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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unseen Fiordland & Stewart Island: Exploring New Zealand’s Remote Backyard
Join Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising, as we explore New Zealand’s remote southern backyard on this special voyage. Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife rich Stewart and Ulva Islands before exploring the primordial majesty of Fiordland where clouds scud ragged peaks of glacier-cleaved mountains only accessible by expedition ship, and the rare opportunity to combine these iconic destinations on one voyage.
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.




