New Zealand Itinerary

Hailing from Alaska, Venturing Worldwide

Join us in New Zealand

November 2025 - March 2026

New Zealand is a land where wilderness still reigns. From the subtropical bays of the North Island to the glacier-carved peaks and ancient rainforests of the South, it offers some of the most breathtaking cruising grounds on Earth. Sailing here invites you to slow down, tune in, and explore landscapes shaped by fire and ice, from jagged coastlines to fjords and valleys alive with birdsong.

Along the way, the wild things emerge: little blue penguins waddling ashore, dolphins cresting in our wake, and fur seals dozing on sun-warmed rocks. In shaded forest grottoes, glow-worms flicker like constellations reborn. And across the islands, rare birds like the kea, takahe, and elusive kiwi remind us we’re guests in a world still wild. These aren’t just voyages through place, but through the living heart of New Zealand’s natural world.

New Zealand ItinerarY

South Island’s Fiordland

Jan - Mar 2026

Dec 26 - Jan 10: Nelson/Abel Tasman to Milford Sound^ (Full)

Jan 12-18: In & Out of Milford Sound (FULL)

Jan 20-28: Milford Sound to Doubtful Sound (FULL)

Jan 29-Feb 07: Doubtful Sound to Dusky Sound (FULL)

FeB 07-16: Dusky Sound to Chalky Inlet (Available!)

FEB 16-24: Chalky Inlet to Dusky Sound (Available!)

FEB 26-MAR 04: Dusky Sound to Doubtful Sound (Available!)

MAR 07-15: Doubtful Sound to Milford Sound (Available!)

MAR 18-29: Milford Sound to Abel Tasman/Nelson^ (Available!)

APRIL: CROSSING FROM NELSON TO TASMANIA^ (Available!)

^Denotes that this leg will involve 12+ hours of open ocean sailing

*Please note itineraries may be subject to change. Last updated: DEC 2, 2025

Getting To & From Milford Sound:

Milford Sound is one of the few parts of Fiordland connected by road. The most economical option is to fly into Queenstown Airport (ZQN), then travel to Milford Sound by rental car or bus via Intercity Bus. For those preferring to fly closer, there is also a small regional airport at Milford Sound (MFN), though flights are limited and weather-dependent.

Getting To & From Doubtful Sound:

Doubtful Sound is accessible via a unique combination of transport. You’ll fly into either Queenstown Airport (ZQN) or Te Anau Airport Manapouri (TEU). From there, you’ll need to take a ferry across Lake Manapouri to West Arm, followed by a scenic bus ride over Wilmot Pass to reach Doubtful Sound (We have confirmed with RealNZ that it is possible to book a one way ticket to or from Doubtful Sound, you just have to contact them directly). Another option is to arrive via float plane, we recommend booking with Wings & Water, Fiordland's primary float plane company.

Getting To & From DUsky Sound & Chalky Inlet:

Dusky Sound and Chalky Inlet are not connected to the road system and require float plane access. Guests will need to fly into Te Anau Airport Manapouri (TEU), then arrange a float plane charter to meet us at anchor. We recommend booking with Wings & Water, Fiordland's primary float plane company. Pricing is based per plane, so coordinating with fellow guests on the same leg is ideal. For availability and rates, please inquire directly through their website.

GETTING TO NEW ZEALAND:

Most international flights arrive at Auckland Airport (AKL) on New Zealand’s North Island. Direct routes are available from major U.S. cities with Air New Zealand and other major airlines, and flight times range from about 12 to 17 hours depending on your departure point (a long haul, but a worthy one, bringing you to the far side of the world and the start of something unforgettable). From Auckland, domestic flights within New Zealand are frequent and relatively affordable. Please keep in mind when making travel reservations that you will be crossing the international date line. New Zealand's national bus system is InterCity, which is a convenient way to get around on land.

Thinking of adventuring beyond the boat?

From music festivals to food and wine celebrations, marathons to art deco weekends, New Zealand comes alive in the summer months. Whether you're drawn to vineyard feasts, lantern-lit nights, or the rhythm of live music echoing through mountain valleys, New Zealand is rich with seasonal magic. We’ve compiled a list of seasonal events happening around the country to help you plan your trip

Browse New Zealand Events

What’s next in 2026?

Australia & Tasmania

As April arrives, we’ll lift anchor from New Zealand and begin our westward crossing to Australia. Though we’re still diving into the possibilities, we’re excited to explore the country’s vast and varied coastline. From coral reefs to wild headlands, there’s no shortage of discovery ahead. We also hope to make our way to Tasmania during the austral winter for a taste of its remote, windswept beauty.
South Africa

Next our journey will continue west across oceans and hemispheres. With sights set on Africa and then South America, we’ll follow the rhythms of weather and curiosity as we navigate new continents, cultures, and coastlines. While the details are still unfolding, this next chapter promises to be one of bold crossings, deep immersion, and entirely new landscapes.
Antarctica & Patagonia

And just over the horizon: Antarctica. We’re already laying the groundwork for an expedition to the White Continent between December 2026 and February 2027. Icy, immense, and otherworldly, this voyage will mark a new level of adventure — one that few ever attempt. We hope to spend time exploring the wild fjords and granite peaks of Patagonia, tracing the ragged southern edge of glacially carved waterways. This southern stretch will be the gateway to our boldest voyage yet.

Explore Upcoming Voyages

Interested in Coming Aboard?

Whether you're dreaming of a future voyage, have questions about our upcoming expeditions, or just want to say ahoy, send us a digital message in a bottle below. We check our inbox often (even from remote anchorages) and will get back to you as soon as we’re in calm seas and within signal range.