Heritage Expeditions pioneered expedition cruising in 1985 by cruising the rugged and unique southern coastline of New Zealand’s South Island, including Fiordland and Stewart Island. From those first days exploring the wilderness from their tiny yacht base with just 5 travellers aboard, the Russ family realised their dream that responsible tourism, enacted in a genuine and responsible way in conjunction with local government, had the ability to assist in the protection of vulnerable areas. From there, Heritage Expeditions grew to escorting 50 conservation-minded passengers per expedition to the world’s most special regions, from Antarctica to the Arctic, but our passion for New Zealand’s wilderness never diminished.
Reinstated in 2018, after a 15 year absence from mainland New Zealand, this expedition returns, in full circle, to where Heritage Expeditions’ legacy began. Exploring the remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords of Fiordland, it is easy to see why this incredible region inspired our dream for responsible travel. In the calm waters of Fiordland, and away from the crowds, there are great opportunities to lookout for marine life, elusive birds and stunning vistas. This expedition also includes New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, which has been a popular and essential part of Heritage Expeditions’ programme for many years, and Stewart Island’s Ulva Island that is home to a range of birdlife and free of introduced pests. Tick this once in a lifetime experience off your travel bucket list; explore remote parts of New Zealand’s Southern region, an area known for its range of birdlife and jaw dropping scenery on a grand scale.
The Subantarctic Islands are the wildlife and history rich regions of Southern New Zealand, they are impossible to visit without an expedition like this.
They are not mentioned in a travel brochure on your high street; and rarely will you find them listed in guidebooks, few people have been to them and they don’t even appear on some maps of the South Pacific. Despite their low profile, they are among the most remarkable wildlife reserves in the New Zealand, designated UNESCO World Heritage sites and afforded the highest protection of any nature reserves in New Zealand.
Remote, uninhabited and on no regular shipping route, access is further restricted by a strict Management Plan which limits the number of people allowed ashore each year.
Guests should make their way to
the designated hotel where we
will spend the first night of the
expedition. This evening there will
be an informal get-together at
the hotel for dinner; an excellent
opportunity to meet fellow
adventurers on your voyage and
some of our expedition team.
Today we enjoy breakfast in
the hotel restaurant and have
the morning free to explore
Queenstown before returning to
the hotel for lunch and departing
for the Port of Bluff to embark your
ship. You will have time to settle
into your cabin and familarise
yourself with the ship; we will also
take the opportunity to conduct
a number of safety briefings. You
are invited to join the expedition
team in the Observation Lounge
and up on the Observation Deck
as we set our course to Campbell
Island and our adventure begins.
We will sail past Ruapuke Island,
formerly a local Maori stronghold
supporting a population of over 200
people. We will also be able to see
Stewart Island. Despite appearing
quite small on most maps it is really
quite large and has a 700 kilometre
coastline. Seabirds that we may
encounter at this early point in the
voyage include: albatross, petrels,
cormorants, gulls, and Little Blue
Penguins.
As we make our way through
the Southern Ocean we take the
opportunity to learn more about
the flora and fauna as we prepare
for our arrival at Campbell Island.
En route there are great birding
opportunities which may include
the Wandering Albatross, Royal
Albatross, Black-browed Albatross,
Light-mantled Sooty Albatross,
Salvin’s Albatross, Campbell Island
Albatross, Northern and Southern
Giant Petrel, Sooty Shearwater
and Little Shearwater. There should
be plenty of petrels and again
the hard to identify prion species.
We can expect some of the best
pelagic birding on this leg of the
journey from Bluff to Campbell
Island with great views during the
crossing.
We have a full day to explore
Campbell Island, New Zealand’s southernmost Subantarctic territory.
Its history is as rich and varied as the
other islands we visit. Discovered
in 1810, it was soon occupied by
sealers who introduced rats and
cats. Farming followed from 1895
to 1934 when it was abandoned.
Coastwatchers were stationed
on the island during the war and
at the end of the war the station
was taken over by the New
Zealand Metrological service. They
maintained a manned weather/
research station there until 1995.
In the early 1970s the removal of
farm animals commenced and all
were eventually removed by 1990.
The vegetation recovered quickly
and the cats died out naturally. In
a very ambitious (and never before
attempted on such a large scale)
eradication programme the New
Zealand Department of Conservation
successfully removed the rats. With
the island declared predator free,
the way was clear to reintroduce
the endangered Campbell Island
Flightless Teal, which had been
rediscovered on an offshore island
in 1975. Snipe, which were formerly
unknown from the island but were
discovered on another offshore
island, recolonised the islands
themselves. The vegetation which
the great English botanist Sir Joseph
Hooker described in 1841 as having a
“Flora display second to none outside the tropics” is flourishing and is
nothing short of spectacular. We
will offer a number of options which
will enable you to explore the island
including an extended walk to
Northwest Bay. There will also be an
easier walk to the Col Lyall Saddle.
