but the crew on board know the areas we are visiting intimately. There will be significant resources on board for your use.  

Day 1

Joining the Expedition. We will arrange for a complimentary shuttle bus to pick you up from your Te Anau accommodation and transfer you to the arranged transport to take you across Lake Manapouri and the Wilmont Pass to Deep Cove. On arrival you will be welcomed aboard the Strannik where we will introduce you to the team and the vessel. We plan to get underway and begin our exploration of Doubtful Sound shortly thereafter. 

Day 2 – 8

It is often claimed the Southern Fiords are the most spectacular, they are certainly the most expansive, with multiple arms or Fiords feeding into them, forming a labyrinth of exciting waterways and anchorages. The further south you travel the less precipitous the surrounding hills are and the number of Islands within each of the Fiords increases significantly. On this expedition we will explore each of the Southern Fiords using the early journals, maps and diaries of the first explorers, as well as reports from present day researchers and scientists, to gain a greater appreciation of these truly remarkable places. This, coupled with an opportunity to see and experience first-hand the landscape and sites referred to in this literature will make for a memorable expedition. 

The journal of Captain Cook who anchored in Dusky Sound from March to May 1773 gives us fascinating insights into the pre-European history; his writings document his own exploration of the Fiords and explain many of the place names. Other early writers like Andreas Reischek and Richard Henry shed light onto the unique and abundant wildlife that was found here, and with intensive management by Department of Conservation staff (and others) it is slowly returning. Further South in Preservation Inlet the prospecting and mining period is well recorded and the relics and artefacts of the towns, gold mines and sawmills that once dotted its shores will help us appreciate and understand this period. The rugged coastal landscapes of these Fiords are nowhere better experienced and appreciated than at Puysguer Point. It is both a journey through history and some of New Zealand’s (if not the world’s) most stunning land and sea scapes. 

It is hard to imagine that you would be disappointed.                

Day 9 – Farewells 

 Breakfast aboard the Strannik anchored in the upper reaches of Doubtful Sound, then sadly it’s time for our farewells, before joining a transfer across the Wilmont Pass and Lake Manapouri to Te Anau and your accommodation, or your own transport arrangements.

Requirements may vary depending on what passport you are travelling with. It is your responsibility to check to ensure you are compliant.