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This is not New Zealand seen through a bus window but much the better way to travel through our Coral Expeditions New Zealand Cruises.
These small ship expeditions with Coral Expeditions take you deep into the remote fiords, islands and wild southern coastlines that larger cruise ships simply pass by. With just a handful of annual departures and expedition ships carrying small numbers of guests, these voyages are built for travellers who want access — not crowds.
Expect:
- Fiordland’s towering cliffs and waterfalls
- Stewart Island’s wildlife and forests
- Remote anchorages inaccessible to larger ships
- Expert-led expedition experiences
- Genuine small ship exploration
Here’s the thing most people don’t realise:
The best parts of southern New Zealand are difficult to reach by road.
That’s why expedition cruising works so brilliantly here.
Instead of spending hours driving between viewpoints, you wake up inside the landscapes themselves:
- Cruising through Milford Sound at sunrise
- Kayaking beneath waterfalls in Doubtful Sound
- Watching seabirds wheel above remote Fiordland cliffs
- Exploring predator-free islands alive with native birdlife
This is New Zealand stripped back to its wildest form.
8-Night New Zealand Sounds & Stewart Island Expedition
Perfect for travellers wanting:
- Fiordland highlights
- Stewart Island exploration
- Wildlife encounters
- A shorter expedition format
Highlights include:
- Milford Sound
- Doubtful Sound
- Stewart Island
- Ulva Island bird sanctuary
- Zodiac and kayak excursions
These voyages operate from Bluff and focus on the remote southern coastline and fiords.
Click here to view the 8-Night New Zealand Sounds & Stewart Island cruises
10-Night South Island & Fiordlands Expedition
The more immersive option.
This longer voyage expands deeper into New Zealand’s remote southern coastlines with more expedition time, additional wildlife opportunities and extended exploration. It’s designed for travellers wanting a more comprehensive expedition experience rather than a highlights itinerary.
Highlights include:
- Extended Fiordland exploration
- Remote South Island coastlines
- Expedition landings
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Additional kayaking and guided excursions
👉 Click here to view the 10-Night South Island & Fiordlands Expedition cruises
Large cruise ships visit New Zealand.
Small expedition ships explore it.
That distinction matters.
With ships carrying around 72–120 guests depending on the vessel, Coral Expeditions specialises in expedition-style cruising focused on:
- Access over entertainment
- Exploration over crowds
- Expert guides over cruise directors
The atmosphere onboard is relaxed, Australian-owned and genuinely expedition-focused.
Booking an expedition cruise is different to booking a mainstream cruise.
Cabin choice matters.
Departure timing matters.
The right itinerary matters.
BlueSun Cruises provides:
- 30 years experience as an expedition cruise specialists
- A full-service travel experience: cruise, air, hotel, land and travel insurance all in one place
- Independent advice
- Access to live availability
- Help comparing itineraries
- Flight and pre/post cruise planning
- Real expedition cruise expertise
- Exclusive packages and fares
Depending on departure, voyages may operate aboard ships including Coral Adventurer and Coral Discoverer.
Yes — particularly for travellers who value scenery, wildlife and relaxed exploration over traditional cruise entertainment.
The southern expedition season generally operates during the warmer summer months, when conditions are most suitable for Fiordland and Stewart Island exploration.
Coral expedition vessels typically carry between approximately 72 and 120 guests, depending on the ship. And remember that they do take solo passengers too, so they are rarely cruising at maximum capacity.
Final Step: Secure Your New Zealand Cruise Now!
If you’re at this stage, you’re not browsing anymore—you’re deciding. From our perspective, "All good decisions are made of alternatives" and we are here to help...7-days a week.
For more information on our Coral Expeditions New Zealand Cruises and to get the latest prices, cabins and date availability, call us now.
Request full itinerary breakdown Speak to a cruise specialist on 1300 799 758
As a quick guide, here is a list of the top Coral Expeditions cruises:
| KIMBERLEY | View here: Kimberley cruise departure dates |
| RAJA AMPAT & SPICE ISLANDS | View here: Raja Ampat & the Spice Islands |
| PAPUA NEW GUINEA | View here: PNG Cruises |
| * 12-night Frontier Lands cruise | |
| * 12-night Beyond Frontiers of Papua New Guinea | |
| * 14-night Passage Through the Melanesian Arc | |
| GREAT BARRIER REEF | View here: Great Barrier Reef |
| THE GREAT BIGHT | View here: Australia's South cruises |
| NEW ZEALAND | View here: New Zealand cruises |
| * 8-night New Zealand Sounds & Stewart Island cruise | |
| * 10-night South Islands & Fiordland Cruise | |
| AUSTRALIA'S WEST COAST | View here: Australia's West Coast Cruises |
| * 12-night Abrolhos Islands Coral Coast Cruise | |
| * 10-night Whales & Tails of Western Australia | |
| * 6-night Short Coastal Adventures of Western Australia | |
| TASMANIA EXPEDITIONS | View here: Tasmania Cruises |
| CAPE YORK & ARNHEIM LAND | View here: Cape York & Arnheim Land cruises |