Affinity Cruises

Our cruise includes :

A transfer from the airport to Lyttetlon or directly to Akaroa by the scenic road with commentary.Onboard gourmet dining with a french dinner experience.Onboard all-inclusive dining with locally sourced produce from Canterbury.Morning tea, afternoon tea, canapes at sunset.Guided tour of the village of Akaroa by a local guide.Visit the giant's house.Included sno...Show More

Our cruise includes :

A transfer from the airport to Lyttetlon or directly to Akaroa by the scenic road with commentary.Onboard gourmet dining with a french dinner experience.Onboard all-inclusive dining with locally sourced produce from Canterbury.Morning tea, afternoon tea, canapes at sunset.Guided tour of the village of Akaroa by a local guide.Visit the giant's house.Included snorkeling equipment, kayaks and paddles.Sail around Lyttelton Harbour (If you get seasick talk to our team, we will organise a shuttle for you).Learn about an era of heroes who left Lyttelton, such as Shackleton and the ‘’Endurance’’ and his Captain Frank Worsley who was born in Akaroa.Visit Quail Island where settlers used to quarantine and dogs would train for their upcoming Antarctic expeditions.Sail to some of the secluded bays in Whakaraupō / Lyttelton Harbour, some of our favourites are Little Port Cooper or Port Levy.Discover Ripapa fort, among other important historical facts, it is the most complete Russian-scare fort still existing in New Zealand.Cruise around the whole Banks Peninsula as you make your way through Akaroa Harbour.Explore this giant ancient volcanic remnant with its bays, wild beaches, striking cliffs, rock formations, wildlife, and intriguing geological and human history.Observe wildlife in their natural habitat: Hector's dolphins, little blue penguins, fur seals and seabirds can all be seen around Banks Peninsula.All linen – including duvets and towels.Hot showers to freshen and invigorate you at the end of your enjoyable days walk, your meals all prepared for you, if you are ashore at lunchtime a packaged lunch will be sent with you.We find safe anchorage every night in a calm and picturesque bay, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.

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

Departs from Picton, returns to Havelock

Christmas Celebrations onboard MV Affinity, with a special Christmas meal.Visit French Pass and D’Urville Island, and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe on D’Urville.Cruise Kenepuru Sound past iconic places such as Portage Hotel and St Omer House.Visit Worlds End and walk part of the Archer Track.Hear the story of...Show More

Departs from Picton, returns to Havelock

Christmas Celebrations onboard MV Affinity, with a special Christmas meal.Visit French Pass and D’Urville Island, and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe on D’Urville.Cruise Kenepuru Sound past iconic places such as Portage Hotel and St Omer House.Visit Worlds End and walk part of the Archer Track.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 a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained.Cruise past a king shag colony. King shags can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand.Cast your rod and try your luck at catching blue cod and other species in the waters of this area. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands.Visit Motuara Island – a bird sanctuary where robins, tui, kiwi, bellbirds and kakariki parakeets 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 1770s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook.Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with giant rimu, nikau, beech trees, and tree ferns.Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the Sounds.All walks are optional. You may wish to stay on board and relax, and 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.

Due to the early departure and late return times of our Fiordland Cruises we recommend you overnight for one night before and one night after your cruise in Te Anau.

Cruise across serene Lake Manapouri, coach over Wilmot Pass and meet Affinity in Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound and cruise to discover the raw dramatic beauty of Fiordland’s coastTravel in the path of Captain James Cook an...Show More

Due to the early departure and late return times of our Fiordland Cruises we recommend you overnight for one night before and one night after your cruise in Te Anau.

