Russian Far East
One of the least visited wilderness areas on the planet! From rambling polar bear cubs and pods of whales to cliffs abounding with seabirds...
Show TripsHeritage Expeditions
Ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world’s best-kept secrets.
For more than 35 years, Heritage Expeditions has pioneered conservation-driven small ship expedition cruises to some of the most wild, least-explored and biologically rich regions on the planet including Antarctica, Russia's Far East, South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, Fiordland and Stewart Island, and now Marlborough Sounds, Abel Tasman, Bay of Islands and the Hauraki Gulf. Whether you’re a birder, photographer, wildlife enthusiast, conservationist, or simply an adventurous spirit, these expeditions offer an unparalleled travel experience. We look forward to welcoming you aboard! For a complete list of upcoming voyages, please view our Expedition Calendar.
Introducing Heritage Explorer
Our new 18-guest expedition yacht
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, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience with a maximum of just 18 guests on board.
Inspired by the Vega Expedition
In the Footsteps of Nordenskiöld
Our new 19-day, history- and geography-focussed expedition has been created in conjunction with our Russian history experts and will explore some of the least known and seldom visited shores on the planet as it retraces the remarkable history of the first ever transit of the Northern Sea Route. Experience numerous wildlife encounters with Polar Bears, walrus, whales and rich birdlife.
Captain’s Log & Ship Locator
Follow our latest expedition and enjoy regular updates directly from our ship through our Captain's Log. Pinpoint our vessel's current location and track our voyage in real time with our Ship Locator.
Antarctica
Sometimes referred to as ‘the heart of Antarctica’, the Ross Sea region is the last great unspoiled part of the world’s oceans. To date there has only been minimal exploitation, and to enter this region of Antarctica is a privilege, with only a few hundred people able to visit each year. The East Antarctic coastline is some of the ...
New Zealand
With 15,000 kilometres of coastline New Zealand's awe-inspiring fiords, gold sand beaches, hidden coves, tranquil waterways, native forests and marine reserves are perfect for small ship expedition cruising and travel. Bordering the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand comprises three main islands including the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island with numerous smaller islands and ...
Russian Far East
At Heritage Expeditions we have had a long association with the Russian Far East. Since 1993 when we began chartering our ship from this region, we listened to our crew’s accounts of the magnificent wildlife and wilderness so eight years ago decided to see the Far East of Russia for ourselves. The stories were true! The Russian Far East ...
South Pacific
The South Pacific islands known as Melanesia lie to the north and east of Australia. Together the three independent nations and two dependant colonies form one of the most culturally complex regions in the world, with some 1,293 languages spoken across the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and New Guinea. It is also a region of great antiquity with ...
Subantarctic Islands
The Subantarctic Islands are tiny havens for some of the most abundant and unique wildlife on the planet. They lie in the cool temperate or Subantarctic Zone to the south and east of New Zealand in the great southern ocean that encircles Antarctica. This is a windswept and at times forbidding swath of sea, surprising in its fecundity. The Subantarctic ...
I very much enjoyed the cruise and many pleasant memories - not to mention several hundred photos!
Nigel
Nigel
I am just writing to you to say “Thank You” to Heritage Expeditions & The Press for running the “Nature’s Great Photography Competition”. I had an amazing time exploring the sub Antarctic islands with Heritage Expeditions.
What was unknown to me at the time of winning this competition was that my wife’s Great grandfather ...
Chris
Chris
Initially I thought I was on a journey to see some of the most hard to see species of birds in the world. I was mistaken. Along with the world class birding was the absolute grandeur of the subantarctics and the warmth and camaraderie that the Heritage team which made this a truly special experience.
Anonymous
Anonymous
“we have soared with the albatross, gamboled with the dolphins and felt what it takes to live in the Southern Ocean”.
Steve, USA (past expeditioner)
Steve, USA (past expeditioner)
The visits to the islands were very special and will not be forgotten easily. Just seeing some of the megaherbs in flower and bird colonies made for magical moments, now relived by hundreds of photos. The Russian crew were very friendly, polite, efficient and helpful when asked. The Expedition team were great and showed complete ...
Graham
Graham
Please pass on a big thank you from us to Nathan and the wonderful young team he has working with him. What a great experience it was. We hit some very rough weather and they were tremendous throughout. I would like to especially thank the kitchen staff who gave us fantastic meals. Under those conditions ...
Alana & Greg Dare
Alana & Greg Dare
The Melanesia voyage this year was a delight. Much better, and I don't mean that in a bad way at all, than I expected. I'd been on a couple of the sister ships and couldn't picture them in the tropics, but the SOE did great. The truly expert expedition team made a ...
Mark
Mark
Better than we ever expected! Birds, bears, whales and walrus galore and the most amazing scenery. Participating in the search for the spoon billed sandpiper was a special privilege. Thanks to Rod and the team.
John & Anne
John & Anne
Besides the privilege of the wildlife we had on view, especially all those birds! The people - staff and fellow passengers ‘made' this trip. Thanks again to Heritage Expedition staff for their energy, competence and knowledge they shared with us. Judd is a brilliant leader and was very well supported by our competent guides. On this ...
Annette Hatten
Annette Hatten
Met Tech..
Thanks very much for the support I needed to get my work done. It was brilliant.
Alan.
Alan Lorking
Alan Lorking
