Expedition Cruise New Zealand’s Rugged Coast Line
New Zealand’s 15,000 kilometres of meandering coastline makes it uniquely suited to small ship expedition cruising. Access glacial fiords, walk forested trails and visit isolated villages. Journey to remote locations including Marlborough Sounds and Fiordland and the charming towns of Napier, Kaikoura, and Dunedin. Hike through Waimangu Volcanic Valley, journey deep into quiet fiords and encounter striking Maori traditions in historical Gisborne. Discover the unique character of east coast towns, admire lazing seals, pods of friendly dolphins and perhaps even the rare yellow-eyed penguin. Return to your ship after the day’s excursions to sample the country’s famed produce and wine.
Explore spectacular coastline, experience vibrant Māori culture and discover wildlife. This voyage takes you to the wine country of Hawke’s Bay, on to the wild coastlines of the South Island, and continues to the deep fiords of Murihiku (Southland). Access remote wilderness areas, visit sheltered coves and islands to find fur seals, kakapos, and pods of dolphins.
Departs 23 December 2023
Journey into the wilds of New Zealand’s Southern Ocean from the deep and quiet fiords of Murihiku (Southland) to the mysterious and protected wildlife reserves and remote landscapes of the sub-Antarctic Campbell and Auckland Islands. Hike through colourful fields of megaherbs and see diverse and rare endemic wildlife close up.
Departs 4 January 2024
Deep in the Southern Ocean, the World Heritage islands of the Australian and New Zealand sub-Antarctic are home to rare seabirds and marine mammals which have thrived in rugged isolation. Our small ship expedition, with its complement of Zodiacs and Xplorer tenders, will take guests to desolate islands – the last landfall before Antarctica.
Departs 31 January 2024
New Zealand Voyage Excerpts
Coral Expeditions Ships In New Zealand
From the deck of Coral Geographer or Coral Adventurer, you will admire New Zealand’s captivating coastlines. These expedition ships are purpose-designed to access remote and wilderness shores. The wide open spaces on these vessels gives you ample viewing as you cruise past the NZ coastline. You will be in the company of no more than 120 passengers along with our expert expedition guides and crew as you explore this incredible region. Our lightweight dual Xplorer tenders, a trademark feature of all our vessels, extend the capabilities of the ship by allowing deeper exploration on shore excursions. These ‘safari jeeps’ of the sea are fast, sturdy, and comfortable and developed to allow easy boarding from the ship and walk-off disembarkation onto remote shores.
Launched in 2019 and is a modern expedition ship designed for remote Australian shores.
Launched in 2021 and is the sister ship to Coral Adventurer with additional bridge deck suites.
Our trademark Xplorer Tenders as well as zodiacs and kayaks
See New Zealand From A Different Perspective
Home to awe-inspiring coastal landscapes, more than 25 marine reserves, a vibrant Maori culture, quaint seaside towns and an abundance of unique wildlife, New Zealand is a truly remarkable destination. Its sprawling coastline is best accessed by small ship, revealing the dramatic beauty of Fiordland, remote Stewart Island and captivating Marlborough Sounds. It is flanked by the Pacific Ocean on one side with its white sand, bays and beaches, and the wild Tasman Sea on the west coast with rugged cliffs, weathered rocks and stretches of black sand. Get up close and personal on our expeditions with local wildlife including dolphins, seals, wekas, tuis and keas. Venture further south into the mysterious wildlife reserves of the sub-Antarctic and Auckland Islands.
Articles About New Zealand
Voyage Log: New Zealand Fiordland and The South Coast – Coral Adventurer
Preparing for an Unforgettable Voyage: Anticipating our Inaugural Subantarctic Island Adventure
