Wake refreshed after your first night aboard, and enjoy breakfast among the wide open spaces of Stewart Island’s primaeval landscape. Today we explore Paterson Inlet, a near 100-square-kilometre expanse of bush-clad bays, beaches, inlets and around 20 islands. Bottlenose Dolphins frequently visit these waters.

We plan to visit the historic Norwegian whaling station in Prices Inlet and Kaipipi Bay, where the Ross Sea Whaling Company of Sandefjord ran a repair base between 1923 and 1933, servicing chaser boats before they headed south for the Antarctic summer. We also walk one of the many forest trails on predator-free Ulva Island, marvelling at the birdlife that flourishes here.

Sailing south along the eastern coast of Stewart Island, we visit several well-protected harbours, starting with Port Adventure. Popular for fishing, hunting and diving, this bay once housed a small Māori settlement that arrived from The Neck in 1843. Opportunities here may include visiting the Port Adventure Hunters Hut in the North Arm, Zodiac cruising the coastline, exploring the spectacular Heron River, and adventures ashore on foot.

This is sure to be one of the highlights of our voyage. We have three days to explore the remote, undisturbed beauty of Port Pegasus, isolated at the southern end of the island and accessible mostly by sea. Its expansive harbour holds waterways, arms and channels, several waterfalls, and three main islands: Pearl Island in the north, Anchorage Island in the centre and Noble Island in the south.

We spend our time exploring by Zodiac and kayak, venturing into hidden coves and landing on pristine white sand beaches where few have set foot before. Walking options include the granite domes west of Gog and Magog, or the southern extension of the subalpine Tin Range, once the last refuge for Kākāpō in the second half of the 20th century. Marine life abounds here, with New Zealand Sea Lions and Yellow-eyed Penguins regularly spotted. Keen anglers get ample opportunity to try their luck at catching a meal for the table.

Returning north along Stewart Island’s east coast, we venture into the sheltered waters of Lords River, the longest navigable river on the island at 8 kilometres. Often called New Zealand’s Amazon, this area of virgin native forest gained protection through a historic deed signed in 1999, covering 3,515 hectares. We take a Zodiac safari up this winding estuary, its tannin-stained water reminiscent of Fiordland as it snakes toward the ocean from the island’s interior.

This morning we return to Oban. After a final breakfast and farewells, you’ll transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Invercargill. In case of unexpected delays, we ask that you not book any onward travel from Invercargill until after midday today.

Note: During the voyage, weather or opportunities for unplanned excursions may require deviations from the planned itinerary. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. We plan and schedule voyages pending final regulatory approval.