Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension: The Ultimate Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand, via Papua New Guinea, to Japan

DAYS 25 / SHIP Heritage Adventurer

DEPARTURES 13 Mar 2025

PLACES VISITED Norfolk Island / Papua New Guinea / Vanuatu

PRICES FROM $11,695 USD (More Rates)

Set sail on a true adventure with Heritage Expeditions as we expedition cruise reef-fringed tropical islands, visit historic sites and experience forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters cruising from New Zealand to Japan on the incomparable 25-day Grand Pacific Odyssey.

Crossing both the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, and the Equator, this Pacific island sojourn has been specially designed with cruise enthusiasts and adventurers in mind. Carefully balancing the excitement of visiting remote islands, snorkelling pristine coral reefs, enjoying thrilling cultural exchanges at isolated villages, observing wildlife and Zodiac cruising tropical isles with languorous sea days spent poolside, in the Observation Lounge or whale watching in the bridge with the captain.

This season guests have the option to disembark in Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, or continue on a specially priced extension through to Japan. Highlights during the voyage include exploring former Australian penal colony now UNESCO World Heritage Site Norfolk Island, discovering the French-infused charms of New Caledonia and visiting idyllic islands and isolated villages where unique time-honoured traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome us with unforgettable cultural encounters.

Explore and shop among locals at fascinating marketing and perhaps experience conservation in action at Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue in New Caledonia and Japan's Bonin Islands including the 'Galapagos of the Orient' Chichi-Jima Island, rarely-visited Haha-jima and Tori-shima Islands. While historians will appreciate World War II history, wrecks and relics at Honiara and on Bougainville Island.

Join Heritage Expeditions aboard our luxurious, purpose-built expedition cruise ship Heritage Adventurer as we discover the history, experience the culture and observe the incredible wildlife of these remote and beautiful Pacific islands.

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Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension: The Ultimate Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand, via Papua New Guinea, to Japan

