Stewart Island - 6 nights
Experience Rakiura, including Paterson Inlet, Port Adventure and Port Pegasus aboard the MV Fiordland Jewel
Appearing on many New Zealanders’ bucket lists, Stewart Island offers a rare and true wilderness, with 80% of its landmass covered in National Park. A haven for kiwi and home to many kea and rare yellow-eyed penguins, the island is a bird watcher’s paradise. On our 6-night small group expedition, it’s possible to get up close and personal with the native wildlife and truly experience the natural wonders of Stewart Island/Rakiura, from the comfort of our boutique catamaran, the Fiordland Jewel.
Relax and take in the scenery from one of our nine climate-controlled cabins, all with sea views and private ensuites, or head up to the main saloon and soak up the stories and history from our knowledgeable crew while enjoying delicious meals cooked by our on-board chef. Head out on short day walks into the native bush to fully appreciate the vibrant bird life and local fauna, visit the historic Norwegian whaling station at Prices Inlet, and the scenic reserve at Glory Cove.
Explore remote bays, rivers and inlets from a kayak or on board our tender boat, or try your hand at fishing. The crew will also dive and fish for seafood, which may end up freshly cooked for the evening meal. At night, head to the top deck and luxuriate in our hot tub while you watch the light show - the Milky way in an unspoiled night sky or, if you’re lucky, even the Aurora Australis.
Individual cabins can be booked for yourself, your small group of family and friends, or as a couple, for an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.
A maximum of 18 passengers.
DAY 1
Board the Fiordland Jewel in Halfmoon Bay, Oban late morning. Explore Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera.
DAY 2-6
- Explore the inlets, bays and rivers of Stewart Island in a kayak, or in the Fiordland Jewel’s tender boat, if the weather permits there is a chance that we can circumnavigate the island and discover remote areas of Rakiura National Park, which comprises 85% of the island's 1,570 square kilometers
- On most days there may be the opportunity to head to shore, with the chance to stretch your legs. Bush, island and beach walks include the Ulva Island bird sanctuary, historic Norwegian whaling station in Prices Inlet and Little Glory Bay
- Experience Stewart Island's abundant marine and bird life
- Watch our crew dive for paua and scallops or dredge for Bluff oysters when in season
- Some fishing to catch a feed
- Kayaking and tender boat excursions
- Launching the (ROV) remote-operated vehicle, which provides high resolution live underwater footage. View enchanting marine beneath the surface in real time from the comfort of our boat lounge.
DAY 7
Disembark the Fiordland Jewel in Halfmoon Bay, Oban to catch a morning ferry back to Bluff.
Current availability in 2021:
Saturday October 23-Friday October 29 - 1 cabin a/v - 1 Resolution
RATES 2021
- Governor Cabin $12,400 l $6,200 per person (sleeps 2) - Super-King Dbl
- Captain Cook Cabin $10,200 | $5,100 per person (sleeps 2) - Super-King Dbl
- Endeavour Cabin $10,200 l $5,100 per person (sleeps 2) - King Single Beds
- Resolution Cabin $8,000 | $4,000 per person (sleeps 2) - Single Bunkbeds
Retail prices are GST inclusive and in NZD, includes return transport per person Bluff-Oban (Boat), excludes beverages purchased from our licensed bar on board the Fiordland Jewel.
- Return transport – Bluff-Oban by ferry
- All meals prepared by our on board chef in our commercial kitchen - all dietary requirements are catered for. Our crew dive for seafood/kaimoana
- Some fishing to catch a feed, if you wish to do so
- Complimentary tea & coffee
- Use of our kayaks and top-deck hot tub (weather dependent)
- In each cabin: Toiletries, body wash & shampoo/conditioner (Evolu), hairdryer, linen and bath towels
Excludes
- Wine, beer & soft drinks (no spirits), these are available for you to purchase from our licensed on board bar. Please note: Do not bring alcohol on board with you, as this will breach our liquor license.