All of these options will allow you
the opportunity and time to enjoy
the Southern Royal Albatross which
nest here in large numbers. We
also visit areas of the island which
contain outstanding examples of
the megaherbs for which the island
is renowned.
In the south of the archipelago
there is a very large sheltered
harbour rich in human history
including shipwrecks, treasure
hunters, Coastwatchers and, of
course, scientific parties. We plan
to arrive mid-morning entering
the harbour through the eastern
entrance which is guarded on
both sides by dramatic cliffs and months before sailing their modified
dinghy to New Zealand to get help.
Two of the survivors wrote books
about their ordeal, their first-hand
accounts tell us a lot about their time
here. Later this evening we will sail up
the eastern coast, making our way
to Port Ross in preparation for our
landing at Enderby Island.
rugged, tussock-covered hills. Our
activities here today are weather
dependent. We have a number of
options. If the weather is fine there
will be an opportunity for the more
energetic expeditioners to climb
to the South West Cape and visit
the Shy Mollymawk colony. This
climb provides magnificent views
in all directions, especially over
the western entrance to Carnley
Harbour, Adams Island and Western
Harbour. For those not making the
climb there will be an opportunity
to Zodiac cruise along the coast of
Adams Island, Western Harbour and
Victoria Passage.
Other options include the Tagua
Bay Coastwatcher’s hut and
lookout which was occupied during
the Second World War. We could
visit Epigwatt and the remains of
the
‘Grafton’
which was wrecked
here in 1864. All five men aboard
survived and lived here for 18
The Auckland Islands group was
formed by two volcanoes which
erupted some 10-25 million years
ago. They have subsequently been
eroded and dissected by glaciation
creating the archipelago as we
know it today. Enderby Island is
one of the most beautiful islands
in this group and is named after
the same distinguished shipping
family as one of our own vessels.
This northern most island in the
archipelago is an outstanding
wildlife and birding location and is relatively easy to land on and walk
around. The island was cleared of all
introduced animals (pests) in 1994
and both birds and the vegetation,
especially the herbaceous plants,
are recovering both in numbers
and diversity. Our plan is to land at
Sandy Bay, one of three breeding
areas in the Auckland Islands for the
Hooker’s or New Zealand Sea Lion,
a rare member of the seal family.
Beachmaster bulls gather on the
beach, defending their harems from
younger (ambitious) males, to mate
with the cows shortly after they have
given birth to a single pup. Hooker’s
or New Zealand Sea Lion numbers
are in a slow decline, for reasons
which are not obvious but most
probably connected with a nearby
squid fishery. During our day ashore
there will be several options, some
longer walks, some shorter walks and
time to spend just sitting and enjoying
the wildlife. The walking is relatively
easy. A boardwalk traverses the
island to the dramatic western cliffs,
from there we follow the coast and
circumnavigate the island. Birds that
we are likely to encounter include
the following species: Southern Royal
Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel,
Auckland Island Shag, Auckland
Island Flightless Teal, Auckland Island
Banded Dotterel, Auckland Island
Tomtit, Bellbird, Pipit, Red-crowned
Parakeet, Yellow-eyed Penguin
and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross.
There is also a very good chance
of seeing the Subantarctic Snipe. Other more common species we
will see include the Goldfinch,
Song Thrush, Blackbird, European
Starling, Red-billed Gull and
Redpoll. On Derry Castle Reef we
will look for migratory waders which
could include Bar-tailed Godwit,
Turnstone and possibly vagrants.
The closest Subantarctic Islands
to New Zealand, they were
appropriately called The Snares
as they were once considered a
hazard for sailing ships. Comprising
of two main islands and a group
of five islands called the Western
Chain; they are uninhabited and
enjoy the highest protection as
Nature Reserves. It is claimed by
some that these islands are home
to more nesting seabirds than all
of the British Isles together. We plan
to arrive in the morning, and as
landings are not permitted, we will
Zodiac cruise along the sheltered
eastern side of the main island if
the weather and sea conditions
are suitable. In the sheltered
bays, we should see the endemic
Snares Crested Penguin, Snares
Island Tomtit and Fernbirds. There
are hundreds of thousands of
Sooty Shearwaters nesting on The
Snares; the actual number is much
debated. Buller’s Albatross breed
here from early January onwards.
