AdventureSmith Explorations expands program in Pacific, now offers New Zealand’s most diverse Small Ship Cruising Collection

(News Release)

TAHOE CITY, CA – Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com is showcasing three new vessels and four new cruise itineraries in New Zealand that will yield the most diverse, well-rounded complement of cruise options in the region.

“These new cruises round out our current New Zealand program to offer AdventureSmith Explorations’ travelers the widest variety of ship sizes, itineraries and price ranges available,” explained Todd Smith, founder. With four vessels carrying 16, 24, 32 or 72 guests, there’s a New Zealand cruise option for every travel style and budget.

Each of the three recently added vessels is family owned and operated providing guests with an authentic introduction to Kiwi culture and customs. Passengers will enjoy access to sights only a small ship can provide while being immersed in legendary New Zealand hospitality.

Those cruising the coastline of this two-island country that the indigenous Maori call Aotearoa, or “Land of the Long White Cloud,” can select environments ranging from sub Antarctic to temperate. In the colder south where temperatures may hover at 50 degrees, small ships access the remote wilderness of the Fiordlands; on a northern circuit, guests can bask through the Bay of Islands surrounded by an abundance of tropical foliage.

Three ships that have been purpose-built for cruising New Zealand waters are the Affinity, Island Passage and Milford Wanderer, together offering varied budget and cruise style options.
The Affinity Fiordland Cruise offers seven-day explorations of the pristine Fiordland region south of Milford Sound. Guests will visit Doubtful Sound, a fjord accessible only by small ship, and Astronomer’s Point, where Captain Cook first took measurements of the planet Venus. There’s also often the opportunity to fish for grouper and blue cod.

The trip begins with an overnight in Te Anau in the south of the South Island before boarding the 16-guest Affinity that was designed specifically for adventure cruising in this region. This yacht offers comfortable cabins and air conditioning or heating, depending on the season. Because the ship is small and compact, only 66 feet long, it can sail close to roaring waterfalls and easily anchor so that guests can take tenders to the shore for viewing wildlife and strolling in native bush and moss-covered forests. Trips run from June through August with rates starting at $2,040 per person, double occupancy.

The 24-guest Island Passage conducts eight-day adventures dubbed the Fiordland National Park Cruise, combining touring by motor coach, helicopter, airplane and ship. A highlight is visiting Milford Sound, acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination. It’s been named a world’s top travel destination by Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Destinations Awards; author/poet Rudyard Kipling dubbed it the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by Rudyard Kipling.

The Island Passage is designed to cruise through Milford Sound and other remote fjords, with a six-seat helicopter positioned on the top deck to ferry guests to locales accessible only by air. Also included on board are landing craft, sea kayaks, fishing gear and snorkeling equipment. The ship is generous in space and amenities with dining and lounge plus an expansive aft deck. Guests will relish the catch of the day, organic artisan foods produced locally and award-winning European cheeses, providing the overall experience of a luxury private yacht. The cruise departs from the end of February through mid-April. The rate is from $4,555 per person, double occupancy.

Bay of Islands Explorer also utilizes Island Passage for eight-day cruises exploring the northern tip of New Zealand and the Bay of Islands. Guests kayak, glimpse playful dolphins, visit historic sites and vineyards, and enjoy regional cuisine including New Zealand’s famed green-lipped mussels served with endless sea views. The tropical weather here also encourages water-based activities. Guests will enjoy time in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest urban area, nicknamed the “City of Sails” because of its dedication to sailing. This cruise takes place January through February and starts at $3,060 per person, double occupancy.

The seven-day Preservation Inlet Discovery travels deep into Fiordland National Park, covering Doubtful, Breaksea and Dusky sounds as well as Preservation and Chalky inlets in Southern New Zealand’s Fiordland region. Accommodation is aboard the 32-guest Milford Wanderer with twin-bed cabin accommodation and modern shared bathrooms. This 98-foot sailing vessel combines Old World with a deluxe onboard atmosphere. This cruise takes place in April, May, August and September, with rates from $1,800 per person, double occupancy.

Additional Kiwi itineraries include the New Zealand – Aotearoa small ship cruise that explores the coastline between Milford Sound and Auckland over nine or 13 days. Spouting geysers, bubbling thermal pools, fjords, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rivers and white sandy beaches are showcased in some of this country’s 14 national parks. Departures are in December 2015 and January and February 2016 with per person rates from $5,990 per person double occupancy.

For information on all of AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and 2015-2016 reservations, Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com.

About AdventureSmith Explorations - Think Outside The Boat!
Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious Annual Travel Specialists List as the world’s expert on small ship expeditions. 

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