Cruise across serene Lake Manapouri, coach over Wilmot Pass and meet Affinity in Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound and cruise to discover the raw dramatic beauty of Fiordland’s coastTravel in the path of Captain James Cook and learn all about the rich and fascinating history of his early voyages to this remote part of New ZealandVisit historic sites such as: the first European house site, first recorded shipwreck in New Zealand and where the firs vessel was built by Europeans in 1795Visit Astronomers Point where Captain Cooks Astronomer cleared the trees and recorded a transit on Venus at his first landing in FiordlandWalk through beautiful remote native rainforest that has never been cleared, it is still in its original state as it was before man stepped foot on the landGet up close to stunning roaring waterfalls as they cascade down steep, sheer cliffsVisit a cove where a number of fur seal pups swim around the rocks. When we put the tender in the water the pups are very nosey and like to swim alongside and pop up out of the water to see what’s going on. You may also see Mollymawks and Albatross. Few people get to see this part of New ZealandWe often have the extreme privilege of sighting whales in their natural habitat and playful bottlenose dolphins often join in for a race with the ship’s bow.Fish for grouper and other big species in the bountiful waterways of this pristine areaHelicopter flight out of the fiords over the snow-capped mountains and spectacular terrain to Te Anau

All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax, 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.

Due to the early departure and late return times of our Fiordland Cruises we recommend you overnight for one night before and one night after your cruise in Te Anau.

Cruise across serene Lake Manapouri, coach over Wilmot Pass and meet Affinity in Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound and cruise to discover the raw dramatic beauty of Fiordland’s coastTravel in the path of Captain James Cook an...Show More

Due to the early departure and late return times of our Fiordland Cruises we recommend you overnight for one night before and one night after your cruise in Te Anau.

Cruise across serene Lake Manapouri, coach over Wilmot Pass and meet Affinity in Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound and cruise to discover the raw dramatic beauty of Fiordland’s coastTravel in the path of Captain James Cook and learn all about the rich and fascinating history of his early voyages to this remote part of New ZealandVisit historic sites such as: the first European house site, first recorded shipwreck in New Zealand and where the firs vessel was built by Europeans in 1795Visit Astronomers Point where Captain Cooks Astronomer cleared the trees and recorded a transit on Venus at his first landing in FiordlandWalk through beautiful remote native rainforest that has never been cleared, it is still in its original state as it was before man stepped foot on the landGet up close to stunning roaring waterfalls as they cascade down steep, sheer cliffsVisit a cove where a number of fur seal pups swim around the rocks. When we put the tender in the water the pups are very nosey and like to swim alongside and pop up out of the water to see what’s going on. You may also see Mollymawks and Albatross. Few people get to see this part of New ZealandWe often have the extreme privilege of sighting whales in their natural habitat and playful bottlenose dolphins often join in for a race with the ship’s bow.Fish for grouper and other big species in the bountiful waterways of this pristine area

There is also one 6 Nights Cruise that has a helicopter flight out of the fiords over the snow-capped mountains and spectacular terrain to Te Anau.

All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax, 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.

Departs from Havelock, returns to Picton or depart from Havelock and return to Picton

Visit French Pass and D’Urville Island, and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe on D’Urville.Cruise Kenepuru Sound past iconic places such as Portage Hotel and St Omer House.Visit Worlds End and walk part of the Archer Track.Hear the story of the Russian cruise liner “...Show More

Departs from Havelock, returns to Picton or depart from Havelock and return to Picton

Visit French Pass and D’Urville Island, and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe on D’Urville.Cruise Kenepuru Sound past iconic places such as Portage Hotel and St Omer House.Visit Worlds End and walk part of the Archer Track.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 a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained.Cruise past a king shag colony. King shags can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand.Cast your rod and try your luck at catching blue cod and other species in the waters of this area. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands.Visit Motuara Island – a bird sanctuary where robins, tui, kiwi, bellbirds and kakariki parakeets 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 1770s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook.Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with giant rimu, nikau, beech trees, and tree ferns.Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the Sounds.

All walks are optional. You may wish to stay on board and relax, and 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.

Departs from Havelock, return to Picton

Visit French Pass and d'Urville Island and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café on New Years Eve and bring in the New Year.Visit French Pass and d'Urville Island and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café on New Years Eve and bring in the New Year.Hear the story of the Russian cruise liner 'Mikhail...Show More

Departs from Havelock, return to Picton

Visit French Pass and d'Urville Island and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café on New Years Eve and bring in the New Year.Visit French Pass and d'Urville Island and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café on New Years Eve and bring in the New Year.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 a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained.Cruise past a King Shag colony. The King Shag can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand.Cast your rod and try your luck at catching a Blue Cod and other species in the waters of this area. There is nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands.Visit Motuara Island - a bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tui's, Kiwi's, Bellbirds and Kakariki live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along.Go ashore at Meretoto / Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770's. Here you will find information panels explaining early Māori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook.Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with Giant Rimu, Nikau, Beech trees and tree ferns.Experience the beauty and tranquility of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the sounds.

