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Small ship cruise expert
AdventureSmith Explorations is showcasing three new vessels and four new cruise
itineraries in New Zealand that will yield the most diverse, well-rounded
complement of cruise options in the region.
 “These
new cruises round out their current New Zealand program to offer AdventureSmith
Explorations’ travelers the widest variety of ship sizes, itineraries and price
ranges available,” explained Todd Smith, founder. With four vessels carrying 16,
24, 32 or 72 guests, there’s a New Zealand cruise option for every travel style
and budget.
Each of the three recently added vessels is family owned and operated providing
guests with an authentic introduction to Kiwi culture and customs. Passengers
will enjoy access to sights only a small ship can provide while being immersed
in legendary New Zealand hospitality.
Those cruising the coastline of this two-island country that the indigenous
Maori call Aotearoa, or “Land of the Long White Cloud,” can select environments
ranging from sub Antarctic to temperate. In the colder south where temperatures
may hover at 50 degrees, small ships access the remote wilderness of the
Fiordlands; on a northern circuit, guests can bask through the Bay of Islands
surrounded by an abundance of tropical foliage.
Three ships that have been purpose-built for cruising New Zealand waters are the
Affinity, Island Passage and Milford Wanderer, together offering varied budget
and cruise style options.
The Affinity Fiordland Cruise offers seven-day explorations of the pristine
Fiordland region south of Milford Sound. Guests will visit Doubtful Sound, a
fjord accessible only by small ship, and Astronomer’s Point, where Captain Cook
first took measurements of the planet Venus. There’s also often the opportunity
to fish for grouper and blue cod.
The trip begins with an overnight in Te Anau in the south of the South Island
before boarding the 16-guest Affinity that was designed specifically for
adventure cruising in this region. This yacht offers comfortable cabins and air
conditioning or heating, depending on the season. Because the ship is small and
compact, only 66 feet long, it can sail close to roaring waterfalls and easily
anchor so that guests can take tenders to the shore for viewing wildlife and
strolling in native bush and moss-covered forests. Trips run from June through
August.
The 24-guest Island Passage
conducts eight-day adventures dubbed the Fiordland National Park Cruise,
combining touring by motor coach, helicopter, airplane and ship. A highlight is
visiting Milford Sound, acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous tourist
destination. It’s been named a world’s top travel destination by Trip Advisor’s
Traveler’s Choice Destinations Awards; author/poet Rudyard Kipling dubbed it the
“Eighth Wonder of the World” by Rudyard Kipling.
The Island Passage is designed to cruise through Milford Sound and other remote
fjords, with a six-seat helicopter positioned on the top deck to ferry guests to
locales accessible only by air. Also included on board are landing craft, sea
kayaks, fishing gear and snorkeling equipment. The ship is generous in space and
amenities with dining and lounge plus an expansive aft deck. Guests will relish
the catch of the day, organic artisan foods produced locally and award-winning
European cheeses, providing the overall experience of a luxury private yacht.
The cruise departs from the end of February through mid-April.
Bay of Islands Explorer also utilizes Island Passage for eight-day cruises
exploring the northern tip of New Zealand and the Bay of Islands. Guests kayak,
glimpse playful dolphins, visit historic sites and vineyards, and enjoy regional
cuisine including New Zealand’s famed green-lipped mussels served with endless
sea views. The tropical weather here also encourages water-based activities.
Guests will enjoy time in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest urban area, nicknamed
the “City of Sails” because of its dedication to sailing. This cruise takes
place January through February.
The seven-day Preservation Inlet Discovery travels deep into Fiordland National
Park, covering Doubtful, Breaksea and Dusky sounds as well as Preservation and
Chalky inlets in Southern New Zealand’s Fiordland region. Accommodation is
aboard the 32-guest Milford Wanderer with twin-bed cabin accommodation and
modern shared bathrooms. This 98-foot sailing vessel combines Old World with a
deluxe onboard atmosphere. This cruise takes place in April, May, August and
September.
Additional Kiwi itineraries include the New Zealand – Aotearoa small ship cruise
that explores the coastline between Milford Sound and Auckland over nine or 13
days. Spouting geysers, bubbling thermal pools, fjords, glaciers, snow-capped
mountains, rivers and white sandy beaches are showcased in some of this
country’s 14 national parks. Departures are in December
2015 and January and February 2016 |
