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Strannik
Bluff to Bluff
Overview
Known as the land of the glowing skies and an Island with outstanding opportunities for adventure and wildlife.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
You will take a shuttle bus from Invercargill to Port of Bluff, where you will take the Stewart Island ferry to Halfmoon Bay. (Details and vouchers for this shuttle will be provided closer to the departure date). On arrival you will be met by our team and welcomed aboard MV Strannik where you will be introduced to the remainder of the crew and Strannik. Over a meal and a drink we will look at charts and maps (including weather maps) we will discuss our objectives and goals for the expedition. Tonight we plan to find a good anchorage that allows us a chance to get ashore for a walk as well as practice with the zodiacs which will be the key to this expedition.
Our goal is to discover a part of New Zealand that very few people have had the opportunity to see and experience especially the areas south of Oban/Halfmoon Bay and Paterson Inlet. We plan to visit both Oban township and Paterson inlet but the lure of the southern parts of the island will be strong, places like Port Adventure, Lords River, Port Pegasus, Broad Bay and if the weather is good possibly the southern muttonbird Islands. We want to discover the importance of this area for the Maori, the impact of the European sealers and whalers, the saw millers and the tin miners. We would like to give you the opportunity to climb and explore some of the striking geographical features, such as Trig D, the Fraser Peaks including Gog and Maas well as explore the myriad of sheltered bays, coves and inlets. With names like Smugglers cove, Cooks arm, Evening Cove, Shipbuilders Cove and Acheron Anchorage there is much to see and learn. Also search for Kiwi (can often be seen in daylight), and look for other bush birds and of course seabirds or pelagic species. Fur Seals and Sealions will also be on our want to see and photograph list. The forest mosaics aren’t what you would expect it’s both a unique and exciting botanical wonderland. Finally, an expedition to this region wouldn’t be compete with at least one meal of the legendary blue cod or if you are keen and you bring a wet suit crayfish can often be found just with a snorkel providing the sea conditions are suitable.
Breakfast aboard Strannik and then time to say our farewells. We plan to get you onto the first Ferry from Halfmoon Bay back to Bluff where you will be met by our complimentary shuttle bus and transferred back to Invercargill.
We do not publish a day to day itinerary, except for first and the last days because these are expeditions rather than tours.
Strannik
Vessel Type: Small Ship Passenger Capacity: Up to 12 overnight in five cabins Lenght: 24 meters Built: 2017 Strannik is a Russian word translated as “Wanderer” or “Pilgrim”. Strannik is a person travelling in search of knowledge and wisdom. There is no better word nor way to describe our vessel, it has been born out of a natural curiosity and love of the natural world, history and travel. It is designed, equipped and ready to explore the world and southern New Zealand. Cabins include private facilities with a bathroom including basin, toilet and shower. 8 passengers can comfortably fit within 4 twin/double cabins. Up to 12 passengers can be accomdated by prior agreement. Domestic comfort All cabins are fully insulated. Cruseair reverse-cycle systems throughout. Forced suction ventilation and fresh air seagoing vents and opening ports to all cabins. Opening hatches to most cabins. Spacious saloon and dining areas with great views. Each cabin has own entertainment docking station and screen, large theatre in saloon and music to all areas, reference library. Multiple fridge freezers, wine fridge, ice maker, full commercial laundry, garbage compactor, all electric commercial galley with Meile appliances. Navigation System A full double redundancy suite, featuring latest Simrad multinational navigational displays with dual range radars, high definition chart plotters, down scan and forward looking sonars, Satellite compass, Dual autopilots, and weather/climate monitoring instruments. The vessel is also fitted with CCTV and gyro stabilized Flir Night vision technology for added safety underway and on station. Communications System The latest Satellite communications with on-board Wi-Fi to all areas. Email and online connections. Satellite phone and data services Off shore with 4G cellular available in-shore for rapid streaming (location dependent), Long range HF SSB and VHF marine radios. Live online web based tracking system. Safety systems Full watertight compartments and double bottom throughout, automated Fire/smoke monitoring system to all compartments with bridge alarms. Comprehensive firefighting equipment and engine room Auto-fire flood system. All cabins with emergency exits and lighting. 2 x 20 man Solas life rafts, EPIRB’s, SART, Flares and personal emergency equipment including thermal protective aids, Solas approved life jackets and abandon ship supplies. Certified crew to assist and regular safety drills.
Highlights
• Hiking • Birding
Map