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

Cruising Golden Bay, Tasman Bays, Abel Tasman, Pelorus, Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds including French Pass and d’Urville Island.

Your adventure starts in Picton.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.Vis...Show More

Cruising Golden Bay, Tasman Bays, Abel Tasman, Pelorus, Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds including French Pass and d’Urville Island.

Your adventure starts in Picton.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.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.Hear the story of the Russian Cruise Liner ‘Mikhail Lermontov’ and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea.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.Go ashore at d’Urville Island and indulge in a wholesome dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café.Cast your rod for Blue Cod, Snapper and 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.Cruise through all 3 Sounds – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus which makes up the Marlborough Sounds. You will experience something different when visiting each one, whether it is the species of fish, history or incredible scenery.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.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 and eat your catch, this is a great activity for the young and the old, the fisherman and the non-fisherman.Enjoy a wonderful day excursion; to Pupu Springs – New Zealand’s largest springs, renowned for their beauty and water clarity.Join a Farewell Spit Tour with a local operator to the lighthouse, the South Islands northernmost point – home of a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance.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 Coastal Track.Your adventure will finish with a fantastic scenic flight over Golden Bay and the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington Domestic Airport.

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 andactions during these unguided walks.

Package includes:accommodation onboard Affinity, all meals, Queen Charlotte track fees, transfers, experienced crew (no pre or post cruise accommodation required).

Departs from and returns to Picton

Walkto the summit of Motuara Island – a Bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tuis, Kiwis, Kakariki and Bellbirds live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South I...Show More

Package includes:accommodation onboard Affinity, all meals, Queen Charlotte track fees, transfers, experienced crew (no pre or post cruise accommodation required).

Departs from and returns to Picton

Walkto the summit of Motuara Island – a Bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tuis, Kiwis, Kakariki and Bellbirds live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along. A gem in the Marlborough SoundsVisit Ship Cove where the explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the 1770’s and the starting point of the track.Walk6 hours from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (approx. 17km)Walk4 hours from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove, marvel at the scenery and wildlife as you walk along the second section of the track (approx. 12.7km)Walk8 hours from Camp Bay to Torea Bay, a challenging section of the track as you walk along ridge tops with magnificent views of Queen Charlotte and the Kenepuru Sounds (approx. 23.7km)Walk4 hours from Torea Bay to Mistletoe Bay, climbing to 400m to be rewarded with breathtaking views (approx. 5.6km). Then continue onto the last section of the track another 4 hours to Anakiwa, following an old bridle path that takes you through beautiful regeneration and mature native forest with Fantails, Waxeyes, Tomtits, Finches and Weka (approx. 13km)

**Affinity will meet you at the end of each walking section–No back tracking**

Hot showers to freshen and invigorate you at the end of your enjoyable days walk, your meals all prepared for you, if you are ashore at lunchtime a packaged lunch will be sent with you.

You have the same cabin each night so there is no worrying about your luggage which means no heavy packs to carry as your luggage remains on-board.

We find safe anchorage every night in a calm and picturesque bay, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.

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

Departs from and returns to HavelockWalk the beautiful Jacobs Bay Track, an easy track that takes you around the peninsular from Jacobs Bay to Fairy Bay. Marvel at the emerald colours of the sea as it reflects the native bush right down to the waterline. This walk takes 1.5 hours.Walk the Archer Track There are two options here…walk Elaine Bay to Deep Bay which is 1.5 hours, approximately 4.5 km...Show More

