Heritage Expeditions – New Zealand
New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast
Discover the hidden gems of Aotearoa/New Zealand and its three main islands (the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island) on this unforgettable 12-day expedition. From the bright lights of New Zealand’s largest city to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, Dunedin’s avant-garde fashion labels and the adventure playground of Queenstown, this is the ultimate Kiwi adventure to experience it all.
New Zealand has a fascinating natural and cultural history from its first Polynesian arrivals through European settlement, early sealing and whaling and world-leading conservation efforts. Highlights include the sunken valleys and towering mountains of Fiordland’s Doubtful and Dusky Sounds; the volcanoes, hot springs and geysers of Rotorua; the ‘World’s Coolest Little Capital’ (Wellington); the scenic playground of the Marlborough Sounds; the Scottish city of Dunedin; the iconic wildlife havens of Stewart Island and nearby predator-free Ulva Island; the French-infused village of Akaroa; and the City of Sails, Auckland.
| Date | Cruise | Days | Superior Deck 4 | Superior Deck 5 | Worsley Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Nov 26 *New* | Heritage Adventurer: New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast: Auckland to Queenstown Click here for more details | 13 | Standard $13310 Your Price $9115 | Standard $14085 Your Price $9626 | Standard $18080 Your Price $12263 |
| Itinerary: | Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, Day at Sea, Marlborough, Wellington, Akaroa, Dunedin, Stewart Island, Fiordland (overnight), Bluff, Queenstown. | ||||
Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds on an unforgettable 7-day Kiwi adventure exploring Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d’Urville Island.
Famed for the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines these regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country’s most important conservation efforts.
Formed by a system of submerged valleys carved out following the last ice age around 10,000 years ago, the scenic playground of Marlborough Sounds encompasses some 1,500-kilometres of forested coastline, sheltered inlets and bays awaiting exploration, many only accessible by sea. The union of three main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds – Marlborough Sounds has more than 50 Department of Conservation managed reserves and several predator-free wildlife sanctuaries.
| Date | Cruise | Days | Salvins Double | Wandering Single | Royal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Apr, 25 Apr, 17 May, 23 May, 20 Nov, 26 Nov, 02 Dec, 08 Dec 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds Click here for more details | 7 | Standard $6275 Your Price $4142 | Standard $6610 Your Price $4363 | Standard $7765 Your Price $5125 |
| Itinerary: | Blenheim, Queen Charlotte Sound (Overnight), d'Urville Island, Pelorus Sound (overnight), Blenheim. | ||||
Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland’s Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland’s iconic Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on an unforgettable 5-day exploration with Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising (note our Jan 29 departure is 6 days with an additional day exploring Dusky Sound). Established in 1952, New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is now over 1.2 million hectares in size and rightly famous for its epic, grand-scale scenery, untamed wilderness and unique wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals. However, Fiordland is also rich in natural history, geology and the location of some historical firsts and important restoration and conservation projects.
Only accessible by sea, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds are among the most isolated areas on New Zealand’s mainland ensuring their pristine, epic beauty remains unspoiled and their historic sites undisturbed. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. Discover the calm waters of Fiordland in solitude and explore some of its most unique and wild parts on this bucket list voyage.
| Date | Cruise | Days | Salvins Double | Wandering Single | Royal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Jan 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds Click here for more details | 5 | N/A | Standard $6445 Your Price $5672 | N/A |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau/Doubtful Sound, Doubtful & Breaksea Sounds, Breaksea Sound & Acheron Passage, Dusky Sound (overnight), Helicopter Transfer to Te Anau. | ||||
| 07 Feb 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds Click here for more details | 5 | Standard $5130 Your Price $4514 | N/A | N/A |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau/Doubtful Sound, Doubtful & Breaksea Sounds, Breaksea Sound & Acheron Passage, Dusky Sound (overnight), Helicopter transfer to Te Anau. | ||||
| 28 Feb, 12 Mar 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds Click here for more details | 5 | N/A | Standard $5375 Your Price $4730 | N/A |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau/Doubtful Sound, Doubtful & Breaksea Sounds, Breaksea Sound & Acheron Passage, Dusky Sound (overnight), Helicopter transfer to Te Anau. | ||||
| 01 Aug, 09 Aug 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds Click here for more details | 5 | Standard $5130 Your Price $3386 | Standard $5375 Your Price $3548 | Standard $6225 Your Price $4109 |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau/Doubtful Sound, Doubtful & Breaksea Sounds, Breaksea Sound & Acheron Passage, Dusky Sound (overnight), Helicopter transfer to Te Anau. | ||||
Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland’s Southern Fiords
Experience the grand scale scenery, untamed wilderness, ice-carved mountains, forests, sounds and unique wildlife of Fiordland’s Preservation and Chalky Inlets and Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on this 7-day exploration of the Southern Fiords. Rich in natural history, geology and the location of some significant historical firsts and important restoration and conservation projects, it is easy to see why this incredible region inspired our dream for responsible travel.
