New Zealand’s Wild Subantarctic Islands
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New Zealand from/to Dunedin
This fourteen-night round trip aboard Le Soléal links New Zealand's South Island with the subantarctic islands of the Southern Ocean. From Dunedin you sail via Stewart Island into the fjords of Fiordland National Park, on to the UNESCO-listed Snares, Auckland, Macquarie and Campbell groups, and finally to the Antipodes. The marina platform and Zodiacs open up the albatross and penguin colonies, while premium all-inclusive sets the frame.
Route highlights
- Dunedin: South Island port with Scottish heritage and the Otago Peninsula.
- Ulva Island: Predator-free bird reserve off Stewart Island.
- Doubtful Sound: Deep fjord in Fiordland National Park with seals and dolphins.
- Dusky Sound: Sweeping fjord where Captain Cook anchored in 1773.
- Milford Sound: New Zealand's best-known fjord, dominated by Mitre Peak.
- Snares Islands: Subantarctic group with endemic Snares penguins.
- Enderby Island: Part of the Auckland Islands, home to Hooker sea lions and subantarctic megaherb flora.
- Lady Musgrave Island: Subantarctic landing with rich seabird life.
- Macquarie Island: UNESCO World Heritage site with king, royal, rockhopper and gentoo penguins.
- Campbell Island: Subantarctic albatross breeding site with megaherb meadows.
- Antipodes Islands: Geologically and biologically distinctive group southeast of New Zealand.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Dunedin
14 nights
Dunedin
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Dunedin · Embarkation
Dunedin lies on the south-east coast of New Zealand's South Island and, with a name borrowed from the Scottish Gaelic for Edinburgh, is considered the most Scottish city outside Scotland. On the nearby Otago Peninsula yellow-eyed penguins nest, along with the only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross in the southern hemisphere.
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Ulva Island
Ulva Island is a predator-free bird sanctuary in Paterson Inlet off New Zealand's Stewart Island. Dense rimu forest gives a home to rare species such as the flightless weka.
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Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound is a remote fjord in Fiordland National Park in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is three times longer and roughly ten times more extensive than the better-known Milford Sound and therefore noticeably quieter; a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins and fur seals inhabit its mouth on the Tasman Sea.
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Dusky Sound
Dusky Sound is a remote fjord in Fiordland National Park in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island and, with its many branching arms, one of the country's most complex fjords. Captain Cook anchored here for five weeks in 1773 at Pickersgill Harbour and set up a workshop on what is today known as Astronomer's Point.
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Milford Sound
In Fiordland National Park in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island, Milford Sound cuts 15 kilometres inland. The sharp Mitre Peak and thundering waterfalls like Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls make it New Zealand's most famous fjord; English author Rudyard Kipling called it the eighth wonder of the world.
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Snaresinseln
South of New Zealand's South Island, the small uninhabited Snares archipelago rises from the wild Southern Ocean. The UNESCO World Heritage islands shelter a unique penguin and seabird fauna.
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Enderby Island, Aucklandinseln
Enderby Island is a small uninhabited island at the northern end of the subantarctic Auckland Islands, about 460 kilometres south of New Zealand, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the now rat-free island yellow-eyed penguins, royal albatrosses and the rare Auckland sea lion breed on fine sandy beaches between mega-herb meadows.
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Musgrave Inlet, Aucklandinseln
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At sea
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Macquarieinsel
The subantarctic Macquarie Island sits some 1,500 kilometres south-east of Tasmania in the Southern Ocean and belongs administratively to Australia. Huge king penguin colonies and its UNESCO World Heritage status make it a unique geological showcase of oceanic crust raised above the sea.
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At sea
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Campbell Island
Campbell Island is a rugged subantarctic island about 700 kilometres south of New Zealand and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On its windswept slopes nests the world's largest colony of southern royal albatross, surrounded by giant purple-flowering mega-herbs.
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At sea
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Antipoden-Inseln
The Antipodes Islands are an uninhabited subantarctic group around 860 kilometres south-east of New Zealand's South Island. They take their name from lying almost exactly opposite London on the globe and are a breeding ground for the rare Antipodean albatross.
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At sea
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Dunedin · Disembarkation
Destination
Le Soléal
Le Soléal has sailed as the third ship of the Odyssée class since 2013. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French hospitality. Her name refers to the solar wind - and indeed Le Soléal has her finest moments in light: midnight sun, southern lights, sunsets over the sea.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Soléal
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 14.520 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 15.630 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 16.430 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 16.750 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 17.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 25.180 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 26.290 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 27.720 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - PONT 6 | € 35.360 | On request | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 14 nights from EUR 14.000 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Soléal?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
