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 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.

16 Jul 2024, 18 Aug 2024, 28 Aug 2024
13 Feb 2025, 18 Mar 2025, 27 Mar 2025, 16 Jul 2025, 15 Aug 2025, 25 Aug 2025, 19 Sep 2025

Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
30% 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 2024, 7 May 2024, 19 May 2024, 14 Nov 2024, 29 Nov 2024, 9 Dec 2024
1 May 2025, 7 May 2025, 17 May 2025, 21 Nov 2025, 27 Nov 2025, 3 Dec 2025

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.

31 Jul 2024, 8 Aug 2024, 12 Sep 2024, 20 Sep 2024
3 Feb 2025, 24 Feb 2025, 8 Mar 2025, 27 Jul 2025, 9 Sep 2025, 13 Sep 2025

Grand Pacific Odyssey GPO: 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
20% off selected departures

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

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.

25 Jul 2024

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.

4 Jul 2024, 10 Jul 2024, 12 Aug 2024, 6 Sep 2024, 24 Sep 2024
7 Feb 2025, 12 Mar 2025, 4 Jul 2025, 10 Jul 2025, 9 Aug 2025, 3 Sep 2025

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.

20 Nov 2024
14 Apr 2025, 22 Apr 2025, 11 Nov 2025

Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland

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.

16 Sep 2024
22 Jan 2025, 26 Jan 2025, 30 Jan 2025, 28 Feb 2025, 4 Mar 2025, 31 Jul 2025

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.

3 Jan 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.

4 Nov 2024, 5 Dec 2024
13 May 2025, 7 Nov 2025, 9 Dec 2025, 13 Dec 2025

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.

5 Oct 2024, 12 Oct 2024, 19 Oct 2024, 30 Dec 2024
6 Jan 2025, 1 Oct 2025, 8 Oct 2025, 15 Oct 2025, 22 Oct 2025

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 (…

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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 …

VIEW SHIP PROFILE

26 Dec 2023
The recent "Unseen Fiordland and Stewart Island" expedition aboard Heritage Adventurer has concluded. The Species List for this voyage is now availab…READ MORE
06 Aug 2023
Guest spirits were soaring on our Southern Fiords Discovery voyage following an unforgettable day in the company of 6 different species of Albatros…READ MORE
26 Jul 2023
  Guests aboard Heritage Expeditions' Southern Fiords Discovery voyage made an exciting contribution to citizen science identifying two Hump…READ MORE
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