New Zealand
Overview
With 15,000 kilometres of coastline New Zealand's awe-inspiring fiords, gold sand beaches, hidden coves, tranquil waterways, native forests and marine reserves are perfect for small ship expedition cruising and travel.
Bordering the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand comprises three main islands including the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island with numerous smaller islands and outcrops lying, many of which are havens for rare, endemic wildlife and flora.
Once part of Gondwanaland, New Zealand broke away from the massive super-continent around 85-million years ago New Zealand has a fascinating history from its first Polynesian arrivals through European settlement, early sealing and whaling and world leading conservation efforts.
Places of interest and perfect for expedition cruising, sailing and private charter yachts are the sunken valleys and towering mountains of Fiordland, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound; the crystalline waters and golden beaches and coves of the Bay of Islands; diverse marine life of Hauraki Gulf; the scenic playground of Marlborough Sounds' Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Pelorus Sound; the parks, reserves and famed beaches of Abel Tasman National Parks and Golden Bay; and the iconic wildlife havens of Stewart Island and nearby predator free Ulva Island - your best chance of seeing New Zealand's national icon the Kiwi bird during the day.
Those looking for thrilling expedition travel and wildlife encounters can enjoy observations of dolphin and whale watching, exceptional birding and birdwatching include a number of rare endemic species.
Plan your New Zealand Tour today. Questions or ready to book your New Zealand expedition? Please contact us today or call toll free and speak with a New Zealand Travel Specialist.
Overview
With 15,000 kilometres of coastline New Zealand's awe-inspiring fiords, gold sand beaches, hidden coves, tranquil waterways, native forests and marine reserves are perfect for small ship expedition cruising and travel.
Bordering the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand comprises three main islands including the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island with numerous smaller islands and outcrops lying, many of which are havens for rare, endemic wildlife and flora.
Once part of Gondwanaland, New Zealand broke away from the massive super-continent around 85-million years ago New Zealand has a fascinating history from its first Polynesian arrivals through European settlement, early sealing and whaling and world leading conservation efforts.
Places of interest and perfect for expedition cruising, sailing and private charter yachts are the sunken valleys and towering mountains of Fiordland, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound; the crystalline waters and golden beaches and coves of the Bay of Islands; diverse marine life of Hauraki Gulf; the scenic playground of Marlborough Sounds' Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Pelorus Sound; the parks, reserves and famed beaches of Abel Tasman National Parks and Golden Bay; and the iconic wildlife havens of Stewart Island and nearby predator free Ulva Island - your best chance of seeing New Zealand's national icon the Kiwi bird during the day.
Those looking for thrilling expedition travel and wildlife encounters can enjoy observations of dolphin and whale watching, exceptional birding and birdwatching include a number of rare endemic species.
Plan your New Zealand Tour today. Questions or ready to book your New Zealand expedition? Please contact us today or call toll free and speak with a New Zealand Travel Specialist.
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Further reading
New Zealand Expeditions
All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising, invites you to join us on the ultimate 10-day exploration of New Zealand's remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords of Fiordland.
5 Jan 2024, 15 Feb 2024, 16 Jul 2024, 18 Aug 2024, 28 Aug 2024
Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds on an unforgettable 7-day Kiwi adventure exploring Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d'Urville Island.
21 Nov 2023, 12 Dec 2023
1 May 2024, 7 May 2024, 19 May 2024
Doubtful and Dusky Sounds: Exploring Fiordland's Finest
Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland's iconic Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on an unforgettable 5-day exploration with Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising.
Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland's iconic Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on an unforgettable 5-day exploration with Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising.
20 Jan 2024, 5 Feb 2024, 9 Mar 2024, 21 Mar 2024, 31 Jul 2024, 8 Aug 2024, 12 Sep 2024, 20 Sep 2024
New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Cruise of the New Zealand Coast
Discover the hidden gems of Aotearoa/New Zealand and its three main islands (the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island) on this unforgettable 11-day expedition. From the bright lights of New Zealand's largest city to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, Dunedin's avant garde fashion labels and the adventure playground of ...