Departs from and returns to HavelockWalk the beautiful Jacobs Bay Track, an easy track that takes you around the peninsular from Jacobs Bay to Fairy Bay. Marvel at the emerald colours of the sea as it reflects the native bush right down to the waterline. This walk takes 1.5 hours.Walk the Archer Track There are two options here…walk Elaine Bay to Deep Bay which is 1.5 hours, approximately 4.5 kms and the crew can pick you up at this point or continue on to Penzance Bay which is another 1.5 hours and 4.5 kms to complete the full 9 km track.The Archer track is an easy walking track between Elaine Bay in Tennyson Inlet and Penzance Bay. The track follows an old stock route that was used prior to Tennyson Inlet gaining road access in the 1960s. The track is named after the Archer family who has maintained a permanent presence in the area since the 1880s. Along most of its length, the track passes through dense native forest with a mix of beech and podocarp species.Nydia Track 27 km – Duncan Bay to Nydia Bay then Nydia Bay to Shag PointDuncan Bay to Nydia Bay (4 hr)The first hour follows the shoreline with glimpses of the sea through the lush coastal forest – giant rimu, nīkau, beech trees and tree ferns.At Ngawhakawhiti Bay the track climbs to Nydia Saddle (347 m) – here you can take in the great views of Tennyson Inlet. The track then continues down into Nydia Bay where the crew and vessel will be waiting for you.For those of you that wish to walk a little bit more may like to carry on and walk around to have a look at Nydia Lodge. The lodge is run by D.O.C and can accommodate up to 50 people and has no mains power, it is a great place for school and group camps.Nydia Bay to Shag Point (5 hr)This part of the track leads across open farmland beside the stream, crossing it twice. Then climbs up to the Kaiuma Saddle (387 m) through beech forest and regenerating scrub with superb views, and on a clear day you can even see Marlborough’s highest mountain, Tapuae-o-Uenuku (2885 m), in the distant Inland Kaikoura mountains. From the saddle, the track drops quickly to cross a stream. The track then climbs a little into the forest and sidles around to a point above Kaiuma Bay.Jacobs, Archer and Nydia Tracks are approximately 41 kilometres in total.**Affinity will meet you at the end of each walking section – No back tracking*Hot showers to freshen and invigorate you at the end of your enjoyable days walk, your meals all prepared for you if you are ashore at lunchtime a packaged lunch will be sent with you.You have the same cabin each night so there is no worrying about your luggage which means no heavy packs to carry as your luggage remains on-board.We find safe anchorage every night in a calm and picturesque bay, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better – just ask! Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

There are walks to isolated beaches, amazing sea birds, lots of history to hear about, visit Ulva Island bird sanctuary with a local guide pointing out a wide range of fauna and flora as well as a wide range of birdlife. You will also get to meet some of the locals and find out what it’s really like living on the island………And the fishing is fantastic too!

Your Stewart Island...Show More

There are walks to isolated beaches, amazing sea birds, lots of history to hear about, visit Ulva Island bird sanctuary with a local guide pointing out a wide range of fauna and flora as well as a wide range of birdlife. You will also get to meet some of the locals and find out what it’s really like living on the island………And the fishing is fantastic too!

Your Stewart Island Cruise experience starts from your overnight accommodation in Invercargill when a local coach operator will collect you and bring you to the ferry terminal at Bluff, where you board the ferry to cross Foveaux Strait and meet up with the Affinity and her crew in Half Moon Bay where it welcomes you with its tall Blue Gum Trees.

An hour and a half guided bus tour of the Island, hear about Island life from the local guide.Explore the rock pools and walk the coastal track around Paterson Inlet.Scenic walk to Ackers Point, Half Moon Bay, visit an original old settlers’ cottage.Fish for Stewart Island “Blue Cod”, while surrounded by the large Mollymawk seabirdsVisit an old whaler’s repair base which was used by Norwegian Antarctic WhalersUlva Island Bird Sanctuary –hear the birdsong of Tuis, Bellbirds, Robins, Kakas, Keas and the rare South Island Saddleback. Enjoy a three-hour guided tour of Ulva Island with a local guide.Discover the natural beauty of Stewart Island for yourselfEnjoy a beer or wine at New Zealand’s Southernmost HotelExperience amazing sunsets and sunrises

Stewart Island a cruise that will leave you with a lifetime of memories.

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.