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Day 1: Auckland, New Zealand: Join Heritage Adventurer this afternoon in the heart of New Zealand’s commercial capital, Auckland. The captain and expedition team will be waiting to greet you on arrival and show you to your cabin. You will have time to settle in and familiarise yourself with the ship; we will also take the opportunity to introduce you to your expedition team and our voyage plans. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as we set sail for the Hauraki Gulf.
Day 2: Mokohinau Islands and the Hauraki Gulf: Daybreak will find us in the Mokohinau Islands (known locally as the Mokes), a group of small islands in the Hauraki Gulf. This afternoon Heritage Adventurer sails northwards through the Hauraki Gulf, join the naturalists on deck watching for whales and seabirds as these waters usually have a few cetaceans around including Short-beaked Common Dolphin, Long-finned Pilot Whale and occasionally Bryde’s Whale.
Day 3: At Sea: Today will be spent sailing north to Norfolk Island, an area rich in seabirds. We also have a good chance to see Sperm Whales here. There is time to relax, join the naturalists on deck and enjoy presentations as we prepare for our arrival at Norfolk Island.
Day 4: Norfolk Island, Australia: We have a full day to enjoy Norfolk Island, a former penal colony, which Captain Cook encountered in 1774 and named after the Duchess of Norfolk. This morning we will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful St Barnabas Chapel. This five-year labour-of-love features mother-of-pearl inlays, stained glass windows and a spectacular vaulted timber ceiling. This afternoon discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Kingston, a former brutal outpost for British prisoners and Australia's second oldest settlement, or visit the Norfolk Island Botanical Gardens with its 40 endemic, or unique, species including 15 plant species considered to be critically endangered. For the more active you may wish to walk in the National Park towards Mt Pitt. The tracks wind through lush palm forests and stands of Norfolk Island Pine leading to remarkable views of the island and ocean.
Day 5: At Sea: Continuing our journey northwards, today we arrive in the tropics, sailing across the Tropic of Capricorn and into the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Day 6: Noumea, New Caledonia: This morning we find ourselves sailing along the southern shores of New Caledonia before passing through the extensive barrier reef that surrounds the island and making our way to Noumea. Today we have a full day set aside to explore the history, culture and beauty of New Caledonia. Visit local institution Port Moselle Market, Noumea and rub shoulders with the locals over the astounding range of fresh produce, souvenirs and handcrafts from around the island before continuing to the Maritime Museum for a journey through the history of the islands including their discovery by Captain Cook. A highlight of our day will be our visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Center which introduces the traditional Kanak culture via six architectural pavilions. There may also be an opportunity to visit Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue. This reserve is home to the unique Kagu bird. Enjoy a traditional lunch before spending a relaxing afternoon at the beach and snorkelling.
Day 7: Noumea: This tropical island has been described as a taste of France in the Pacific, where Melanesian traditions blend with French sophistication. New Caledonia is a fragment of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, and it is believed that New Caledonia detached and became an island tens of millions of years ago. It is this isolation which explains both the extent of biodiversity and the incredible levels of endemism on this delightful tropical island. This afternoon enjoy an exploration of Noumea with our local guides. Heritage Adventurer will remain in port overnight so you can enjoy the evening ashore.
Days 8 to 10: At Sea: Enjoy time aboard as we sail through the tropical waters of the South Pacific, relive the experiences of the past days, watch your passage unfold by the pool or in the Observation Lounge and prepare for our arrival to the Solomon Islands.
Day 11: Honiara, Solomon Islands: Our passage early this morning sees us cruising through Iron Bottom Sound, named after the large number of Japanese and American ships and aircraft sunk here during the intense World War II naval battles. Located on the northern coast of Guadacanal, by the Mataniko River, Honiara was founded by the British as a military base during World War II. Honiara was witness to the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, where the Allied forces eventually overcame the Japanese invasion. Options for today include exploring Honiara's bustling central market and visiting historic sites including Henderson Airfield, war memorials and the open-air war museum.
Day 12: At Sea, Solomon Islands: We sail westwards through the Solomon Islands chain today. Because of its remarkable oceanic topography, the result of volcanic activities and bountiful reefs, the Solomons combines incredible tropical seabirds with marine mammal watching. On previous voyages we have regularly seen Kogias including Dwarf Sperm Whale, and even rare Pygmy Sperm Whales. Spinner and Pantropical Spotted Dolphin are the most regularly observed dolphin species and Pygmy Killer Whales are fairly regular. Blainville’s, Cuvier’s and even Longman’s Beaked Whales have all been seen on previous voyages, while flying fish reach some of their highest diversity in this area. There is also the opportunity to discover the rich history and cultures of these islands in the lecture theatre.
Day 13: Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea: Today we discover the treasures of Papua New Guinea's Bougainville Island, long isolated and in a strange way protected due to the conflict which swirled around its shores. Bougainville is emerging once again as a newly vibrant and remarkably pristine island paradise, it is home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region both above and below the water. We plan to explore the area around Arawa, including the Panguna Copper & Gold Mine site – the setting for the movie Mr Pip – with great opportunities to access the island’s interior and its reefs. Enjoy the unique shopping experience under the thatched roof of the Arawa Markets among the hum and chatter of hundreds of locals.
Day 14: At Sea, off the coast of Bougainville: Today we will be sailing between Bougainville and New Ireland. Options include relaxing poolside, joining lectures or joining the expedition team observing the impressive numbers of seabirds and cetaceans known to visit this stretch of ocean. It can be particularly good for Kogias (the Dwarf and Pygmy Sperm Whale), along with the blackfish: False Killer Whale, Pygmy Killer Whale, Short-finned Pilot Whale and Melon-headed Whale.
Day 15: Kavieng: The capital of the Papua New Guinean province of New Ireland and the largest town on the island of the same name, Kavieng is known for its ancient Malagan culture. Those choosing to disembark today say their farewells after breakfast with a transfer to Kavieng Airport. For those continuing we will enjoy a traditional Malagan cultural performance, explore tropical beaches, snorkel abundant coral reefs and visiting Kavieng town and its highlights including the busy local market before we sail northwards.
Days 16 to 20: At Sea: We now have five days at sea as we sail northwards where we can relax and catch up on notes and photos as we celebrate our crossing of the Equator and sail through a blue desert poolside and enjoy lectures from our expedition team.
Day 21: Chichi-jima Island, Japan: We will arrive at the Bonin Islands, the most remote part of Japan with plans to complete customs at the largest of the Bonin Islands, Chichijima. While here there may be time for a short walk on shore to explore the settlement and the surrounding area. The largest of Japan's Bonin Islands, Chichi-jima is considered the 'father island' among an archipelgo rightly described as the 'Galapagos of the Orient' and supported by its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. There may also be an opportunity to see Minami-jima's stone arch and the local Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphin populations.
Day 22: Haha-jima Island: Today we will be returning south to visit the most interesting of the Bonin Islands, biologically speaking, Haha-jima. Known as the ‘mother island’ to Chichi-jima’s ‘father island’ Haha-jima is smaller, more remote and less developed than its neighbour and is known for its outdoor attractions and activities including pristine beaches, impressive snorkelling, jungle treks and cetacean watching with Humpback Whales often seen here in the nearshore waters. Explore the small but busy village centred around Oki Port, take in the grand scale views of Mount Kofuji while historic sites include the former Kita Port and abandoned wartime gun batteries.
Day 23: Tori-shima Island: With its name literally translating to 'bird island' Tori-shima, an uninhabited 453-hectare volcanic islet, is an internationally-protected bird sanctuary and the largest breeding ground for the once thought extinct Short-tailed Albatross. While no landings are possible, we plan to circumnavigate this rocky outpost learning about the incredible conservation story behind this remarkable, endangered bird and the scientific debate surrounding whether it should be considered two species (Torishima-type and Senkaku-type).
Day 24: At Sea: Our final day at sea will see us sailing towards Honshu with opportunities to catch up on the previous days adventures, enjoy life at sea while reflecting on our voyage and attend any final lectures. This evening enjoy special a farewell dinner and make preparations for tomorrow.
Day 25: Osaka: After breakfast and arrival formalities have been completed for Osaka, you will disembark Heritage Adventurer. There will be a complimentary transfer from the ship to Osaka Air Terminal. We ask you not to book any onward flights (Domestic or International) until mid-afternoon to account for any delays and the time it takes to travel to the airports. Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.

