PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Expedition to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands
14-night Antarctica expedition · 2 departures · from $17,560 per guest
- 14 nightsDuration
- Le SoléalShip
- DunedinRound trip from
- Dec 28, 2026Next sailing
PONANT invites you to discover the wild and untouched beauty of New Zealand’s Fiordlands and Subantarctic Islands. Set sail on a 15-day expedition cruise with an exceptional itinerary and allow yourself to be transported to another world where the wildlife rules and you are but visitors. From Dunedin, the Edinburgh of New Zealand that is a lively student city with a rich Scottish Heritage, you will reach Ulva Island. This first call on Paterson Inlet is renowned as an extraordinary nature sanctuary. Our team of naturalists and destination experts will be on hand to show you some of the rarest bird species in the world. You will follow your voyage towards Fiordland National Park, which is part of Te Wähipounamu, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, home to the majestic Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound. You will enjoy a zodiac cruise and spot Fiordland crested penguins, get up close to spectacular waterfalls and enjoy the vistas from the ship’s outer decks. You will then head to the Snares islands, a haven for the country’s wildlife with some 35,000 endemic Snares Gorfous and a colony of around a thousand fur seals before discovering Macquarie Island, part of Australia. Often described as the Galápagos of the Southern Ocean, the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand are among some of the best preserved and protected environments on the planet, where you will experience scenery and wildlife like nowhere else on Earth. You will be captivated by the breathtaking scenery, meadows of megaherb forming a colourful tapestry, and towering cliffs buffeted by the power of the waves and wind - the playground of the Royal Albatross. With a myriad of penguins patrolling the black sandy beaches it is truly a nature-lover’s dream come true. Your ship will finally reach Dunedin, the end of your voyage. Any disembarkation on the Subantarctic Islands is subject to weather conditions and on obtaining the authorisation of the local authorities. To preserve the wild environment of these islands, the number of visitors is in fact strictly controlled. Wherever possible, we will run Zodiac excursions around their shorelines in order to guarantee the best possible experience for all guests if it is not possible to disembarkUpcoming departures
| Sails | Ship | Nights | From (per guest) | |
|---|
| Dec 28, 2026 | Le Soléal | 14 | $19,890 | Cabins & fares |
| Jan 11, 2027 | Le Soléal | 14 | $17,560 | Cabins & fares |
Day by day
As planned for the Dec 28, 2026 departure; other departures may differ.
Day 1Dunedin
Day 2Ulva Island
Day 3Dusky Sound
Day 3Doubtful Sound
Day 4Milford Sound
Day 5Snares Islands
Day 6Enderby Island
Day 6Musgrave Inlet, Auckland Islands
Day 7Day at Sea
Day 8Macquarie Island, Tasmania
Day 9Macquarie Island, Tasmania
Day 10Day at Sea
Day 11Campbell Island
Day 12Day at Sea
Day 13Antipodes Islands
Day 14Day at Sea
Day 15Dunedin
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