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 of scenic playground 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 of scenic playground 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
20% off selected departures
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.
13 Feb 2025, 18 Mar 2025, 27 Mar 2025, 16 Jul 2025, 15 Aug 2025, 25 Aug 2025, 19 Sep 2025
17 Feb 2026, 22 Mar 2026, 1 Apr 2026, 16 Jul 2026, 31 Aug 2026, 10 Sep 2026
Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
20% off selected departures
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.
1 May 2025, 7 May 2025, 17 May 2025, 21 Nov 2025, 27 Nov 2025, 3 Dec 2025
19 Apr 2026, 25 Apr 2026, 17 May 2026, 23 May 2026, 20 Nov 2026, 26 Nov 2026, 2 Dec 2026, 8 Dec 2026
Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
20% off selected departures
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.
3 Feb 2025, 24 Feb 2025, 8 Mar 2025, 27 Jul 2025, 9 Sep 2025, 13 Sep 2025
29 Jan 2026, 7 Feb 2026, 28 Feb 2026, 12 Mar 2026, 1 Aug 2026, 9 Aug 2026
Grand Pacific Odyssey: A Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea
Join Heritage Expeditions on a true adventure expedition cruising the reef-fringed tropical islands, historic sites and experience forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters cruising Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, guests on Grand Pacific Odyssey (GPO) disembark in Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, or continue on a …
13 Mar 2025
New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition 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 14-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 …
28 Feb 2025
3 Mar 2026
Northern Fiords Explorer: Expedition Cruising Fiordland's Northern Fiords
20% off selected departures
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.
26 Jul 2026
Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
20% off selected departures
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. Rich in natural history, geology and the location of some significant historical firsts and important restoration and …
7 Feb 2025, 12 Mar 2025, 4 Jul 2025, 10 Jul 2025, 9 Aug 2025, 3 Sep 2025
11 Feb 2026, 16 Mar 2026, 4 Jul 2026, 10 Jul 2026, 13 Aug 2026, 19 Aug 2026, 25 Aug 2026, 19 Sep 2026, 25 Sep 2026
The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
20% off selected departures
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.
14 Apr 2025, 22 Apr 2025, 11 Nov 2025
1 May 2026, 9 May 2026, 4 Nov 2026, 12 Nov 2026
Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland
20% off selected departures
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.
22 Jan 2025, 26 Jan 2025, 30 Jan 2025, 28 Feb 2025, 4 Mar 2025, 31 Jul 2025
3 Feb 2026, 8 Mar 2026, 5 Aug 2026
Unseen Fiordland & 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.
27 Dec 2025
Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound: A Walking Cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound
Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds on an unforgettable, intimate 5-day Kiwi walking adventure exploring Queen Charlotte Sound aboard our luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.
13 May 2025, 7 Nov 2025, 9 Dec 2025, 13 Dec 2025
14 Dec 2026
Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
20% off selected departures
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.
1 Oct 2025, 8 Oct 2025, 15 Oct 2025, 22 Oct 2025, 30 Dec 2025
6 Jan 2026, 4 Oct 2026, 11 Oct 2026, 18 Oct 2026