PONANT invites you to discover the wild and untouched beauty of New Zealand's Fiordlands and Subantarctic Islands. Set sail on a 15-day expedition cruise with an exceptional itinerary and allow yourself to be transported to another world where the wildlife rules and you are but visitors.
From Dunedin, the Edinburgh of New Zealand that is a lively student city, with a rich Scottish Heritage, you will reach Ulva Island. This first call on Paterson Inlet is renowned as an extraordinary nature sanctuary. Our team of naturalists and destination experts will be on hand to show you some of the rarest bird species in the world.
You will follow your voyage towards Fiordland National Park, which is part of Te Wähipounamu, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, home to the majestic Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound. You will enjoy a Zodiac® cruise and spot Fiordland Crested penguins, get up close to spectacular waterfalls and enjoy the vistas from the ship's outer decks.
You will then head to the Snares Islands, a haven for the country's wildlife with some 35,000 endemic Snares Gorfous and a colony of around 1,000 fur seals before discovering Macquarie Island, part of Australia.
Often described as the “Galápagos of the Southern Ocean”, the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand are among some of the best preserved and protected environments on the planet where you will experience scenery and wildlife like nowhere else on earth. You will be captivated by the breathtaking scenery, meadows of megaherbs forming a colourful tapestry and towering cliffs buffeted by the power of the waves and wind - the playground of the Royal Albatross. With a myriad of penguins patrolling the black sandy beaches it is truly a nature-lover’s dream come true.
Your ship will finally reach Dunedin, the end of your voyage.
- Explore the South West World Heritage Area home to majestic and spectacular Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds.
- Experience a Zodiac® cruise in the fiords and try to spot the rare Fiordland Crested penguin.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Te Wāhipounamu and its majestic Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubful Sound and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands (Snares, Auckland and Campbell Islands).
- View breeding populations of New Zealand, Antarctic and Subantarctic Fur Seals, New Zealand Sea Lions and Southern Elephant Seals.
- Explore the Snares, home to more nesting seabirds than the entire realm of the British Isles.
- Undertake a guided walk on the predator-free sanctuary of Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara).
- Gain an insight into the history and the diversity of flora and fauna from your expert expedition team on board and whilst exploring by Zodiac®.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Le Soleal
Length | 142 metres |
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Launched | 2013 |
Crew | 140 |
Luxury Small Ship
A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, and the same philosophy that has made her sister ships, L'Austral, Lyrial and Le Boreal, such a success.
This magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and suites, all with balconies, has contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white. White Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat's hull, while the central scuplture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the lounge bar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonomous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.
Wheelchairs
3 specially adapted wheelchair cabins (Deck 3 = Superior cabin no. 307, no balcony, Deck 4 = Prestige Cabin no. 407 - with balcony and Deck 5 = Prestige Cabin no 509, with balcony) and lifts to all decks/areas.
Read about our recent Ponant cruise to Antarctica
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.