Immerse yourself in a wilderness of majestic natural beauty – rugged mountains, primeval forests, vast plains, ancient sunken river valleys and isolated inlets - it's easy to see why Sir Peter Jackson chose his home country as the setting for The Lord of the Rings films. With more than one-third of the country protected for conservation, New Zealand is a natural wonderland! Fiordland National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site has the most remote coastline, accessible only by sea. Steep mountain peaks and glistening waterfalls plunge into deep glacier carved fjords. A vast labyrinth of sheltered waterways awaits in Marlborough Sounds. The otherworldly landscape of Rotorua is one of the most geologically active regions on the planet; meander past bubbling mud pools, steam vents, mineral hot springs and geysers. 

With an estimated 80,000 native species, New Zealand’s biodiversity is internationally regarded as one of the richest on the planet. A staggering 82% of the plant life and 70% of the animal life here is only found in New Zealand. Hike through primeval forests, encounter New Zealand's tallest tree fern mamaku, and walk amongst otherworldly tree-sized daisies. The famed, flightless Kiwi bird and nocturnal Kakapo are only found in New Zealand, as are the last surviving Tuataras, which roamed alongside dinosaurs over 220 million years ago! Thirteen of the world's 18 penguin species have been recorded in New Zealand and its Subantarctic Islands, including the endemic Yellow-eyed Penguin, Fiordland Crested Penguin and Little Blue Penguin. And, nearly half of the world’s Albatross breed in the New Zealand region, including the majestic Southern Royal Albatross with a wingspan of up to 10 feet. Image: Miles Holden

From golden sands to smooth pebbles and the iconic black sands of Karekare Beach in Jane Campion's The Piano, New Zealand is a haven for idyllic beaches. The shores of New Zealand's North Island are among the most famous in the world. The Bay of Islands, an enclave of 144 islands, dazzle with white sand beaches, secluded bays, vibrant green hills and rugged cliffs. In the South Island’s Abel Tasman National Park, discover lush, coastal scenery where clear blue waters lap against sweeping golden sand beaches. Unlike other more accessible tropical and subtropical destinations like Hawaii and Eastern Australia, New Zealand doesn’t draw massive concentrations of tourists. The benefits of isolation!

New Zealand ranks as one of the safest and happiest countries in the world. The Global Peace Index consistently rates New Zealand as the second safest country in the world, right after Iceland. Kiwis are some of the friendliest and laid back people you'll meet. According to the World Happiness Report 2020, New Zealand came in as the eighth happiest country in the list out of 156 nations reviewed. The general vibe in New Zealand is relaxed and informal, making it an ideal holiday destination, use the national catchphrase 'sweet as' to replace yes, excellent etc, to blend in with the locals! Image: Olive Restaurant Wellington

Few places in the world have made such an effort as New Zealand to preserve and honour its indigenous culture. Māori language (Te Reo) features prominently in the Kiwi vernacular and around the country, and numerous museums, cultural events and performances celebrate and share the rich tradition of Māori culture. Experience a thrilling traditional pōwhiri (welcome), feel your spirits soar with a waiata (song) and learn about the Māori history, culture and heritage, and admire traditional Māori carvers and weavers as they share and demonstrate their artisanship. Image: Fraser Clements

What started with a planting of grapevines and one winemaker in the Bay of Islands in 1819 has evolved into over 700 vineyards across 10 wine regions and international success including Hollywood/Jurassic Park superstar Sam Neill's award-winning vineyard Two Paddocks. Beyond the famous fruit-forward Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand produces an impressive variety of remarkable vintages such as Hawke's Bay Syrah and Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,Cabernet Franc. Visit world-renowned wineries and sample New Zealand's award-winning wines. Onboard the ship, enjoy amazing local wines inclusive of your cruise fare. Image: Two Paddocks

New Zealand’s towns and cities each have a fascinating history and personality all their own, from the Art Deco capital of Napier on the North Island to the French-influenced Akoroa on the South Island. Grab a French pastry and follow Akoroa’s picturesque harbour to the historic lighthouse. In Gisborne, the first city on Earth to see dawn each day, enjoy a front-row seat to the sun's ascent over the horizon. Captain James Cook’s first landing in New Zealand was in Gisborne in 1769 and, more recently, was the setting for Witi Ihimaera's novel Whale Rider and its 2002 film adaptation. Russell in the Bay of Islands, home to New Zealand's oldest surviving church, epitomises 'quaint' with its original street plan still in place and a beachfront ideal for romantic evening strolls while lakeside alpine wonderland Queenstown is rightly famous as the Southern Hemisphere's adventure capital.

Wellington is the world's southernmost capital and New Zealand's culinary and creative hub. The city balances beautiful architecture and an eclectic vibe with scores of art galleries, museums, music events and festivals. Over 400 cafes and myriad of restaurants offer an endless range of options for foodies and coffee connoisseurs alike. Immerse youself in the science and natural histoty at Te Papa National Museum, the largest museum in the southern hemisphere, or explore the world-renowned Zealandia Nature Reserve. After the legendary Tolkien film triology The Lord of the Rings and King Kong were produced here, Wellington attracted producers and directors from around the world including Avatar's James Cameron, evolving into a feature film production powerhouse nicknamed "Wellywood." Many of the famous sights from LOTR can be found here, like Mount Victoria.

Heritage Adventurer, formerly known as MS Hanseatic, is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Originally designed for 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 travellers ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, and with a fleet of 14 Zodiacs to maximise the adventure. Savor daily international gourmet cuisine from talented chefs across two lavish restaurants, and settle into spacious and well-appointed accommodations each night. Enjoy 360-degree views and comfortable sun loungers on the Observation Deck, relax in the Observation Lounge with library, bar and panoramic views, and reinvigorate in the heated salt water pool, well-equipped gym, hot tub, sauna and steam room. 

Year Built: 1991

Shipyard: Rauma, Finland

Classification: Lloyds 1AS, GL E4

Accommodation: 140 guests

Length: 124 metres

Cruising Speed: 12 knots

Zodiacs: 14

Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience for a maximum of just 18 guests. Built by the renowned wooden boat building family Carey's Boatyard in Picton, it features a contemporary wood-finished interior, 10 well-appointed cabins across three decks, dining room with spectacular 180-degree panoramas and theatre capabilities; lounge and bar featuring a flight of inclusive regional New Zealand wines, beers and spirits; and a well-stocked local library. Outside, guests can enjoy plenty of covered space on the Bridge Deck, or ajourn to the Sun Deck for wildlife spotting. Kayaks and fishing equipment are available for use, and two tenders allow for deeper exploration and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Vessel Type: Expedition Yacht

Expedition Staff & Crew: 5

Guests: 18

Cabins: 10

Length: 30m

Cruising Speed: 10 knots

Tenders: 2

For 40 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.

Our team of naturalists and crew 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 140-guest Heritage Adventurer offers luxury all-suite staterooms, elegant common areas and cuisine prepared by top chefs. Our 18-guest expedition yacht, Heritage Explorer, features 10 cabins, Sun Deck, kayaks, fishing equipment and superb cuisine prepared by top NZ chefs.