07 May 2022 - Marlborough Sounds & Wine Country - Flipbook - Page 5
Days 6: Thursday 12 May: d’Urville Island : Q
Today we sail through the iconic French Pass in the wake of French Explorer Dumont d’Urville and then explore the island
named in his honour. The outermost island in the Marlborough Sounds, d’Urville Island features imposing sea cliffs along
its west coast, a high mountainous backbone and the fastest moving tidal flows in New Zealand between the French Pass
tempered by some of the country’s finest peninsular scenery. Dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals are frequently seen in
the waters surround the island and it was here that Pelorus Jack, the endearing Risso’s Dolphin who famously stole the
nation’s heart, guided ships across the dangerous waters of Cook Strait between 1888 and 1912.
Days 7 & Day 8: Friday 13 & Saturday 14 May: Pelorus Sound
The largest in the Marlborough Sounds, Pelorus Sound’s main channel winds some picturesque 55 kilometres south
between steep verdant hills from Cook Strait to Havelock. Boasting 380 kilometres of shoreline, the endless bays and
sheltered coves of Pelorus Sound are perfect for exploration. Venturing into Pelorus Sound we head to Ngawhakawhiti
Bay where nature surrounds us and it’s possible to get a glimpse of what the sounds would have been like before the
native forest was cleared. The more active are able to enjoy the walking part of the Nydia Track before we explore Nydia
Bay. On the final night we will enjoy a farewell dinner.
Days 9: Sunday 15 May - Nelson – Auckland
We arrive into the inner reaches of Pelorus Sound this morning. After a final breakfast and farewells, a Zodiac tender
takes you ashore at Havelock, where Dennise will meet you again take you on a scenic transfer, making a few stops
enroute to Nelson, and will take you to lunch at The Boastshed café before heading to the airport for your Air New
Zealand return flight home.
2:20pm Depart Nelson on Air New Zealand flight NZ8076.
Flight time: 1hr 25m Aircraft: Aircraft: De Havilland DH8 (Flights to other Air NZ domestic airports on request)
3:45pm Arrive Auckland.
