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

Thank you for a glorious experience on this action-packed expedition cruise from Darwin. The care and attention to detail of every member of staff has been humbling. Collectively you are an outstanding lesson to the world in courtesy, consideration and generosity of spirit. God bless Heritage Adventurer and all who sail and work on her!

Raylene Waddell

I was on the Galapagos of the Southern Ocean cruise, leaving 30.12.23. It was an absolute trip of a lifetime - and I fondly look back and share my photos.....to ANYONE who will listen! Truly an unforgettable experience!

J Verhoeven

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

I’ve always been a traveller. I travel with little anticipation but a lot of research. The Kermadecs delivered much enjoyment – other people and learning from them, the physical aspect with the bush and understanding the geological basis for the activity we see. It’s been a great trip.

Martin

Thank you for a wonderful voyage on board Spirit of Enderby. The scenery, the birds, the animals, and the flora of the Forgotten Islands were outstanding. The experience was one not to be missed.

George

It's hard to believe that it is almost a month since we departed Oban on the Heritage Explorer for a memorable expedition into the wilderness of Stewart Island. Our 'Captain' Trent ensured that he found a safe and comfortable anchorage for us each day which enabled us to explore by tender boat and head ashore …

Frank and Joan Byrne

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

I want to say thank you for all you did for us in the lead up to the Macquarie trip. I had the most wonderful time and life on the ship was great. The Russian crew were perfect with the two women in the dining rooms smiling all the way.

Jenny

It was definitely a trip of a lifetime and i really enjoyed the Tamatea area of Aotearoa, the hikes everyday were accessible and kept you busy. I really admire the way Nathan went with the weather and always put safety first it was my first time on a voyage like this and will definitely be …

Cora-Allan Lafaiki Twiss