Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
20% off selected departures
DAYS 8 / SHIP Heritage Explorer
DEPARTURES 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
PLACES VISITED
PRICES FROM $4,695 $3,756 USD (More Rates)
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.
Described by botanist Leonard Cockayne in 1909 as being “an actual piece of the primaeval world”, his comment on Stewart Island still rings true today. Just 30-kilometres from the Mainland and with more than 85% of the island dedicated National Park, New Zealand’s third island combines stunning landscapes spanning towering granite cliffs to unspoiled native forests, 700-kilometres of coastline, beaches, hidden bays and coves, with abundant wildlife, numerous conservation success stories, rich history, epic sunrises and sunsets and the rightly famous hospitality of the friendly locals.
And with its Māori name, Rakiura, translating to ‘glowing skies’, there’s also the opportunity to experience the spectacular Aurora Australis which often puts on a mesmerising show as it paints the southern skies.
With only 25-kilometres of road, Stewart Island and its remote, hard to reach shores and historic spots are best explored by sea including nearby predator-free Ulva Island – your best chance of seeing New Zealand’s national icon the Kiwi bird during the day along with Stewart Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, South Island Kākā, Kererū (wood pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird and Tūī.
Discover quirky town centre Oban in Halfmoon Bay where a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the iconic South Sea Hotel, historic Paterson Inlet, Port Pegasus and more as we experience Unseen Stewart and Ulva Islands on this unforgettable 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.
Described by botanist Leonard Cockayne in 1909 as being “an actual piece of the primaeval world”, his comment on Stewart Island still rings true today. Just 30-kilometres from the Mainland and with more than 85% of the island dedicated National Park, New Zealand’s third island combines stunning landscapes spanning towering granite cliffs to unspoiled native forests, 700-kilometres of coastline, beaches, hidden bays and coves, with abundant wildlife, numerous conservation success stories, rich history, epic sunrises and sunsets and the rightly famous hospitality of the friendly locals.
And with its Māori name, Rakiura, translating to ‘glowing skies’, there’s also the opportunity to experience the spectacular Aurora Australis which often puts on a mesmerising show as it paints the southern skies.
With only 25-kilometres of road, Stewart Island and its remote, hard to reach shores and historic spots are best explored by sea including nearby predator-free Ulva Island – your best chance of seeing New Zealand’s national icon the Kiwi bird during the day along with Stewart Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, South Island Kākā, Kererū (wood pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird and Tūī.
Discover quirky town centre Oban in Halfmoon Bay where a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the iconic South Sea Hotel, historic Paterson Inlet, Port Pegasus and more as we experience Unseen Stewart and Ulva Islands on this unforgettable adventure.
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Expedition Specialist:
ITINERARY
Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
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 Explorer …
Pricing
Unseen Stewart Island - 1 Oct 2025 to 8 Oct 2025 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Buller's | $4,475 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
Salvin's Twin | $4,995 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
Salvin's Double | $4,995 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
Wandering | $5,245 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
Royal | $6,135 USD | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.
Unseen Stewart Island - 8 Oct 2025 to 15 Oct 2025 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | $4,475 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | $4,995 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
|
Salvin's Double | $4,995 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
|
Wandering | $5,245 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
|
Royal | $6,135 USD | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.
Unseen Stewart Island - 15 Oct 2025 to 22 Oct 2025 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | $4,475 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | $4,995 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
|
Salvin's Double | $4,995 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
|
Wandering | $5,245 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Waitlisted |
|
|
Royal | $6,135 USD | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.
Unseen Stewart Island - 22 Oct 2025 to 29 Oct 2025 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | $4,475 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Sold Out |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | $4,995 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Sold Out |
|
|
Salvin's Double | $4,995 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Sold Out |
|
|
Wandering | $5,245 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Sold Out |
|
|
Royal | $6,135 USD | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Sold Out |
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.
Unseen Stewart Island - 30 Dec 2025 to 6 Jan 2026 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Double | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Wandering | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Royal | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Unseen Stewart Island departing in 2026.
T&C's apply, new bookings only, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.
Unseen Stewart Island - 6 Jan 2026 to 13 Jan 2026 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Double | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Wandering | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Royal | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Unseen Stewart Island departing in 2026.
T&C's apply, new bookings only, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.
Unseen Stewart Island - 4 Oct 2026 to 11 Oct 2026 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Double | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Wandering | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Royal | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Unseen Stewart Island departing in 2026.
T&C's apply, new bookings only, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.
Unseen Stewart Island - 11 Oct 2026 to 18 Oct 2026 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Double | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Wandering | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Royal | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Unseen Stewart Island departing in 2026.
T&C's apply, new bookings only, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.
Unseen Stewart Island - 18 Oct 2026 to 25 Oct 2026 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Double | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Wandering | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Royal | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Unseen Stewart Island departing in 2026.
T&C's apply, new bookings only, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.
It's hard to believe that it is almost a month since we departed Oban on the Heritage Explorer for a memorable expedition into the wilderness of Stewart Island. Our 'Captain' Trent ensured that he found a safe and comfortable anchorage for us each day which enabled us to explore by tender boat and head ashore to embark on numerous walks to observe and learn about the flora and bird life of Rakiu… READ MORE
FRANK AND JOAN BYRNE
FRANK AND JOAN BYRNE
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