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

This was an awesome experience and the foundations were: An extremely comfortable ship - we wore patches and never felt sea-sick Professional and endlessly helpful staff and crew The passionate and knowledgeable guides who communicated that so well and never lost patience with a continuous stream of questions The Islands and the ocean - it …

Laura Jones

Absolutely delivered all of our expectations and more! My son and I are not dedicated birders but enjoy the challenges and rewards of outdoor life and photography. The sheer quantity of sea life kept us engrossed and entertained all trip. Really pleased with many of our photos including the attached shot of the Bounty Island …

L R Walbridge

I'm back home in the cold and wet with 6.5 hrs. of daylight and a lot of really good memories from the trip. I would like to thank you all for making it such a wonderful trip filled with so many different things to see, the cetaceans were especially good for me.

Graham

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

Margaret

Four historica huts, wildlife (even at your feet), plus amazing scenery around you... what's not to love? I was so impressed by the team's passion and commitment during this truly amazing expedition, it was positively contagious. Their knowledge, skill and patience didn't go unnoticed. Once again, a huge thank you, to all :)

Susan Matthews

Thank you all for your individual and collective contributions to our memorable adventure. We felt extremely well cared for, educated and fed.

Richard

Thank you to all of the team for making this "the trip of a lifetime". Every day was a new adventure shared with staff and passengers from a wide range of backgrounds but a shared interest in exploration and conservation. We feel very privileged to have visited places that most people can only dream of …

Merle and Tony

Wow! What an adventure. The entire experience was fantastic - the scenery, flora, fauna, unique village visits, getting up close and personal with Komodo Dragons - and much, much more. But the real treasures of this expedition cruise were the people. The expedition team who led and guided us; the ship's crew; and the hospitality …

J Sykes

A wonderful trip with a fantastic crew and passengers. It was great to have the knowledge of our Expedition Leader, Linzy and expert Rod Morris and to learn about the history and flora and fauna of this special part of NZ. I particularly want to thank everyone for their support on my unfortunate slip while …

J Barber & A Harvey