Expedition to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands
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14 nights
Le Soléal
28 Dec '26Cruise overview
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.
Itinerary
Dunedin
Clinging to the walls of the natural amphitheater at the west end of Otago Harbour, the South Island’s second-largest city is enriched with inspiring nearby seascapes and wildlife. Because Dunedin is a university town, floods of students give the city a vitality far greater than its population of 122,000 might suggest. Its manageable size makes it easy to explore on foot—with the possible exception of Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest residential street and home to the annual “gutbuster” race, in which people run up it, and the “Jaffa” race, in which people roll the namesake spherical chocolate candy down it.Dunedin, the Gaelic name for Edinburgh, was founded in 1848 by settlers of the Free Church of Scotland, a breakaway group from the Presbyterian Church. The city’s Scottish roots are still visible; you’ll find New Zealand’s first and only (legal) whisky distillery, a statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns, and more kilts, sporrans, and gillies than you can shake a stick at! The Scottish settlers and local Māori came together in relative peace, but this wasn’t true of the European whalers who were here three decades before, as places with names such as Murdering Beach illustrate.Dunedin has always had a reputation for the eccentric. Wearing no shoes and a big beard here marks a man as bohemian rather than destitute, and the residents wouldn’t have it any other way. The University of Otago was the country’s first university and has been drawing writers ever since its founding in 1871, most notably Janet Frame and the poet James K. Baxter. Dunedin also has a musical heritage, which blossomed into the “Dunedin Sound” of the 1970s and ’80s.
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Ulva Island
Dusky Sound
Milford Sound
Snares Islands
Enderby Island
At sea
Macquarie Island, Tasmania
Macquarie Island, Tasmania
At sea
Campbell Island
At sea
Antipodes Islands
At sea
Dunedin
Superior Stateroom
A spacious ocean-facing stateroom with a large picture window, comfortable seating area and elegant décor. Ideal for guests who prefer natural light and a refined yet understated atmosphere.
Amenities
- King or Twin Configuration
- Shower
- Toiletries Provided
- Room Service Available
- TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Pullman Bed
- Lounge Area
- Vanity Area
- Free Mini Bar
- Media/Entertainment Station
- Pillow Menu Available
- Telephone
- Desk
Ship features
Le Soléal combines understated luxury with genuine expedition capability, allowing guests to explore the world’s wildest regions in complete comfort.
- Sleek expedition yacht accommodating up to 264 guests
- Two restaurants serving French and international cuisine
- Heated swimming pool and panoramic sun deck
- Spa and wellness centre by Sothys
- Theatre for lectures and evening shows
- Observation Lounge with 270° sea views
- Boutique, library, and open-air bar
- Zodiac fleet for off-ship exploration
- All-inclusive dining, drinks, and Wi-Fi
- Expert expedition leaders and naturalists onboard
