Begin your adventure in Picton and cruise through the stunning Golden Bay, Tasman Bays, Abel Tasman, Pelorus, Kenepuru, and Queen Charlotte Sounds, including French Pass and d’Urville Island. Explore historical Ship Cove, visit the bird sanctuary on Motuara Island, and learn about the sunken Russian liner 'Mikhail Lermontov.' Walk sections of the Queen Charlotte Track, visit a salmon farm and a King Shag colony, and dine at The Wilderness Resort Café. Fish for Blue Cod and Snapper, traverse the exciting waters of French Pass, and relax on the sandy beaches of Golden Bay. Cruise along Farewell Spit, catch salmon at Anatoki, visit Pupu Springs, and tour Farewell Spit to the lighthouse. Finish with a scenic flight over Golden Bay and the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington. All walks are optional, with opportunities to relax onboard or take shorter walks as preferred.
- Go ashore at Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770’s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook.
- Visit Motuara Island – a Bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tuis, Kiwis, Bellbirds, Kakariki and Saddleback live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along.
- Hear the story of the Russian Cruise Liner ‘Mikhail Lermontov’ and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea.
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.
Cruising Golden Bay, Tasman Bays, Abel Tasman, Pelorus, Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds including French Pass and d’Urville Island.
Your adventure starts in Picton.
Go ashore at Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770’s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook.
Visit Motuara Island – a Bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tuis, Kiwis, Bellbirds, Kakariki and Saddleback live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along.
Hear the story of the Russian Cruise Liner ‘Mikhail Lermontov’ and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea.
Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, including a section of the track from Portage to Te Mahia, which features regenerated native bush with Giant Rimu, Nikau, Beech trees and tree ferns.
We will visit a salmon farm and explain the process of salmon farming and also visit a King Shag colony. The King Shag can only be found in this remote part of NZ.
Go ashore at d’Urville Island and indulge in a wholesome dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café.
Cast your rod for Blue Cod, Snapper and other species. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands.
Travel through the exciting waters of French Pass and take a walk through the village up to the lighthouse which was first built in the late 1880’s.
Cruise through all 3 Sounds – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus which makes up the Marlborough Sounds. You will experience something different when visiting each one, whether it is the species of fish, history or incredible scenery.
Kick your shoes off and walk along the beautiful sandy beaches of Golden Bay or take a swim in the pristine waters of this extraordinary area of New Zealand.
Cruise along the inside of Farewell Spit and see it from a unique perspective. The spit is around 35km long and access is more strictly protected than a national park, so cruising this area on Affinity is an amazing way to view this secluded coastline.
You will go to Anatoki – a salmon farm with a difference, where you are able to catch your own salmon in their man-made ponds and eat your catch, this is a great activity for the young and the old, the fisherman and the non-fisherman.
Enjoy a wonderful day excursion; to Pupu Springs – New Zealand’s largest springs, renowned for their beauty and water clarity.
Join a Farewell Spit Tour with a local operator to the lighthouse, the South Islands northernmost point – home of a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance.
Sit back, relax and cruise the scenic waterways of the captivating Abel Tasman National Park. This area is well known for its golden beaches, sculptured cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
Your adventure will finish with a fantastic scenic flight over Golden Bay and the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington Domestic Airport.
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.