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

Heritage Expeditions helps you get to the most remote places of ineffable beauty with comfort and ease. I just got back from the "Chukotka: where Russia's Day Begins" expedition that included two days at Wrangel Island. For half of the expedition I was pinching myself to make sure that this is actually real. On this …

Maria Stambler

Thanks so much for the trip. Being amongst all those clever, capable people in those fantastic places was completely delicious and I am still smiling from it.

Kim

This was a wonderful trip, an excellent way to see the wildlife of these islands. The trip of a lifetime, or one to repeat. The ship was excellent, and handled well, keeping us all relatively comfortable. The trip was not without some challenges, whether it's getting in and out of the Zodiacs in 'rough seas' …

Steve Thomas

It was truly amazing and I loved every minute of it! The journey, the ship, the places and the activities, the crew and fellow passengers and, of course, the wildlife and remarkable flora were highlights… the whole experience was just magical.

Nicky Snoyink

I can’t find enough words of praise to express the high opinion I have for your staff and organization.

Jill

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

Phil

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

We had a terrific time on this trip. Visiting unique villages, gorgeous snorkelling spots, eating fantastic meals, enjoying the company of our fellow passengers and that of our enthusiastic, helpful and informative staff....being out of range of the internet...wow...what's not to like? It was both wonderfully relaxing and exciting, in a very enjoyable mix.

Lin

After a dreadful year of disruption, this was a much anticipated trip away and I was not disappointed. The experience both on and off the boat was very memorable, and I enjoyed the fellow travellers almost as much as the flora and fauna. Being able to get so close to the Royal Albatrosses on Campbell …

L Tyler