There will be opportunities to view
the forests of large tree daisy
Olearia lyallii
which forms a canopy
over much of the island group.
New Zealand’s third island is well
off the usual beaten tourist track. It
is a wonderfully tranquil place; the
scenery of untouched bushland is
stunning. We will enjoy a morning
exploring Ulva Island which is rich
in history and wildlife, being a
predator-free island from 1997 the
bird song and wildlife is some of the best. In Paterson Inlet you will
have time to explore the sandy
beaches of Boulder Bay and West
End Beach or just enjoy some time
around Post Office Bay and Sydney
Cove. Some of the wildlife you may
get to see while walking the tracks
on Ulva Island include Stewart
Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka,
South Island Kaka, Kereru (wood
pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead), Red
Crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird
and Tui. There are many more
species that may also be seen, our
knowledgeable expedition guides
will be listening for bird calls and
keeping a close watch in overhead
canopies and the surrounding
shrubs to identify further species. In
the afternoon we turn our attention
to other parts of Paterson Inlet and
visit the historic Norwegian whaling
station in Prices Inlet and Kaipipi
Bay, where from 1923 and 1933
the Ross Sea Whaling Company of
Sandefjord, Norway ran a repair base in Prices Inlet where chaser
boats were serviced in preparation
for the Antarctic summer. There
may be an opportunity to explore
quirky town centre Oban in
Halfmoon Bay where a drink with a
view can be enjoyed at the iconic
South Sea Hotel.
We have three days to explore
the incredible wilderness of fiords
in the south-west corner of the
South Island. This is an area rich
in history, majestic scenery and
abundant in wildlife. Fiordland was
well known to local Maori people,
with the demi-god Tu-te-raki-
whanoa being said to have used
his adze, Te Hamo, to carve out
the region’s fiords. Captain Cook
and his crew landed here on HMS
Resolution
in 1773, they were the
first Europeans to visit Fiordland,
subsequently spending five weeks
in Dusky Sound. Cook’s records of
his discovery and maps attracted
sealers and whalers not long after
who then formed the first European
settlements of New Zealand,
historically this region is very
important and shaped the future of
the country. From the middle of the
19
th
Century this unexplored interior
Fiordland coastline attracted the
attention of those in search of
hidden greenstone or New Zealand
jade, and surveyors seeking to
understand this region further.
Fiordland’s West Coast is only accessible by sea, making it
the most remote region of New
Zealand’s mainland. Waterfalls,
streams, rivers and fiords are
enveloped with misty veils that
come and go, revealing steep
gradients of mountain peaks
and sheltered valleys. A rugged
terrain, the thickly forested floors
are covered with ferns, lichens
and mosses. Bottlenose Dolphins,
Fiordland Crested Penguins and
Little Penguins are all residents of
the fiords; during our time here we
will look out for them. Our schedule
gives us the flexibility to visit as
much as possible, areas we plan
to visit during our time in Fiordland
include Doubtful and Dusky Sounds,
Acheron Passage, Astronomer’s Point and Pickersgill Harbour. Our
final plan will be determined by
the weather. The Captain and
Expedition Leader will work hard
to make the best use of our time
in this incredible region of New
Zealand, including areas that even
few New Zealanders have visited.
The isolation of Fiordland has been
beneficial because its beauty
remains unspoiled and its historic
sites undisturbed.
Tonight we enjoy a farewell and
celebratory dinner with newfound
friends with time to reflect on a
wealth of new experiences and
recap on what amazing wildlife,
plant life, landscapes and history we
have enjoyed.
Early this morning we will arrive
in the Port of Bluff. After a final
breakfast we bid farewell to
our fellow voyagers and take a
complimentary coach transfer to
either Invercargill or Queenstown
Airports. In case of unexpected
delays due to weather and/or
port operations we ask you not to
book any onward travel until after
midday from Invercargill and after
3pm from Queenstown.
During our voyage,
circumstances may make it
necessary or desirable to deviate
from the proposed itinerary.
This can include poor weather
and opportunities for making
unplanned excursions. Your
Expedition Leader will keep
you fully informed. Landings at
the Subantarctic Islands of New
Zealand are by permit only as
administered by the Government
of New Zealand. No landings are
permitted at The Snares.
