About Heritage Expeditions

Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1984, as a way of increasing awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. Founded by Rodney and Shirley Russ, Rodney was a biologist working for the New Zealand Wildlife Service. Through his work with Kakapo, Chatham Island Black Robin and other endangered species he appreciated that rather than locking wilderness areas away, it was important to share them with people so that they might become 'ambassadors' advocating and supporting conservation efforts. He has long held the view that conservation and responsible travel are partners, that together can achieve what might otherwise be unachievable.

From those small beginnings Heritage Expeditions, which is still family-owned and run, now by Rodney and Shirley's sons Aaron and Nathan Russ, operates its own ships – 140-guest expedition ship Heritage Adventurer and 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer on expedition cruises into the 'heart of Antarctica' the Ross Sea, the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia, around the islands of Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Philippines, Australia's iconic Kimberley Coast and coastal New Zealand and Fiordland, Stewart Island and Marlborough Sounds. Each authentic, small-ship expedition cruise is meticulously planned and led ensuring expeditioners maximise every opportunity they have to learn and experience as much as possible about the region, while at the same time minimising the impact of their visit.

Today Heritage Expeditions works from modern purpose-built offices in Christchurch, New Zealand. When booking with us you benefit from the enormous wealth of experience, knowledge and passion of our team for the destinations we visit.

Our Ships

Heritage Expeditions luxurious 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer and 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer are renowned for their strength and manoeuvrability – perfect for exploring the world's most remote coasts and shorelines.

Responsible Travel Policy

Travelling with Heritage Expeditions is to travel responsibly. As biologists and ornithologists, we are intimately aware of the many issues that confront animals and their habitats, the world's oceans and isolated ethnic groups.

Expedition Staff

Heritage Expeditions' has assembled a world-renowned team naturalists, botanists, historians and experts to interpret the natural and human history discovered during each voyage, as well as hosting regular lectures, ensuring guests maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible during their voyage.

Office Staff

Responsible for taking your bookings, logistics, making sure everything runs smoothly and more, our outstanding office team are based at Heritage Expeditions' HQ in Christchurch, New Zealand. Contact them to benefit from their wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for the places we go and expeditions we offer.

Where We Go

May I say that I was very impressed by the professionalism and organisation of your company and the quality of the brochure and the information contained within it.

Sergio

Seeing and photographing the Kermadec storm petrel did it for me. It’s unique to the Kermies and the only place you can see it is here – that was the whole idea of this venture!

Steve

Since I had such a wonderful experience traveling with Heritage Expeditions on their 2014 Birding Down Under-Sub Antarctic Islands trip I decided to take another adventure with them, this time to Russia's Far East, Sea Of Okhotsk (2016). In addition to all the incredible wildlife we saw (Ribbon seals, brown bears, millions of auklets and …

M. Dudley

We all have dreams, most never see the light of realisation. It was on this voyage that I was to feel the excitement of fulfillment of my life long dream to see the birds of this long forgotten part of the world.

Anonymous

I’ve got 12 new ticks on my New Zealand bird list!

Phil

The trip of a lifetime! Great staff, excellent meals and good company with everything so well organised. A competent skipper who sought out the best moorings and allowed us on the bridge. Enthusiastic and informative guides and most impressive to see how they all worked together. The engineer could turn his hand to any task …

J

Beautiful ship, Fantastic crew, Amazing Food, Unique scenery and you have no control over the weather, but it really doesn't matter. A memory to cherish. Thank you.

H Birch

Andrew and I thoroughly enjoyed our adventure. The trip exceeded our expectations and was a great introduction to NZ. We sailed at the start of our NZ holiday and are working our way north. Glenda and Mat were excellent sharing their knowledge and passion for the flora and fauna and giving us some great evening …

B Wedderburn

The wildlife we saw will stay in my memories forever.

Fiona