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.
10 Jul 2023, 20 Jul 2023, 14 Sep 2023, 24 Sep 2023
Bay of Islands Explorer: Expedition Cruising the Bay of Islands
Explore the famed islands, crystal clear waters and intriguing coastlines of the Bay of Islands as we delve into the region's early New Zealand history and island conservation efforts on this incredible, 4-day island-hopping expedition.
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.
5 Apr 2023, 17 Apr 2023, 27 Nov 2023, 18 Dec 2023
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.
26 Jun 2023, 17 Aug 2023
Great Barrier Island Explorer: Expedition Cruising the Hauraki Gulf and Great Barrier Island
Explore New Zealand's world-famous Great Barrier Island, Auckland's subtropical wonderland, conservation park and haven for endangered species on this 5-day expedition of "The Barrier" as it's known to the locals.
4 Mar 2023
Islands of the Hauraki Gulf: Expedition Cruising the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands
Explore the famed islands and coastlines of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and Bay of Islands as we delve into the region's early New Zealand history, visit island sanctuaries where native wildlife flourishes, and learn about the region's conservation success stories and on going efforts on this 8-day expedition of ...
19 Feb 2023, 12 Mar 2023
Islands of the Hauraki Gulf: Hauraki Gulf & Bay of Islands with Richard Griffiths & NZGEO
Join Island Conservation's Richard Griffiths and learn about his inspiring, world-leading work creating island sanctuaries for wilderness and wildlife facing extinction on this exclusive 8-day New Zealand Geographic partner voyage.
12 Feb 2023
Islands of the Hauraki Gulf and The Coromandel: Expedition Cruising the Hauraki Gulf and the Coromandel
Discover the famed islands and coastlines of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park including Great Barrier Island and pristine natural beauty, gold sand beaches and misty rainforests of New Zealand's subtropical playground The Coromandel. Explore island sanctuaries where native wildlife flourishes, and learn about the region's conservation success stories and ongoing ...
26 Feb 2023, 19 Mar 2023
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.
8 Jun 2023, 20 Jun 2023, 4 Aug 2023, 10 Aug 2023, 8 Sep 2023, 3 Oct 2023
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 ...
6 Mar 2023
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
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
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.
28 Feb 2023
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.
26 Oct 2023, 2 Nov 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
03 Jan 2023
The recent "Unseen Fiordland, Stewart Island: Exploring New Zealand's Remote Backyard" HA230103 expedition aboard Heritage Adventurer has...READ MORE
03 Oct 2022
True Young Explorer Scholarships
Explore. Inspire. Advocate.
Applications are open for 2022/23 True Young Explorer Scholarships This is your ch...READ MORE
02 Feb 2022
Pioneering small ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions is excited to announce two new voyages exploring the intricate coastlines ...READ MORE
