SAVE up to $3,470* per stateroom

Expedition to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands

   
Destination:
Dunedin, New Zealand
Duration:
14 Nights
Offer ends:
03 January 2025
Valid for travel:
Itinerary Starts: 29 December, 2025

Details

Through PONANT’s alliance with The Explorers Club, this extraordinary voyage features award-winning director and producer Natalie Hewit. Known for creating prime-time documentaries for over a decade, her latest project chronicles the daring expedition to locate Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance in Antarctica’s extreme conditions.

Embark on a 15-day expedition cruise to New Zealand’s Fiordlands and Subantarctic Islands, where untamed wildlife reigns. From Dunedin, a vibrant city steeped in Scottish heritage, journey to Ulva Island, a renowned nature sanctuary teeming with rare bird species, guided by PONANT’s expert naturalists.

Sail to the majestic Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Milford Sound. Zodiac cruises reveal Fiordland crested penguins, cascading waterfalls, and stunning vistas.

Continue to the Snares Islands, home to 35,000 endemic Snares penguins and fur seal colonies, before reaching Australia’s Macquarie Island. Dubbed the Galápagos of the Southern Ocean, the Subantarctic Islands boast untouched environments, vibrant megaherb meadows, towering cliffs, and black-sand beaches patrolled by penguins.
This immersive journey concludes in Dunedin, leaving you captivated by some of the planet’s most breathtaking scenery and remarkable wildlife.

Lead in Superior Stateroom (Oceanview) $16,675pp twin share (Deck 3 )

Lead in Prestige Stateroom (Balcony) $20,900pp twin share (Deck 4)

In partnership with:

Inclusions

  • 14 night luxury expedition cruise from Dunedin return on Le Soléal
  • All onboard meals and beverages whilst on board
  • Guided excursions and zodiac safari’s
  • All port charges

Itinerary

Embarkation 29/12/2025 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 29/12/2025 at 7:00 pm

Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.

Arrival 30/12/2025
Departure 30/12/2025

Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara) is the largest of 20 islands within Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, with an area of approx. 270 hectares. The island has never been logged and was declared pest free in 1997, becoming one of the few predator-free sanctuaries in New Zealand. The island is now a haven for many species of birds and plants that are rare, or have died out, on the mainland of New Zealand. Bird species regularly encountered include: the flightless Stewart Island Weka, South Island saddleback, yellowhead and Stewart Island robin. Ulva Island is not only a bird enthusiast’s paradise, it is also one of the few offshore islands with a largely undisturbed podocarp forest. Well-maintained tracks offer easy walking for most people providing a unique opportunity to see rare birds and plants at close quarters in a safe environment.

Arrival 31/12/2025
Departure 31/12/2025

Dusky Sound is one of the most isolated fjords in Fiordland National Park. This huge, protected natural zone situated in the south-west quarter of New Zealand’s South Island is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The sheer cliffs, waterfalls, shimmering lakes and primitive forests here are each more beautiful than the next. These spectacular landscapes sculpted by successive glaciations are a source of endless wonder. In 1773, the British navigator James Cook spent a few weeks at Dusky Sound, as demonstrated by a plaque that can be seen at Astronomer’s Point. During your sailing, observe the richness of the local wildlife: cormorants, seagulls, New Zealand fur seals, but also Fiordland crested penguins, a rare and endemic species. Weather and time permitting you may explore the Sound from our fleet of zodiac. 

Arrival 31/12/2025
Departure 31/12/2025

Referred to as the "Sound of Silence", there is a secluded serenity that surrounds Doubtful Sound in contrast with the better-known Milford Sound. Both are part of the Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lieutenant James Cook named 'Doubtful Harbour' in 1770 as he was uncertain if it was navigable under sail. Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords with a maximum depth of 421 m. It contains three distinct 'arms' and several outstanding waterfalls in the area from Deep Cove to the open ocean. Your ship will spend time navigating around Secretary Island through both Thompson and Doubtful Sounds. You will enjoy the spectacular scenery from the outer decks

Arrival 1/1/2026
Departure 1/1/2026

Milford Sound fiord is among one of the most beautiful natural sites in New Zealand. So much beauty will quite simply take your breath away. Located on the south-west coast of South Island, in the Fiorldland National Park, this sumptuous inlet carved out by glaciers advances over at least 15 kilometres inland, in the Southern Alps. Majestic cliffs seem to surge out of the dark waters, rising several hundred metres high: an abrupt relief from where impressive waterfalls cascade.

Arrival 2/1/2026
Departure 2/1/2026

Amongst the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand, the Snares have the distinction of being the only forested group without introduced mammals, not even mice. Consequently, it is a remarkable haven for wildlife. The island boasts more nesting seabirds than the entire realm of the British Isles. Over 2 million Sooty Shearwaters breed here in the summer months. Four species of Albatross are listed as breeding on the Snares along with 35,000 endemic Snares crested penguins. There are also approximately 1,000 New Zealand fur seals and 500 New Zealand sea lions. Landing on the Snares is prohibited. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the prolific wildlife from our fleet of zodiac.

