South Pacific
One of the most culturally fascinating regions in the world, Melanesia is a feast for the senses with colorful 'sing sing' performances and magnificent natural wonders...
Show TripsHeritage Expeditions
Ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world’s best-kept secrets.
For more than 40 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 down into the heart of Antarctica the Ross Sea, Japan & SE Asian islands, South Pacific, Australia's Kimberley Coast and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, Fiordland and Stewart Island, and now Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman National Park. 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.
The 25 Best Places to Go in 2025
Condé Nast Traveler features Heritage Expeditions
Heritage Expeditions and our Subantarctic Islands voyages have made influential travel bible Condé Nast Traveler's 'The 25 Best Places to Go in 2025' list. The definitive roll call of the world's must visit-destinations in 2025 includes New Zealand's Subantarctic Antipodes, Bounty, Auckland, Snares, and Campbell Islands, as well as Australia’s Macquarie Island, alongside Heritage Expeditions and our signature Subantarctic Island voyage Birding Down Under.
Second Wave 2026-27 Season Sale
SAVE up to 20% on our 2026-27 Southern sailings!
SAVE up to 20%* across our Southern Programme of voyages exploring coastal New Zealand, Australia and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands (included in Condé Nast Traveler's 'The 25 Best Places to Go in 2025' along with Heritage Expeditions and our Subantarctic voyages), and down into the 'heart of Antarctica' the Ross Sea when you book by 30 April 2025.
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 most …
Australia
Forged by nature and spanning more than 400,000 square kilometres, Australia's world-famous Kimberley Coast features a treasure trove of towering, fractured iron-tinged red cliffs, torrential waterfalls, azure waters, hidden coves and caves, secluded white sand beaches perfect for expedition cruising. Explore magnificent reefs and encounter rare and endangered wildlife; experience indigenous customs, rock art and connections to ancient lands; and …
Japan
With the world's sixth longest coastline, more than 6,800 islands and islets, Japan and its seamless blend of ancient customs, ultramodern living, neon-lit cities, temples, rich culture and wildlife-filled national parks is perfect for exploring by expedition ship. Our Japan cruises offer the ultimate way of both exploring and experiencing the best Japan has to offer as we sail from …
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 outcrops lying, …
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 New …
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 participated in the Galapagos of the Southern Ocean trip, commencing on Dec 9th, 2012. I very much appreciated the opportunity to visit a part of Tasmania that has interested me for a long time, and to step ashore on Macquarie Island was an amazing experience. To be able to experience the vast colonies of …
Alison
Alison
One realises how fortunate one is to have been on an expedition like this only later, I assume. It was simply stunning, wonderful and so much more. The ship - Heritage Adventurer - I loved it! The captain and the crew, the hospitality staff (thanks Israel!) the expedition team (Cheli - Superleader) all wonderful. Warm, …
Mona Syhre
Mona Syhre
I’d go anywhere with you guys and know it would be fascinating, adventurous and that I’d be well taken care of.
Olivia
Olivia
Forgotten or not, my voyage south was quite simply the highlight of my life. I may be back on dry land, but the waves continue to rock me.
Anne-Sophie Page
Anne-Sophie Page
Birding Down Under #1961 was a tremendous experience! The staff and crew were fabulous: we learned so much and always felt that everyone had our safety and enjoyment foremost in their minds.
Being able to go where so few have gone is a great privilege, and we are so grateful to have this opportunity. We …
Tom and Patsy Inglet
Tom and Patsy Inglet
The expedition was just FABULOUS!!!!! Rodney is a terrific leader and very professional in his role, with a real passion for the wilderness. The staff were outstanding, helpful, gregarious and we all thoroughly enjoyed the lectures and the sharing of experiences. Food was excellent! Doctor Amama is a true delight! I hope I have an …
Ngaire
Ngaire
I have just been on your Birding Down Under expedition with my husband and we were blown away by the amount, and diversity, of wildlife we saw. I would like to say what an amazing trip we have had. Your whole crew were just wonderful. Always friendly, helpful and caring. The food onboard was just …
Claire Day
Claire Day
When I read about this trip in the AA Directions Spring 2023 issue I knew immediately that I had to go. And how right I was. Thank you Heritage Expeditions for making a trip like this possible. There was not a moment that I wasn’t fully engaged and soaking up the wonders of the experience. …
Steph Collins
Steph Collins
What a wonderful expedition from beginning to end. I had the best time ever. Loved exploring this remote area with its picturesque landscape ever changeable and dramatic coastlines. The crew where outstanding from Sebastian the wonderful French chef to Sophia the ever helping and friendly assistant. Our guides Andy and Lyn were talented knowing so …
Jude Wood
Jude Wood
My brother Roger (83 1/2 retired Medical Doctor) and I, Brian (82 retired Dental Surgeon) thoroughly enjoyed this amazing adventure. Having previously (in 2005) experienced the Heritage Spirit of Enderby expedition to Kermadec Islands where I dived with Roger Grace, I looked forward to this Southern Ocean trip with enthusiasm.
The whole voyage was absolutely …
Brian L. Peak
Brian L. Peak
