
In partnership with The Explorers Club
Expedition to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands
- ItineraryDunedin to DunedinDuration15 days
- DatesStarting price
Onboard onto Le Soléal for an exquisite journey
Through PONANT’s alliance with The Explorers Club, this voyage will feature award-winning director and producer Natalie Hewit. Making prime-time documentaries for international broadcasters for more than a decade; her most recent project documented an expedition to Antarctica to find the wreck of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance in the toughest conditions on the planet.
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 disembark.
Your voyage
All inclusive, gourmet cuisine, room service, evening entertainment, shows, fitness center, hammam, sauna… Discover what is included in every Ponant cruise.

Destination
Oceania
Dunedin to Dunedin
Duration
15 days, 14 nights on board
The Explorers Club, Expeditions

The Explorers Club

Natalie Hewit
No single supplement, Ponant Bonus 10%
Ref: SO291225







Journey
Your journey day-by-day
- A voyage infused with the spirit of discovery, accompanied by special guests from The Explorers Club to share onboard lectures, exploration stories, and scientific research.
- New Year in the Fiordlands and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands to discover nature reserves: the Snares, Ulva Island and other wild corners of paradise.
- Activities: outings and shore visits in a rubber dinghy with an experienced team of naturalist guides, to discover the history and incredible biodiversity of these parts.

Customize your journey :

Date
28 Dec 25

Date
26 Dec 25

Date
12 Jan 26

Date
12 Jan 26
Sharing your journey with

Natalie Hewit
Staterooms and suites
Elegance and intimacy

Superior Stateroom
Guests
3
Surface
21 m²

Deluxe Stateroom
Guests
2
Surface
18 m²

Prestige Stateroom
Guests
2
Surface
18 m²

Deluxe Suite
Guests
2
Surface
27 m²

Prestige Suite
Guests
4
Surface
37 m²

Owner's Suite
Guests
2
Surface
45 m²
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Details
More info
Services included in your cruise
Important trip details
In your luggage
Itinerary