Grand Pacific Odyssey GPO:

A Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea

Grand Pacific Odyssey GPO: A Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea

DAYS 15 / SHIP Heritage Adventurer

DEPARTURES 13 Mar 2025

PLACES VISITED Norfolk Island / Solomon Islands / Papua New Guinea / Vanuatu

PRICES FROM $9,995 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 Papua New Guinea via Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, Solomon Island and Papua New Guinea.

Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, 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.

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, while historians will appreciate World War II history, wrecks and relics at Honiara and on Bougainville Island.

Your voyage ends in Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, or continue on our specially-priced extension sailing northward all the way to Japan.

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.

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 Papua New Guinea via Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, Solomon Island and Papua New Guinea.

Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, 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.

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, while historians will appreciate World War II history, wrecks and relics at Honiara and on Bougainville Island.

Your voyage ends in Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, or continue on our specially-priced extension sailing northward all the way to Japan.

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 GPO: A Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea
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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 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. After breakfast, say your farewell and take a transfer to Kavieng Airport, or continue on a specially-priced extension through to Japan. 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 airport. 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 Expedition Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose-built 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 GPO - 13 Mar 2025 to 27 Mar 2025 - Heritage Adventurer

A Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea

Auckland → Osaka

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Main Deck Triple image Main Deck Triple $9,995 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 image Superior Triple $11,150 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 image Deck 4 Superior $11,885 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 image Deck 5 Superior $12,795 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 image Main Deck Single $14,495 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 image Superior Single $15,695 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 image Worsley Suite $18,350 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 image Heritage Suite $26,000 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.

Trip Reports

Looking for a taste of what you can expect on our expeditions or want to relive your voyage? Our Trip Reports offer a detailed, day-by-day account of all of our previous expeditions tracking the voyage route and highlighting the numerous wildlife and cultural encounters experienced along the way.

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Grand Pacific Odyssey GPO

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