Affinity, Marlborough Sounds Ultimate NZ Cruise ex Golden Bay to Picton

10 Night Cruise sailing from Golden Bay to Picton aboard Affinity.

• Departs: Wednesday, 21st March 2018
• Ship: Affinity
• Cruise line: Affinity Cruises
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10 Night Cruise sailing from Golden Bay to Picton aboard Affinity.

Our 10 Night Ultimate New Zealand Cruise cruises Tasman and Golden Bay, Kenepuru, Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sound.

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, this is a great activity for the young and the old, the fisherman and the non-fisherman.

 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 Coast Track.

 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.

 Cruise through all 3 Sounds – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru & Pelorus which makes up the Marlborough Sounds. You will experience something different when visiting each one, whether it be the species of fish, history or incredible scenery.

 Go ashore at d’Urville Island, and indulge in a sumptuous dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café.

 Cast your rod for Blue Cod, Grouper, Snapper & 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.

 Enjoy a wonderful day excursion; to Pupu Springs - New Zealand’s largest springs, renowned for their beauty and water clarity; four wheel drive journey to the lighthouse on Farewell Spit, the South Islands northern most point - home of a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance; then round off our day with a visit to Heathcroft Studio where fascinating and entertaining artist Geoff Heath paints and resides.

 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.

 Hear the story of the Russian Cruise Liner ‘Mikhail Lermontov’ and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea.

 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.

 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.

*** All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax or there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.