Community Support

Ever since we took over Fiordland Expeditions in March 2004 we have supported the community as and when we could.

From the early days with sports club sponsorship and school sports team uniforms; to local events with fishing competitions and golf tournaments, Fiordland Expeditions have stepped up to help these worthy causes.

Now today our support grows to include other areas, with scientific research and educational institutions, as well as historical recollections and the recounting of Fiordland’s early history through documentary programs.

Fiordland Expeditions are happy to be involved where we can and enjoy showing off this amazing part of New Zealand.

The Tawaki Project

One of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a boat business in Fiordland is getting to explore and learn about his amazing environment and what she has to teach us.

In 2019 we were contacted by The Tawaki Project, a research program studying the local penguins, the Fiordland Crested Penguis, known by Maori as Tawaki. This fell into place quite nicely for both parties as Mandy and I were passionate about these local creatures and had always wanted to learn more about them; and Thomas Mattern (the research scientist) required a boat to get around these isolated environs.

So we have spent the last few seasons learning more about the Tawaki and their habitats as to the more local Doubtful Sound area. We, and I mean all of us, have learnt quite a bit about these amazing birds that chose to swim rather than fly; their habitats and habits, and their personalities and quirks.

Time has come to expand the area and we are looking forward to this years continuation heading off into some of the southern Fiords reaching as far as Dusky Sound to learn more about the spread and density of populations; and the threats they endure through climate change and predator infestation. You can assist with our efforts through donations on our website or by going directly to The Tawaki Project and helping out with whatever you can afford.

Historic Fiordland

Sometime shortly after COVID19 closed us down in March of 2020 we were approached by the Otago Early Settlers Museum to assist with their project of recalling some of the historic ventures of the early Europeans’ visits and encounters in Fiordland. Some very welcome relief during trying times!

Our first visit in August 2020 was to Dusky Sound where we recounted the ventures of many early explorers and workers in the area.

Capt. Cook spent 32 days in Dusky Sound recovering from a long sea voyage looking for the great southern continent. He explored and charted many parts of this special area. He also met some of the long lost Ngati mamoe scattered in family units

Sealers and whalers soon followed and they built the first house and boat to be constructed in New Zealand.

The first ship wreck occurred in Cook’s Facile Harbour and Richard Henry began the earliest efforts to protect our valued kākāpō and kiwi close by on Pigeon Island.

Late January 2022 saw us venturing further south to Preservation and Chalky Sound.

With a plethora if industry being established here; from gold mining to timber milling, seal and whale hunting