Fiordland’s Southern Fiords are only accessible by sea, making them some of the most remote areas of New Zealand’s mainland. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. A rugged terrain, the thickly forested floors are covered with ferns, lichens and mosses while the calm waters are home to Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals.
| Date | Cruise | Days | Salvins Double | Wandering Single | Royal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04 Jul, 10 Jul, 19 Aug, 19 Sep 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords: Click here for more details | 7 | Standard $7095 Your Price $4683 | Standard $7450 Your Price $4917 | Standard $8665 Your Price $5719 |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau, Helicopter transfer to Preservation Inlet (overnight), Chalky Inlet, Dusky Sound, Breaksea & Doubtful Sounds (overnight), Te Anau. | ||||
| 13 Aug, 19 Aug, 25 Sep 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords Click here for more details | 7 | Standard $7095 Your Price $4683 | Standard $7450 Your Price $4917 | Standard $8665 Your Price $5719 |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau, Doubtful Sound, Breaksea, Dusky Sound (overnight), Chalky Inlet, Preservation Inlet (overnight), Helicopter transfer to Te Anau. | ||||
The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
Explore the hidden coves, beaches, tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of the top of New Zealand’s South Island on this unforgettable 9-day expedition cruise. This unique voyage of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d’Urville Island, and Abel Tasman National Park offers an unparalleled exploration of the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife, gold sand beaches and remote coastlines. These regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country’s most important conservation efforts.
Formed by a system of submerged valleys carved out following the last ice age around 10,000 years ago, the scenic playground of Marlborough Sounds encompasses some 1,500-kilometres of forested coastline, sheltered inlets and bays awaiting exploration, many only accessible by sea. The union of three main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds – Marlborough Sounds has more than 50 Department of Conservation managed reserves and several predator-free wildlife sanctuaries.
| Date | Cruise | Days | Salvins Double | Wandering Single | Royal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 May, 04 Nov 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds Click here for more details | 9 | Standard $8085 Your Price $5336 | Standard $8495 Your Price $5607 | Standard $9995 Your Price $6597 |
| Itinerary: | Blenheim, Queen Charlotte Sound (overnight), Pelorus Sound (overnight), d'Urville Island (overnight), Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson. | ||||
| 09 May, 12 Nov 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds Click here for more details | 9 | Standard $8085 Your Price $5336 | Standard $8495 Your Price $5607 | Standard $9995 Your Price $6597 |
| Itinerary: | Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, d'Urville Island (overnight), Pelorus Sound, Queen Charlotte Sound (overnight), Blenheim. | ||||
Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland
Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland on an unforgettable voyage cruising Acheron Passage, Breaksea and Dusky Sounds with New Zealand’s pioneering small ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions.
Starting and concluding with a thrilling, scenic helicopter flight between Te Anau and Supper Cove, our 5-day voyage sees us exploring the sheltered waters, hidden coves, islands and astounding scenery of World Heritage Area Dusky Sound, one of Fiordland’s largest fiords some 40-kilometres long and studded with more than 350 islands. Only accessible by sea, Dusky Sound is among the most isolated areas on New Zealand’s mainland. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. However, it is this isolation that has ensured the pristine, epic beauty remains unspoiled and historic sites undisturbed.