16 Nov 2023
Northern Fiords Explorer: Expedition Cruising Fiordland's Northern Fiords
Experience the primordial majesty of Fiordland's Northern Fiords where clouds scud the ragged peaks of glacier-cleaved mountains streaked with waterfalls as we explore Milford Sound and the more remote Bligh, George, Caswell, Nancy, Thompson and Doubtful Sounds, accessible only by expedition ship, on this 7-day authentic expedition cruise.
14 Jan 2024, 25 Jul 2024
Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
Experience the grand scale scenery, untamed wilderness, ice-carved mountains, forests, sounds and unique wildlife of Fiordland's Preservation and Chalky Inlets and Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on this 7-day exploration of the Southern Fiords.
3 Oct 2023, 9 Oct 2023
26 Feb 2024, 3 Mar 2024, 4 Jul 2024, 10 Jul 2024, 12 Aug 2024, 6 Sep 2024, 24 Sep 2024
Southern Fiords Easter Voyage: An Exploration Fiordland's Southern Fiords Over Easter
Experience the grand scale scenery, untamed wilderness, ice-carved mountains, forests, sounds and unique wildlife of Fiordland's Preservation and Chalky Inlets and Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on this 9-day exploration of the Southern Fiords over the Easter break.
25 Mar 2024
The Best of New Zealand: An Intimate Exploration Cruise of New Zealand's Islands
Discover the best of Aotearoa/New Zealand exploring its three main islands (the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island) on this unforgettable 15-day New Zealand cruise. From the ‘World's Coolest Little Capital' (Wellington) to Dunedin's avant garde fashion, the unrestrained beauty of Fiordland and Stewart Island, Art Deco glamour of ...
7 Mar 2024
The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
Explore the hidden coves, beaches, tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of the top of New Zealand's South Island on this unforgettable 9-day adventure expedition cruising Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d'Urville Island, and Abel Tasman National Park.
3 Dec 2023
23 Apr 2024
Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland
Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland on an unforgettable 5-day voyage cruising Acheron Passage,Breaksea and Dusky Sounds with New Zealand'spioneering small ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions.
24 Jan 2024, 28 Jan 2024, 1 Feb 2024, 13 Mar 2024, 17 Mar 2024, 4 Aug 2024, 16 Sep 2024
Unseen Fiordland and Stewart Island: Exploring New Zealand's Remote Backyard
Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura and primordial majesty of Fiordland where clouds scud the ragged peaks of glacier-cleaved mountains streaked with waterfalls only accessible by expedition ship, and the rare opportunity to combine both of these remarkable destinations on one, 6-day voyage.
26 Dec 2023
3 Jan 2025
Unseen Fiordland, Stewart Island and The Snares: Exploring New Zealand's Remote Backyard
Explore New Zealand's remote southern backyard, Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura, Zodiac cruise the rocky, inhospitable coast of The Snares and experience the primordial majesty of Fiordland on this unforgettable 8-day expedition cruise.
1 Mar 2024
Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara with Heritage Expeditions, New Zealand's pioneering small ship expedition cruise company, on this exclusive 8-day voyage aboard our luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.
19 Oct 2023, 2 Nov 2023
5 Oct 2024, 12 Oct 2024, 19 Oct 2024
Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure with Kennedy Warne & NZGEO
Join New Zealand Geographic co-founder and former editor, explorer, marine biologist and celebrated author Kennedy Warne as we discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara on this exclusive 8-day New Zealand Geographic partner voyage.
26 Oct 2023
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...
Our ship: Heritage Explorer
New Zealand-built expedition yacht Heritage Explorer joins Heritage Expedition's small ship fleet creating new opportunities of discovery around the shores of New Zealand. Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience with a maximum of just 18 guests on board.
Heritage Explore...
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New Zealand
24 Aug 2023
True Young Explorer Scholarships
Explore. Inspire. Advocate.
Applications are open for 2023-24 True Young Explorer ScholarshipsThis is your cha...READ MORE
06 Aug 2023
Guest spirits were soaring on our Southern Fiords Discovery voyage following an unforgettable day in the company of 6 different species of Albatr...READ MORE
26 Jul 2023
Guests aboard Heritage Expeditions' Southern Fiords Discovery voyage made an exciting contribution to citizen science identifying two Hu...READ MORE