Our ship: Heritage Adventurer

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Exploration Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purposebuilt for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration. Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (…

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Pricing

13 Mar 2025

Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension - 13 Mar 2025 to 6 Apr 2025 - Heritage Adventurer

The Ultimate Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand, via Papua New Guinea, to Japan

Auckland → Osaka

Cabin Category	Price Per Person	Description	Availability
Main Deck Triple	$11,695 USD	Main Deck Triple Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.	Available
Superior Triple	$13,150 USD	Superior Triple Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.	Available
Deck 4 Superior	$13,885 USD	Superior Cabins on Deck 4 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.	Available
Deck 5 Superior	$14,995 USD	Superior Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.	Available
Main Deck Single	$16,895 USD	Main Deck Single Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.	Available
Superior Single	$18,295 USD	Superior Single Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.	Available
Worsley Suite	$21,550 USD	Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaise-style lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.	Available
Heritage Suite	$30,000 USD	Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower, large writing desk, floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, free laundry, US$100.00 per person SPA credit, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.	Available

Includes:: Local payment, pre/post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and all expedition shore excursions.
Excludes:: All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.

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Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension: The Ultimate Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand, via Papua New Guinea, to Japan

Send a message to anExpedition Specialist:

Our ship: Heritage Adventurer

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Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension - 13 Mar 2025 to 6 Apr 2025 - Heritage Adventurer

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Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension

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