A NEW cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Immerse yourself in the natural majesty of New Zealand’s South Island, sailing from the rich waters of Kaikoura and Akaroa—home to whales, seals, and dolphins—to the magnificent waterways of Fiordland National Park.
New Zealand's South Island by Sea
A Voyage to the Fiordland aboard the 184-guest Le Lapérouse
8 days from $7,200
A NEW cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Immerse yourself in the natural majesty of New Zealand’s South Island, sailing from the rich waters of Kaikoura and Akaroa—home to whales, seals, and dolphins—to the magnificent waterways of Fiordland National Park.
Tour Details
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
Overview

New Zealand’s South Island is edged with spectacular coastlines, where mountains rise dramatically just beyond the shore; pristine fjords cut between towering cliffs; and whales, fur seals, and penguins are drawn by unspoiled marine habitats. Sail from Wellington to the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, stopping along the way in seaside Kaikoura to look for sperm whales and pods of dolphins. Then venture to the glacier-carved waterways of the Fiordland, exploring four glorious sounds: Dusky, Doubtful, Thomson, and the extraordinary Milford Sound.
The Smithsonian Journeys / PONANT Experience: Each cruise will be accompanied by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts. An excursion or activity is included in each port of call. You may have a choice of excursions in many ports, so that you can delve more deeply into subjects that interest you.
Highlights Include:
- Kaikoura: Explore this attractive small town, poised on a narrow peninsula between dramatic mountains and the sea. Then set out on a wildlife tour to observe the diverse creatures drawn here by nutrient-rich waters: sea lions, dolphins, and several species of whales—including sperm whales, which can be found off Kaikoura year-round.
- Akaroa: On a harbor cruise in Akaroa, be on the lookout for seabirds and Hector’s dolphin, the smallest and rarest marine dolphin species in the world.
- Dusky and Doubtful Sounds: In remote Dusky Sound, encounter rich wildlife such as New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins. Glide into the narrow Doubtful Sound—named by Captain James Cook, who was unsure it was navigable—and discover spectacular waterfalls.
- Milford Sound: Experience the majesty of the Milford Sound, taking in a cathedral of vertical cliffs and peaks that tower above the serene waters. Ride Zodiacs for a closer view of wildlife and scenery along the shores.
- Ulva Island: Take a guided walking tour on Ulva Island, a predator-free haven for bird and plant species that are rarely found on New Zealand’s main islands. Watch for the flightless Stewart Island weka and the South Island saddleback, and meander through an unspoiled podocarp forest.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Wellington, New Zealand
Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city, situated on a picturesque bay on the southern tip of the North Island. Board the ship this afternoon and set sail for the South Island tonight. (D)
Day 2 — Kaikoura
Your first port of call is the lovely town of Kaikoura, nestled along a beautiful beach at the foot of the snowcapped Kaikoura Mountains. Discover the unique cultural history of the region, from its original Māori inhabitants to the whaling communities that developed here beginning in the 18th century. Set off on a wildlife cruise to discover the many marine creatures drawn to the deep, nutrient-rich waters off the coast. Watch for sperm whales, which reside here year-round, as well as dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and some of the migratory cetaceans that pass through, including pilot, blue and southern right whales. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Akaroa
Dock at Akaroa and and embark on a wildlife cruise, on the lookout for Hector’s dolphins, the smallest dolphin species in the world, as well as the prolific birdlife that comes to roost on the towering sea walls known as Cathedral Cave. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — At Sea
As you sail south along the coast, enjoy a leisurely day on board, taking advantage of the ship’s many amenities and joining your Smithsonian Journeys Experts for informative presentations. You might choose to indulge in a massage at the spa or meet the PONANT photographers to see images of the voyage so far. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound
Enter the stunning, glacier-carved waterways of Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage site known for its narrow fjords, vertical cliffs, and old-growth forests. Sail first into remote Dusky Sound and ride Zodiacs to get an up-close look at wildlife including endemic species such as the Fiordland crested penguin. Continue north to the long and narrow Doubtful Sound, so named by Captain Cook, who questioned whether it was navigable when he arrived here in 1770. The ship will navigate Secretary Island as well as the adjacent Thompson Sound, and you’ll have the chance to explore by Zodiac, discovering spectacular waterfalls along the shores. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Milford Sound
Your final stop in the Fiordlands is the incomparable Milford Sound, which meanders inland between the steep slopes of the Southern Alps, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. Spend the morning immersed in the sound’s natural majesty, taking in the views from on deck and setting out by Zodiac to spot fur seals and an array of birdlife native to New Zealand. This afternoon, the ship begins the voyage south to Ulva Island. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Ulva Island
Awaken on Paterson Inlet, a haven of marine life that reaches deep into Stewart Island—New Zealand’s third largest island. Go ashore at Ulva Island, a predator-free wildlife sanctuary that is home to an unspoiled podocarp forest as well as an array of flora and fauna that are rare or no longer exist on the North and South Islands. A guided walk with naturalists brings you through pristine forests, where you’ll discover unusual plant species and an array of native and endemic birdlife, including the flightless Stewart Island weka, South Island saddlebacks, yellowheads, and more. (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Dunedin / Return Home
Drop anchor in Dunedin, at the base of the beautiful Otago Peninsula. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport or extend your stay. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)