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20 December, 2023 to 31 December, 2023
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DECK 3 | SIZE: 22m2 (235.SqFt) Main Deck Triple Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, lounge area, writing desk, private en-suite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
DECK 5 | SIZE: 22m2 (235.SqFt) Superior Triple Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, lounge area, writing desk, private en-suite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
DECK 4 | SIZE: 22m2 (235.SqFt) Superior Cabins are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, lounge area, writing desk, private ensuite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
DECK 5 | SIZE: 22m2 (235.SqFt) Superior Cabins are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, lounge area, writing desk, private ensuite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
DECK 3 | SIZE: 22m2 (235.SqFt) Main Deck Single Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 in size and feature two porthole windows, king bed, lounge area, writing desk, private ensuite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
DECK 5 | SIZE: 22m2 (235.SqFt) Superior Single Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, lounge area, writing desk, private en-suite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
DECK 6 | SIZE: 22m2 (235.SqFt) Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaisestyle lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
DECK 6 | SIZE: 44m2 (475.SqFt) Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs, large writing desk and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower, floor to ceiling storage and a flat screen entertainment system
Additional charges:
Landing Fees: 500 USD pp
Heritage Adventurer
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 124 metres
Passenger Capacity: 140
Built: 1991
Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Polar Exploration’ due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose-built 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 (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship ice-class rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.
Observation Lounge – One of the most celebrated and best-known features of Heritage Adventurer is the awe-inducing Observation Lounge, Library and Bar. Located on Deck 7 and perched directly above the Bridge, enjoy sweeping 270-degree views through floor to ceiling windows, perfect for wildlife spotting and quick access to the outer deck. Bring your binoculars to spot wildlife, observe the ever-changing landscape, write in your journal or relax with a book.
Observation Deck – Enjoy 360-degree views from the highest point on the ship. The Observation Deck sits above the Observation Lounge and provides exceptional outside viewing options. Stretching the full width of the vessel, this is the perfect spot to take in the surrounding land and seascapes. Perfect on a sunny day, recline in the comfortable sun loungers protected from the wind and elements and watch your voyage unfold.
The Bridge – No expedition is complete without visiting Heritage Adventurer’s busy nerve centre. Located on Deck 6, Heritage Expeditions’ Open Bridge Policy means you are welcome to observe the Captain and crew at work while enjoying some of the ship’s best views. It’s a fascinating place to learn about navigation and vessel operations, however please note the Bridge will be closed when departing or arriving at port.
Dining Room – Indulge in fine international cuisine from our talented chefs in the lavish surrounds of our Dining Room on Deck 4. Sensational 270-degree views provide a stunning backdrop to meals here along with an international wine list featuring many outstanding regional wines. With relaxed seating arrangements, all guests can enjoy dining in a single sitting from hearty breakfasts setting you up for the day’s adventure to sumptuous lunches and multi-course evening dining.
Bistro – Simple fast and delicious meals and snacks are on offer in our relaxed Bistro on Deck 6. Perfect for early risers to enjoy tea, coffee and light breakfast options the Bistro provides great views and opens directly onto a covered and heated teak-deck outdoor dining area.
The Bar and Lounge – The social hub of Heritage Adventurer, the Bar and Lounge on Deck 5 features seating for all guests. Enjoy a beverage at the bar, sink into an armchair, relax on one of the many spacious loungers and watch the world go by through the panoramic windows or make new friends at the communal seating. This multi-tasking space also doubles as the location of daily briefings and evening recaps with the expedition team.
The Gym – Featuring spectacular ocean views, the well-equipped gym is adjacent to the pool, hot tub and sauna in Deck 7’s wellbeing zone. Maintain your routine with an elliptical cross trainer, treadmill, rowing machine, stationary bikes, TRX as well as free weights, yoga mats and fitness balls. Towels are provided with change room and shower amenities nearby.
Sauna and Steam Room – True to her Nordic origins, Heritage Adventurer features a dry-heat Finnish sauna and European steam room on Deck 7. Perfect for warming up post Polar plunge or unwinding after a day’s adventures, the sauna and steam room include change room facilities, showers and towels.
Swimming Pool and Hot Tub – Surrounded by relaxed teak seating including sun loungers, the open-air saltwater pool can be heated or chilled. Encased in glass the hot tub ensures all-weather use, perfect for those who like to relax with a view following a day of exploring.
Lectures and Presentations – Enjoy informative and entertaining lectures on history, biology, wildlife, and ecology in the comfort of the Presentation Theatre. With state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, our world-renowned expedition team will bring your adventure to life through interactive presentations and discussions.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin cateogy
• Pre/Post cruise transfers
• Experienced expedition leader and team
• All meals while on board
• All expedition shore excusions
• Suites include complimentary mini bar, in-room dining and a US$100 pp spa gift voucher
Exclusions
• International and Domestic flights, both commercial and charter
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Beverages on board
• Gratuities
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
Expedition
