First sighted in 1642 by Abel Tasman while seeking shelter from a storm near d’Urville Island, it was Captain James Cook who later set foot here aboard the Endeavour during his five visits to Ship Cove, his New Zealand base between 1770 and 1777, in what he named Queen Charlotte Sound.

We spend two full days exploring the waterways and islands of this scenic sound, with opportunities to go ashore and walk a section of the Queen Charlotte Track as well as search for birdlife on predator-free islands. A visit to Tory Channel brings the whaling history of the Perano Whalers to life, and we plan to visit Ship Cove to learn its history and explore Captain Cook’s memorial, inaugurated in 1913.

Blumine Island is another conservation success story, home to the once widespread Orange-fronted Parakeet, now New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, translocated here between 2011 and 2012. Also thriving on the island is the South Island Saddleback, brought back from the brink of extinction from just 36 birds rescued in 1964.

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.

Dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals are frequently seen in the waters surrounding the island. It was here that Pelorus Jack, the endearing Risso’s Dolphin who famously stole the nation’s heart, guided ships through these waters between 1888 and 1912.

The largest of the Marlborough Sounds, Pelorus Sound’s main channel winds some 55 picturesque kilometres south between steep, verdant hills from Cook Strait to Havelock. With 380 kilometres of shoreline, its endless bays and sheltered coves are perfect for exploration.

Venturing into Pelorus Sound, we head to Ngawhakawhiti Bay, where it’s possible to glimpse what the sounds would have looked like before the native forest was cleared. The more active can enjoy the walking section of the Nydia Track before we explore Nydia Bay. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner and celebrate our adventures together.

We arrive in the inner reaches of Pelorus Sound this morning. After a final breakfast and farewells, a tender takes you ashore at Havelock, where a transfer to a central Blenheim drop-off point or the airport awaits. In case of unexpected delays, we ask that you not book any onward travel from Blenheim until after midday today.

Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in reverse. During the voyage, circumstances may require deviations from the planned itinerary, including poor weather or opportunities for unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.