| Date | Cruise | Days | Salvins Double | Wandering Single | Royal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03 Feb, 08 Mar 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland Click here for more details | 5 | Standard $5395 Your Price $4748 | Standard $5645 Your Price $4968 | Standard $6495 Your Price $5716 |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau, Helicopter transfer to Supper Cove, Dusky Sound (overnight), Breaksea Sound & Acheron Passage, Supper Cove, Helicopter transfer to Te Anau | ||||
| 05 Aug 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland Click here for more details | 5 | Standard $5395 Your Price $3561 | Standard $5645 Your Price $3726 | Standard $6495 Your Price $4287 |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau, Helicopter transfer to Supper Cove, Dusky Sound (overnight), Breaksea Sound & Acheron Passage, Supper Cove, Helicopter transfer to Te Anau | ||||
Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound: A Walking Cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound
Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds on an unforgettable, intimate 5-day Kiwi walking adventure exploring Queen Charlotte Sound aboard our luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer. Specially designed for more active travellers looking to explore these remote waterways, coves and coastlines only accessible by sea, this voyage gives walking and hiking enthusiasts the opportunity to trek sections of the iconic Queen Charlotte Walkway, discover the rich whaling history of Perano, and experience thrilling island explorations of renowned conservation success stories Motuara and Blumine Islands, the latter also featuring WWII military ruins.
In addition to excellent opportunities to explore one of New Zealand’s wildest, most remote and beautiful destinations by foot, your adventure includes daily Zodiac cruises, opportunities to explore by kayak and, for avid fishers, the chance to try your luck fishing. Formed by a system of submerged valleys carved out following the last ice age around 10,000 years ago, the scenic playground of Marlborough Sounds encompasses some 1,500-kilometres of forested coastline, sheltered inlets and bays awaiting exploration, many only accessible by sea. The union of three main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds – Marlborough Sounds has more than 50 Department of Conservation managed reserves including several predator-free wildlife sanctuaries.
| Date | Cruise | Days | Salvins Double | Wandering Single | Royal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Dec 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound: A Walking Cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound Click here for more details | 5 | Standard $4475 Your Price $2954 | Standard $4720 Your Price $3115 | Standard $5560 Your Price $3670 |
| Itinerary: | Blenheim, Ship Cove & Tory Channel, Queen Charlotte Walkway, Motuara & Blumine Islands, Blenheim. | ||||
All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising, invites you to join us on the ultimate 10-day exploration of New Zealand’s world famous remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords of Fiordland. This treasured natural wonderland, its wildlife, conservation and history inspired our dream for responsible travel.
The majority of Fiordland’s sounds are only accessible by sea, making them among the most remote areas of New Zealand’s mainland ensuring their epic beauty remains unspoiled and historic sites undisturbed. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. Join us as we sail the calm waters of Fiordland in solitude exploring some of the most unique and wild parts of Fiordland on this unforgettable adventure.
| Date | Cruise | Days | Salvins Double | Wandering Sinle | Royal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Mar 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience Click here for more details | 10 | Standard $9135 Your Price $8039 | Standard $9595 Your Price $8444 | Standard $12335 Your Price $10855 |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau, helicopter transfer, Preservation Inlet, Chalky Inlet, Dusky Sound, Acheron Passage, Breaksea Sound, Charles & Caswell Sounds, George Sound, Milford Sound, Te Anau. | ||||
| 01 Apr 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience Click here for more details | 10 | Standard $9135 Your Price $8039 | Standard $9595 Your Price $8444 | Standard $12335 Your Price $10855 |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau, Milford Sound, George Sound, Charles & Caswell Sounds, Doubtful Sound, Archeron Passage, Breaksea Sound, Dusky Sound, Chalky Inlet, Preservation Inlet, Helicopter transfer to Te Anau. | ||||
| 16 Jul, 31 Aug 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience Click here for more details | 10 | Standard $9135 Your Price $6029 | Standard $9595 Your Price $6333 | Standard $12335 Your Price $8141 |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau, helipcopter transfer to Preservation Inlet, Chalky Inlet, Dusky Sound, Acheron Passage, Breaksea Sound, Charles & Caswell Sounds, George Sound, Milford Sound, Te Anau. | ||||
| 10 Sep 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience Click here for more details | 10 | Standard $9135 Your Price $6029 | Standard $9595 Your Price $6333 | Standard $12335 Your Price $8141 |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau, Milford Sound, George Sound, Charles & Caswell Sounds, Doubtful Sound, Archeron Passage, Breaksea Sound, Dusky Sound, Chalky Inlet, Preservation Inlet, Helicopter transfer to Te Anau. | ||||
Northern Fiords Explorer: Expedition Cruising Fiordland’s Northern Fiords
Experience the primordial majesty of Fiordland’s Northern Fiords where clouds scud the ragged peaks of glacier-cleaved mountains streaked with waterfalls as we explore Milford Sound and the more remote Bligh, George, Caswell, Nancy, Thompson and Doubtful Sounds, accessible only by expedition ship, on this 7-day voyage aboard 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.