Arrival 3/1/2026
Departure 3/1/2026

Enderby Island is situated off the North Eastern tip of Auckland Island and is the second largest Island in the group. The eradication of introduced species in 1994 has seen a significant increase in the abundance of the native flora and fauna compared to the main Auckland Island. It has become a stronghold for the rare yellow-eyed penguin and the primary breeding location of the New Zealand Sea Lion. You will head ashore and have the opportunity to undertake a guided walk on the Northern Cliffs track as well as spend time viewing the New Zealand Sea Lion colony. There is also the opportunity to undertake a zodiac tour around the coastline of Enderby Island in search of the Auckland Island Teal and other endemic species.

Arrival 3/1/2026
Departure 3/1/2026

The Auckland Islands are the largest, highest and biologically richest of the five groups of Subantarctic Islands. They have been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International as they hold important seabird breeding colonies. The flora of the Auckland Islands is fascinatingly diverse with over 233 species of vascular plant. Musgrave Inlet is a picturesque bay on the eastern side of Auckland Island. Its sheer cliffs have protected the endemic flora from the introduced species, providing one of the best floral displays in the entire Island group. Landing in Musgrave Inlet is prohibited. If time and weather permits, you will have the opportunity to view the spectacular flora and fauna from our fleet of zodiacs.

Arrival 4/1/2026
Departure 4/1/2026

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

 

 

Arrival 5/1/2026
Departure 6/1/2026

Long celebrated as one of the wonder spots of the world, Macquarie Island is an island of great beauty and outstanding natural diversity, a breeding place for more than 3.5 million seabirds, most of which are penguins. There are four species breeding on Macquarie Island: Royals, Kings, Gentoos and Rock Hoppers. There are also three types of fur seals and one seventh of the world's population of elephant seals breeding on the Island. In 1948 The Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) established its expedition headquarters on Macquarie Island. If time and weather permit, guests will have the opportunity to land ashore and view the prolific wildlife that resides here.

Arrival 7/1/2026
Departure 7/1/2026

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Arrival 8/1/2026
Departure 8/1/2026

Campbell Island is the most southerly of the five New Zealand subantarctic groups. Described by the English botanist Joseph Hooker as having a "flora display second to none outside the tropics." It is known for its megaherbs, herbaceous, perennial wildflowers characterised by their great size, with huge leaves and very colourful flowers, which have developed as an adaptation to the harsh weather conditions on the islands. Campbell Island is also home to six species of albatross, and several critically endangered endemic birds including the Campbell Island teal and snipe. You will have the opportunity to undertake a guided walk on the Col Lyell Saddle boardwalk as well as undertake a zodiac tour around the coastline of Perseverance Harbour.

Arrival 9/1/2026
Departure 9/1/2026

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Arrival 10/1/2026
Departure 10/1/2026

The volcanic islands of the Antipodes Island group lie 860 km to the southeast of New. The group belongs to the New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands and consists of one main island, Antipodes Island, Bollons Island to the north, and numerous small islets and stacks. The islands are home to a wide variety of sea and land bird species including two species of parakeet. The seabirds range from the tiny storm petrel to the Antipodean wandering albatross, one of the largest flying birds in the world. There are also significant populations of erect-crested and rock hopper penguins. Landing on the Antipodes is prohibited. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the prolific wildlife from our fleet of zodiacs.

Arrival 11/1/2026
Departure 11/1/2026

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Arrival 12/1/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 12/1/2026 at 8:00 am

Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.

Terms & Conditions

*Conditions apply. Prices correct as at 28 November 2024 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers subject to availability. Agents may charge service fees, rates vary. Payments by credit card will incur a surcharge. A 25% deposit is required within 5 working days to secure the booking. Airfare not included unless otherwise stated. All savings and bonus nights (if applicable) are included in the advertised price. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. Flights are not included unless otherwise specified, Charter flights are based on Economy Class and to be booked directly with PONANT. Offer is valid on a selection of 2024, 2025 and 2026 departures, for new bookings made between 25 November 2024 and 3 January 2025 inclusive. Offer is not retroactive, is subject to availability and may be removed at any time. Offer is combinable with PONANT Yacht Club discounts, Join the Club Offer, the PONANT Bonus, and Back-to-Back 10% discounts. Offer is not combinable with any Flight Credit offers, Free Single supplement, Shipboard Credit or any other offer. To take advantage of this offer, please quote the code "XMAS24."  Please check all prices, availability and other information before booking. Offer is valid until 3 January 2025, unless sold prior. Ponant, Cruiseco and Helloworld Travel booking terms and conditions apply, see website for details. Images courtesy of Studio Ponant.

https://au.ponant.com/terms-conditions

From

$16,675* | per stateroom twin share (Superior Stateroom with Oceanview)
SAVE up to $3,470* per stateroom
Destination:
Dunedin, New Zealand
Duration:
14 Nights
Offer ends:
03 January 2025
Valid for travel:
Itinerary Starts: 29 December, 2025

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