New Zealand

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.

 

READ LESS
VIEW OUR TRIPS

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.

20 May 2023, 30 May 2023, 10 Jul 2023, 20 Jul 2023, 14 Sep 2023, 24 Sep 2023

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.

30 Mar 2023, 5 Apr 2023, 17 Apr 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

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

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 ...

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.

1 Mar 2024

Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure with NZGEO

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

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.

10 May 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...

VIEW SHIP PROFILE

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...

VIEW SHIP PROFILE

07 Feb 2023
True Young Explorer Scholarships Explore. Inspire. Advocate. Final Spaces for 2022/23 True Young Explorer Scholarships This is your last chance...READ MORE
03 Jan 2023
  The recent "Unseen Fiordland, Stewart Island: Exploring New Zealand's Remote Backyard" HA230103 expedition aboard Heritage Adventurer has...READ MORE
14 Nov 2022
The recent "New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Cruise of the New Zealand Coast" HA221114 expedition aboard Heritage Adventurer has conclud...READ MORE
Send Message
Call Us
Receive e-News
Request Brochure