Itineraries

Some images courtesy of www.darryltorckler.com

Itineraries

The following is an example of how a typical five night charter could proceed. But pease keep in mind your charter happens the way you want it to. So don't forget to let us know your specific wishes so we can build a charter to meet your needs.

Day 1

• May start with a transfer from Pearl Harbour, Manapouri by launch across Lake Manapouri then coach over the Wilmot Pass to meet the M.V. Tutoko at Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound.
• Once we are in Deep Cove we load the boat, complete a welcome and safety briefing then we are on our way. Travelling out of Doubtful Sound we take in the awesome sights as we go then a short hop down the coast has us next at Dagg or Breaksea Sound.
• After stopping for some fishing and maybe a dive to catch dinner we look for a suitable mooring for the night. Once anchored meals are prepared and consumed along with the odd beverage to compliment the fresh fish. At anchor we socialise with the music of your choice (bring your own CD's) and view the amazing night sky relaxing us into our first night.

Day 2

• Awakening to the sounds of birds chattering and the aromas of a freshly brewed coffee with breakfast on the stove creates a pleasant atmosphere. It's about now you start to relax as you realise there are no cell-phones, or any phones, TV's, faxes or computers for that matter; to bother you for the next five days. What a wonderful feeling of freedom overcomes you.
• With the many activities on offer; fishing, diving, hunting, exploring, kayaking.... and all the time in the world to do what you want. You just need to give the skipper and crew some idea of what you want to achieve in your charter and they'll do their utmost to ensure you get as much packed in as you can.
• Cruising Breaksea you will be amazed at the splendour of this isolated wonderland. With mountains rising to thousands of feet from the seafloor, disappearing into each other... speechlessness is an effect many suffer.
• During the day more harvesting of the riches from the sea, crayfish, blue cod, scallops (in season) will take place to ensure this night's feast is memorable too. With further fun and frivolity the evening is spent at another magical anchorage allowing you to feel even more relaxed; if that's possible.

Day 3

• With those fresh smells and sounds to wake you, you wonder what has transpired to make you so fortunate to experience this haven. Travelling this day continues through to Dusky Sound. This is where we really start to have fun. There are more things to do in Dusky than you'll be able to do/see in your short five night stay... that's for sure!
• Dusky is where Capt Cook rested his crew for 31 days and made repairs to his ship after the long voyage exploring the southern latitudes. He dined on crayfish in Luncheon Cove and saw signs of the natives on Indian Island. We will visit Pickersgill Harbour where other early explorers have sought shelter.
• Luncheon Cove is where the first house was built in New Zealand; and also the first ship which was finished later and sailed away. There are more nooks and crannies to be explored here too and the diving and fishing is second to none. Further harvesting is done to ensure fresh seafood is on the menu again this night.

Day 4

• Again we awaken to this awesome place. Another day of exploration and harvesting is undertaken and this time we'll take you somewhere different. Maybe to Pigeon Island where Richard Henry began New Zealand's first conservation efforts to protect our flightless birds.
• On to Facile Harbour. Cook looked at this as a possible anchorage and later mariners did stay here. The wreck of the Endeavour (not Cooks) lies on the shores in here. The stranded sailors from Endeavour finished the ship started in Luncheon Cove then sailed back to Australia.
• Diving by snorkel for paua (abalone) is great fun and they are a delicacy for sure. The chef will have you wanting to marry him when this dish is served. More crayfish, scallops and fish can be added to the menu to ensure your getting your fill of the seafood experience.
• Once at anchorage the evening continues as those before and I'm sure you'll be as relaxed as you have ever been in your life.

Day 5

• continues with breakfast at a time as always, that suits you. From here we continue exploring. You may wish to kayak around Anchor Island and explore amongst the "Many Islands" group. Seals are found on the rocks and penguins can often be seen swimming by. Dolphins have been known to show up anywhere at any time so keep your eyes wide open.
• More diving, hunting and fishing ensure any remaining stresses are completely removed from your system and they also ensure another feast to remember is at hand on the final night.
• Continuing up Dusky Sound through the many nooks and crannies, I bet you're starting to get used to this amazing place but you never see it all. There is just so much to see that a month would still not be long enough for you to say you've really seen Fiordland.
• The final feast is amazing. There are still a few surprises to be had believe it or not; but I can't tell you what they are or you won't be surprised. Needless to say the last night at the anchor is always a night to remember.

Day 6

• Breakfast, birds, scenery.... all to die for are coming to an end. On this day you need to pack your bags, have a shave or powder your nose then ensure you have all of your rolls of film or memory cards. This is one place you will never forget and the flight out from Supper Cove back to Te Anau is going to blow you away.
• It's always sad seeing our guests leave as over the short time we've had together friendships are created and memories are filed.
• This has truly been a lifetime experience... for us all! Guaranteed!!

Fiordland Expeditions Ltd - memories that last a lifetime!

On day six the second group flies in to meet the M.V. Tutoko and the whole thing starts all over again. Only this time we travel in the opposite direction finishing back in Deep Cove, where the coach is waiting to take our guests back to Manapouri.

On changeover day we usually arrange for the second group to shuttle their vehicles to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri. Then they bring the first groups vehicles back to the hanger. This ensures no-one is left stranded at the end of their trip.