New Zealand to Subantarctic Islands Cruises

Wildlife havens of the Southern Ocean

Discover a world-class wilderness and wildlife experience. All World Heritage sites and Nature Reserves, the Snares, Campbell, Auckland, Bounty, Antipodes and Macquarie Islands are administered with the highest protection – tourism is only allowed under special license. These islands lie in the ‘Albatross Isles’ – 10 of the world’s albatross species breed in the region.

From endemic Snares and Erect-crested Penguin breeding grounds to soaring albatross and petrels; from tapestries of flowering megaherbs to New Zealand Sea Lion colonies, dramatic coastlines and Australia's Macquaire Island with its Royal and King Penguin colonies and lazing Elephant Seal 'Weaners', each day is an epic adventure of discovery. Whether you’re a birder, photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or simply an adventurous spirit, these expeditions offer an unparalleled travel experience.

Join us, New Zealand's family-owned and -operated pioneering expedition cruise company, as we explore the Subantarctic Islands aboard our luxury 140-guest flagship. Purpose-built for adventure, Heritage Adventurer, boasts the highest passenger ship ice class rating (1A Super) and has a fleet of Zodiacs for landings and excursions.

Special Offer: Save 15% per person* on our Beyond Fiordland: New Zealand's Wildest Islands (28 Dec 2024) when you book by 31 May 2024.

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Subantarctic Islands: The Heart of Heritage Expeditions

The wildlife-rich Subantarctic Islands of the Southern Ocean captured Rodney Russ' heart back in the 1970s. While working with the New Zealand Wildlife Service, Rodney participated in conservation efforts to save the Chatham Island Black Robin, the Kakapo and the Campbell Island Teal. These experiences, among others, inspired him to dedicate his life to raising awareness of New Zealand’s wildest and most isolated places and, together with his wife Shirley, create Heritage Expeditions.

In the late 80s the Russes would lead New Zealand's first commercial expedition to the Subantarctic Islands and these magnificent islands of the Southern Ocean, which are collectively designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, remain at the heart of Heritage Expeditions today.

Rodney and Shirley’s two sons, Aaron and Nathan, who grew up in the family business took over the company in 2018, continue to maintain and foster Heritage Expeditions deep connection with the Subantarctic Islands: 

• Each year, Heritage Expeditions operates up to to seven expedition programs to the Subantarctic Islands, including signature voyages Galapagos of the Southern Ocean, Forgotten Islands of the Southern Ocean and Birding Down Under.
• Each voyage to the Subantarctic Islands results in generated funds for the New Zealand Department of Conservation through permits and landing fees. Some of the company's access permits remain exclusive to Heritage Expeditions.
• True Young Explorer Scholarships: This Heritage Expeditions program provides a younger people (aged 18 - 30 years) with the opportunity to join a voyage to the remarkable Subantarctic Islands, which in turn creates a league of ‘ambassadors' inspired to help raise the profile and protect these precious areas, and the unique flora and fauna inhabiting them, for future generations.
• Heritage Expeditions maintains a close partnership with New Zealand conservation organisation Forest & Bird. Each year, Heritage operates a partner voyage which grants a percentage in savings to each Forest & Bird member and generates a percentage donation to Forest & Bird from each booking.

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For all voyages, exact landings depend on weather and ice conditions and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed; however, our 35+ years of experience in operating expeditions mean that we are well equipped to make the most of the conditions at the time. Past trip logs and species lists are available for all expeditions.