Celebrate Christmas or New Year onboard the MV Affinity with a special festive meal as you explore the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Your adventure includes visits to French Pass and D’Urville Island, with a delightful dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe. Cruise through Kenepuru Sound past iconic locations like the Portage Hotel and St Omer House, and walk part of the Archer Track at Worlds End. Learn about the sunken Russian cruise liner "Mikhail Lermontov" and visit a salmon farm to understand the farming process. Cruise by a rare king shag colony, try fishing for blue cod, and enjoy fresh fish caught by your own hands. Discover the bird sanctuary on Motuara Island, visit Ship Cove where Captain James Cook once resided, and walk sections of the Queen Charlotte Track amidst lush native bush. Enjoy the serene beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, with optional walks or the chance to relax onboard, ensuring a memorable and tranquil journey through New Zealand's hidden bays and coves.
- Christmas Celebrations onboard MV Affinity, with a special Christmas meal.
- Visit French Pass and D’Urville Island, and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe on D’Urville.
- Cruise Kenepuru Sound past iconic places such as Portage Hotel and St Omer House.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Christmas or New Year Celebrations onboard MV Affinity, with a special holiday meal.
Visit French Pass and D’Urville Island, and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe on D’Urville.
Cruise Kenepuru Sound past iconic places such as Portage Hotel and St Omer House.
Visit Worlds End and walk part of the Archer Track.
Hear the story of the Russian cruise liner “Mikhail Lermontov” and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea.
Visit a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained.
Cruise past a king shag colony. King shags can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand.
Cast your rod and try your luck at catching blue cod and other species in the waters of this area. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands.
Visit Motuara Island – a bird sanctuary where robins, tui, kiwi, bellbirds and kakariki parakeets live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island saddleback as you walk along.
Go ashore at Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook.
Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with giant rimu, nikau, beech trees, and tree ferns.
Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the Sounds.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Affinity
The vessel Affinity was purpose-built in Picton by Carey’s Boatyard for the type of cruising that she does. Affinity has 8 guest cabins, a comfortable lounge for dining and relaxing, and a spacious deck.
Affinity Features
- Accommodation is onboard the vessel in 8 cabins (twin share — bed and bunk or double bed).
- If you are a sole passenger and require a cabin to yourself, our single supplement is available.
- All cruises are fully catered and all linen is supplied.
- 3 bathrooms facilities on the main deck — separate ladie's and men’s — with a good supply of hot water.
- Air conditioning for summer and central heating for winter.
- Spacious vessel both inside and out, including a comfortable lounge area.
- Lots of interesting books to read, as well as a few board games.
- Easy access both on and off the vessel, with platform steps at the stern of the vessel.
- 4-metre inflatable tender for shore excursions and for use when divers are in the water.
- Use of gumboots for on deck and going ashore.
- First aid certificates held by crew members, plus an oxygen cylinder onboard.
- Vessel complies with all safety regulations and holds all appropriate licences.