Fiordland RealSwim Adventure

A once in a lifetime opportunity to RealSwim one of New Zealand’s most remote, unspoilt and beautiful locations. In Fiordland you’ll find some truly special inhabitants – bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals (kekeno), Fiordland crested penguins (tawaki), and blue penguins (korora). On a lucky day, you may even see whales, which swim by where the continental shelf comes close to the coast.

The Trip
We helicopter (transfers included) into our exclusive liveaboard charter vessel with its own HOT TUB, where we relax, swim, indulge in delicious fresh food (caught daily), share stories and enjoy the experience of being off the grid and immersed in the wonders of nature.
Also on board there are kayaks, stand up paddle boards, a 4m RIB, a fresh water maker and washer and drier. All the comforts while you enjoy RealSwimming in a Kiwi paradise.

The Swimming
The swimming is absolutely luscious, superbly stunning, and truly epic in the deep south of NZ’s South Island.

Water temperatures we’ve experienced so far on previous trips have been between 14-19 degrees, making this a wetsuit optional trip.
Swims are between 2-5km and offer multiple experiences from swimming through gaps, up to and under waterfalls and with wildlife.

The swims are weather dependent and are shaped to meet the fitness, ability and motivation of the group. Fiordland offers so many aspects there is nearly always somewhere ‘weather protected’ we can seek out in order to find superb swim conditions.

Meeting Point
We meet at Manapouri airport, Te Anau on the morning of your trip start date. From here we helicopter into Pure Salts vessel “Flightless” located ‘somewhere’ in Fiordland.

Please note this trip is limited to 12 swimmers and has sold out each year.

If you have any questions about this adventure, please email Penelope: info@fitandabel.com

2026 Trip

5 nights, 6 days

Day 1

– Morning helicopter transfers

– Introductions and boat familiarisation.

– Acclimatisation swim to enable crew to get comfortable with swim procedures, allow guests to learn the swim procedures and allow staff to assess swim abilities.

Days 2,3,4,5

– Days 2, 3 & 5: one morning swim and one afternoon swim with plenty of down time in between.

– Day 4: one swim, morning or afternoon.

– Swim locations will be chosen depending on weather conditions. Swim lengths minimum 2km, maximum 5km. All swims are fully supported.

– These days are yours to enjoy; nap, read, fish, play cards, sit in the hot tub, learn more about PureSalts conservation efforts. We encourage you embrace what is on offer and we will do what we can to ensure you experience all you can on this adventure.

Day 6

– Sunrise pre breakfast dip; a final team breakfast before departing for Manapouri airport.

There are also guided walking, history, birdwatching, snorkelling and fishing opportunities.

What you can expect on this epic adventure;

– Helicopter transfers return out of Manapouri Airport
– Well appointed, comfortable and warm accommodation on the live aboard boat, Pure Salt’s vessel “Flightless”
– Superbly catered, fresh meals, using local produce
– A hot tub!
– Hot drink essentials
– Precise and specialist swim planning, delivery and safety for six days
– On water safety, including boats and swim equipment
– Ensuites adjoined to each bedroom
– Access to washing machines and dryers

Earlybird Price, until midnight 31 July 2024: $6,700 NZD per person. A $2,700 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
Standard Price from 01 August 2024: $6,900 NZD per person. A $2,700 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.

• A non refundable deposit is required to confirm your RealSwim booking.
• Full payment is required for a booking no later than 90 days from the trip start date.
• If a payment plan is a good option for you, we are happy to work with you to achieve this. Please email; info@fitandabel.com

Please don’t bring the kitchen sink for this live aboard RealSwim Adventure as we’re flying in to the location. Each swimmer has a luggage limit of 20kg.

You’ll need gear for all conditions, this what we recommend;

• Wetsuit
• Reef shoes or sandals
• Rain Jacket
• Sun Screen
• Sun Hat and Warm Hat
• Sun Glasses
• Goggles x2; clear and tinted
• Drink Bottles – clearly labelled with your name
• Swim Suits
• Warm thermal undergarments/fleece
• Shorts and light long trousers
• Walking Shoes
• Tow float – if you don’t own one, you may borrow one from us for the duration of the trip. These will be compulsory on all swims. Pink, orange or yellow are all excellent visible colours
• Towels – if you have a towel robe these are great for post swim changing
• Nutrition: your choice of snacks that you may want to have available during a swim
• Hydration: electrolytes or similar if you choose to use these

The accommodation is well appointed, comfortable and warm.

There are five rooms total, each with their own ensuite.

We assign the rooms to best suit the group attendees.