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

It was quite simply excellent. Superb great ship, stable for birding, great food, exceptionally well led, some great presentations, fabulous islands with amazing penguin and albatross colonies, and great organisation to get us off the ship and maximise off-ship activities. Quite simply, HE has delivered a fabulous experience. Thank you. And after this experience I …

Mike Hunter

Thank you so much for the log and photos. What a wonderful experience and so good to be able to participate fully although older than most! Simply lovely people, both guests and crew.

Jocelyn Mitchell

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

Thanks to everyone at Heritage for a truly wonderful expedition. The wildlife was wonderful, the company was great, and I don't know how you arranged such perfect weather.

Robin

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

After many years dreaming about visiting Stewart Island, especially getting down to Port Pegasus, I finally made it! Jane & our son Simon, found our trip all we could have possibly hoped for. We were lucky to have struck ideal weather, with more sunshine than rain, and a programme that had us out twice a …

Doug Ashby

Tēnā koe Heritage Expeditions I just wanted to take a moment to offer my sincerest gratitude to you all for the phenomenal experience I had on the recent Subantarctic/Fiordland trip. I am aware we were very lucky with the conditions and the weather, and of course the wildlife, plant-life, landforms, and general scenery were amazing. …

Kelly Dorgan

Thanks for the great pictures, and for a truly wonderful trip around the stunning Dusky Sound. I was particularly interested in the brilliantly explained history of the early conservation efforts in the area and the way this has into the conservation work in the present day. Thanks so much to all the team on the …

T Johnson

I learned so much about the history, fauna and flora of the islands.

Margaret, New Zealand (past expeditioner)