Small Ship New Zealand Cruises
Immersive wilderness expeditions aboard 18-guest Heritage Explorer
Explore the furthest reaches of New Zealand's backyard while enjoying new levels of bespoke comfort in expedition travel. Heritage Explorer offers unique itineraries and an intimate, personalised experience with just 10 cabins and a maximum of 18 guests.
Explore Fiordland's Milford Sound, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds and more (including scenic heli-flight); the scenic playground of Marlborough Sounds' Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Pelorus Sound; the parks, reserves and famed beaches of Abel Tasman National Park 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.
SAVE 30%* on Marlborough Sounds voyages in May and 20%* on Fiordland voyages in July and August!
Hike, swim, enjoy kayak and Zodiac excursions, fish and spot wildlife from the Bridge Deck and Sun Deck. In the evenings, return to the ship for outstanding cuisine and relaxation.
New Zealand Cruises Aboard Heritage Explorer
Join us on one of these extraordinary adventures
Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound: A Walking Cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound
7 DAYS
2024
1, 7, & 19 May SAVE 30%*
14 & 29 Nov • 9 Dec
Blenheim, NZ and Return
Aboard Heritage Explorer
- Search for birdlife on predator free islands and walk a section of Queen Charlotte Walkway
- Discover the wildlife and rich history of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds
- Look for the Orange-fronted Parakeet, New Zealand's rarest parakeet, dolphins and fur seals
- Explore three main bodies of water - Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds
- Visit d'Urville Island home to the critically endangered Long-tailed Bat and the King Shag, the world's rarest shag
- Spend two days exploring Pelorus Sound's endless bays, sheltered coves and shoreline
- Learn about some of the country's most important conservation efforts
- Sail through the iconic French Pass in the wake of French Explorer Dumont d’Urville
- Hike part of the Nydia Track and explore Nydia Bay
- Enjoy kayak and Zodiac excursions
PROMO: Save 30% per person on May 2024 departures, T&Cs apply
The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
9 DAYS
2024
23 Apr • 20 Nov
Blenheim to Nelson, New Zealand
Aboard Heritage Explorer
- Discover the wildlife and rich history of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds
- Explore three main bodies of water - Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds
- Walk a section of Queen Charlotte Walkway in the footsteps of Captain Cook
- Visit d'Urville Island home to the critically endangered Long-tailed Bat and the King Shag, the world's rarest shag
- Sail through the iconic French Pass and in the wake of French Explorer Dumont d’Urville
- Hike part of the Nydia Track and explore Nydia Bay
- Visit Ship Cove, learn of its history and see Captain Cook's memorial
- Kayak secluded inlets and the stunning crystalline waters of Abel Tasman National Park
- Explore the native forest of Nagawhakawhiti Bay
- Look for New Zealand Fur Seals and Little Blue Penguins
All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
10 DAYS
2024
16 Jul • 18 & 28 Aug SAVE 20%
Te Anau, New Zealand and Return
Aboard Heritage Explorer
- Discover Fiordland’s ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords
- Enjoy a spectacular scenic helicopter flight to start your adventure
- Marvel at magnificent Milford Sound
- Witness Alice Falls thundering out of Lake Alice in George Sound
- Visit rarely explored fiords Charles and Caswell Sounds
- Experience the Sound of Silence – Doubtful Sound
- Look for Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals
- Visit historic ruins from New Zealand’s early mining and milling at Preservation Inlet
- Learn about the rich conservation history of the region including Richard Henry’s pioneering bird transfers
- Kahukura and Taumoana Marine Reserves
- Acheron Passage, Breaksea Sound, Chalky Inlet and more
- Island sanctuaries for Kakapo and Little Spotted Kiwi
PROMO: Save 20% per person on July & August departures, T&Cs apply
Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
7 DAYS
2024
4 & 10 Jul • 12 Aug 2024 Save 20%
6 & 24 Sep
Te Anau, New Zealand and ReturnAboard Heritage Explorer
- Enjoy a spectacular scenic helicopter flight at the start or completion of your voyage
- Discover the rich history and untamed beauty of Preservation Inlet
- Look for Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals
- Explore Fiordland’s Southern Fiords, only accessible by sea
- Two days expedition cruising through Dusky Sound
- Predator free Chalky, Anchor and Pigeon Islands
- Learn about the rich conservation history of the region including Richard Henry’s pioneering bird transfers
- Experience Fiordland’s most spectacular scenery in Doubtful Sound
- Follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook
- Acheron Passage, Cuttle Cove, Luncheon Cove, Blanket Bay, Deas Cove and more
- Island sanctuaries for Kakapo and Little Spotted Kiwi
PROMO: Save 20% per person on July & August departures, T&Cs apply.
Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
5 DAYS
2024
31 Jul • 8 Aug SAVE 20%
12 & 20 Sep
Te Anau, New Zealand and Return
Aboard Heritage Explorer
- Enjoy a spectacular scenic helicopter flight at the completion of your voyage
- Discover the primordial majesty of Doubtful and Dusky Sounds – only accessible by sea
- Look for Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals
- Retrace the steps of Captain Cook along the shorelines of World Heritage Area Dusky Sound
- Explore the waterways, inlets and coves of Breaksea Sound and Acheron Passage
- Visit Luncheon Cove on predator-free Anchor Island and be amazed by the birdlife including South Island Saddleback, Robins, Yellowhead and Parakeets
- Learn about pioneering conservationist Richard Henry on Pigeon Island
- Sail deep into the heart of Fiordland in Dusky Sound
- Explore New Zealand’s deepest fiord Doubtful Sound and its lush rainforests and towering waterfalls
- 'Astronomers Point, Wet Jacket Arm, Deep Cove and more
- Experience two of Fiordland’s most remote, hard to reach and spectacular destinations on one voyage
PROMO: Save 20% per person on July & August departures, T&Cs apply
Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
8 DAYS
2024
5, 12 & 19 Oct
Invercargill, New Zealand and Return
Aboard Heritage Explorer
- Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island
- Visit predator-free Ulva Island - your best chance of seeing a Kiwi during the day
- Discover quirky town centre Oban and enjoy a drink with the locals at the iconic South Sea Hotel
- Look for Bottlenose Dolphins in Paterson Inlet
- Explore virign forests filled with wildlife
- Enjoy a Zodiac safari of Port Adventure
- Experience the remote, undisturbed beauty of Port Pegasus
- For those who enjoy fishing there will be the chance to try your at catching a meal for the table
- Learn about the rich conservation history and success stories
- Kayak remote coves and inlets where few have been before
- Options to explore the Granite Domes and subalpine Tin Range
- Enjoy a Zodiac safari along Lords River - New Zealand's Amazon
Northern Fiords Explorer: Expedition Cruising Fiordland's Northern Fiords
7 DAYS
2024
25 Jul SAVE 20%
Te Anau/Milford Sound to Doubtful Sound/Te Anau, New Zealand
Aboard Heritage Explorer
- Discover Fiordland’s ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords
- Marvel at magnificent Milford Sound
- Kayak the seldom visited sheltered coves of Bligh Sound
- Witness Alice Falls thundering out of Lake Alice in George Sound
- Visit the rarely explored fiord Caswell Sound
- Kayak or Zodiac cruise through stunning Charles and Nancy Sounds
- Experience the Sound of Silence – Doubtful Sound
- Discover the extensive sheltered waters of Thompson Sound
- Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals
- Kahukura and Taumoana Marine Reserves
PROMO: Save 20% per person on July & August departures, T&Cs apply
Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland
5 DAYS
2024
4 Aug SAVE 20%
16 Sep
Te Anau, New Zealand and Return
Aboard Heritage Explorer
- Enjoy spectacular scenic helicopter flights at the start and completion of your voyage
- Discover the primordial majesty of Dusky Sound – only accessible by sea
- Breaksea Island, an iconic site in New Zealand conservation history
- Explore Zodiac, kayak and on foot
- Look for Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals
- Retrace the steps of Captain Cook along the shorelines of World Heritage Area Dusky Sound
- Explore the waterways, inlets and coves of Breaksea Sound and Acheron Passage
- Visit Luncheon Cove on predator-free Anchor Island and be amazed by the birdlife including South Island Saddleback, Robins, Yellowhead and Parakeets
- Join you chefs fishing for the evening's dinner
- Learn about pioneering conservationist Richard Henry on Pigeon Island
- Sail deep into the heart of Fiordland in Dusky Sound
- 'Astronomers Point, Wet Jacket Arm, Deep Cove and more
- Experience two of Fiordland’s most remote, hard to reach and spectacular destinations on one voyage
PROMO: Save 20% per person on July & August departures, T&Cs apply.
Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound: A Walking Cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound
5 DAYS
2024
4 Nov & 5 Dec
Blenheim to Blenheim, New Zealand Aboard Heritage Explorer
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.
Specially designed for more active travellers looking to explore these remote waterways, coves and coastlines only accessible by sea this voyage gives walking and hiking enthusiasts the opportunity to trek sections of the iconic Queen Charlotte Walkway, discover the rich whaling history of Perano, and experience thrilling island explorations of renowned conservation success stories Motuara and Blumine Islands, the latter also featuring WWII gun emplacement ruins.
About Heritage Expeditions
Ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world’s best-kept secrets.
Experience
For more than 35 years, Heritage Expeditions has pioneered voyages to some of the most wild and biologically rich regions on the planet. Our mission is to increase awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel.
Expert Team
Our team of naturalists and crew (5 total) bring an enormous wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to our expeditions, both in the field and onboard our ship during our lecture series.
Our Ships
Our 18-guest expedition yacht, Heritage Explorer, features 10 comfortable cabins, Sun Deck, kayaks and fishing equipment. Onboard, enjoy superb cuisine prepared by top New Zealand chefs.