Established in 1952, Fiordland National Park is now over 1.2 million hectares in size and rightly famous for its epic, grand-scale scenery, untamed wilderness and unique wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals. However, Fiordland is also rich in natural history, geology and the location of some historical firsts and important restoration and conservation projects. As we explore these remote ice-carved mountains, verdant rainforests and winding fiords it is easy to see how this incredible region inspired our dream for responsible travel.
| Date | Cruise | Days | Salvins Double | Wandering Single | Royal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Jul 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Northern Fiords Explorer: Expedition Cruising Fiordland's Northern Fiords Click here for more details | 7 | Standard $6830 Your Price $4508 | Standard $7185 Your Price $4742 | Standard $8390 Your Price $5537 |
| Itinerary: | Te Anau, Milford Sound, Bligh Sound, George Sound, Caswell Sound, Charles & Nancy Sounds, Thompson & Doubtful Sounds, Te Anau | ||||
Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara with Heritage Expeditions, New Zealand’s pioneering small ship expedition cruise company, on this exclusive 8-day voyage aboard our luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.
Just 30-kilometres from the Mainland and with more than 85% of the island dedicated National Park, New Zealand’s third island combines stunning landscapes spanning towering granite cliffs to unspoiled native forests, 700-kilometres of coastline, beaches, hidden bays and coves, with abundant wildlife, numerous conservation success stories, rich history, epic sunrises and sunsets and the rightly famous hospitality of the friendly locals.
| Date | Cruise | Days | Salvins Double | Wandering Single | Royal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Dec 25, 06 Jan, 04 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct 26 *New* | Heritage Explorer: Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure Click here for more details | 8 | Standard $7660 Your Price $6741 | Standard $8060 Your Price $7093 | Standard $9440 Your Price $8307 |
| Itinerary: | Invercargill, charter flight to Oban, Paterson Inlet, Port Adventure, Port Pegasus, Lords River, Oban, Charter flight to Invercargill. | ||||
Heritage Explorer
New Zealand-built expedition yacht Heritage Explorer joins Heritage Expedition’s small ship fleet creating new opportunities of discovery around the shores of New Zealand. Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience with a maximum of just 18 guests on board.
Heritage Explorer is a 30-metre, 4-deck New Zealand flagged vessel built in 2004 by the renowned wooden boat building family Carey’s Boatyard in Picton. It features a contemporary wood-finished interior, 10 well-appointed cabins across three decks, dining room boasting spectacular 180-degree panoramas and theatre capabilities; lounge and bar featuring a flight of inclusive regional New Zealand wines and beers; and a well-stocked local library.
Outside, guests can enjoy plenty of covered space on the Bridge Deck, perfect for wildlife spotting, sunrises and sunsets, or simply enjoying watch your voyage unfold. Kayaks and fishing equipment are available for use during the voyage, while two tenders allow for deeper exploration and the unforgettable wildlife encounters synonymous with all Heritage Expeditions adventures.
As with our other vessels, Heritage Explorer has an open bridge policy and a full commercial kitchen helmed by a talented chef focused on highlighting local produce and any guest catches of the day, as well as an enthusiastic and passionate expedition team, and will be shipped by a New Zealand captain and crew.
Royal: Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck.
Accommodation Details:
Salvin’s: Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s cabins have the option of either a double bed or two lower berths. Both feature ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, private en suite and a picture porthole.
Wandering: Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, private en suite and a porthole.
Royal: Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck.
Price Includes:
Landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights (if applicable) and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.
Single & Triple Supplement cabins available-Contact us for pricing
Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars and include all port charges and taxes and are subject to limited availability.
These are based on lead available staterooms at time of publication.
A booking fee of $100 per person will apply.
Eligibility: Travel Industry Club members
Please Note: Prices are an indication only, subject to availability, eligibility and change without notice. Terms and conditions apply to upgrades.
