Making the most of Dusky Sound
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
You will not disembark at this location.
In Dusky Sound, ships tend to visit the Acheron Passage and Breaksea Sound.
One of the most complex of the many fjords on this coast, it is also one of the largest, 40 kilometers in length and eight kilometers wide at its widest point. To the north of its mouth is the large Resolution Island, whose Five Fingers Peninsula shelters the mouth of the sound from the northwest. along the east coast of the island, Acheron passage connects Dusky Sound with Breaksea Sound, to the north.
Dusky Sound, New Zealand's longest fjord (44km), is also one of the most beautiful, with numerous wooded islands and inlets. It was given its name by Captain Cook, who sailed past the fjord on his first voyage, in 1770, as evening was falling. In 1773, on his second voyage, he sailed into the sound and spent over 6 weeks overhauling his ship, the Resolution, and taking in supplies.
Money
The New Zealand dollar is used in New Zealand. A few traders do accept foreign currency, particularly in tourist destinations. The conversion from US dollars to NZ dollars is approximate US$1=NZD1.30.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs), locally known as 'the hole in the wall', are available in just about every town.
Staying connected
English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages of New Zealand. English is universal, and is written with Commonwealth ("British") spelling.
The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111.
Many public libraries have public Internet access. Generally there is a charge.