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Heritage Expeditions

All expedition ships from Heritage Expeditions

Heritage Adventurer

Heritage Adventurer stands as a distinguished expedition vessel with a rich legacy. Often hailed as the 'Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising,' this vessel is renowned for its storied past and elegant design. Built in 1991 at the Rauma shipyard in Finland, Heritage Adventurer was specifically crafted for Polar exploration, embodying the spirit of adventure. Heritage Adventurer sets an unparalleled benchmark in the realm of authentic expedition travel. Formerly known as MS Hanseatic, it boasts the highest ice-class rating for passenger ships (1A Super) and has an impressive track record in Polar exploration. The vessel has achieved remarkable feats, holding records for reaching the farthest points in both the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as navigating the challenging Northwest and Northeast Passages. These achievements make Heritage Adventurer an ideal choice for the signature experiential expeditions offered by New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions. Initially designed to host 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now accommodates just 140 expeditioners, providing an enhanced sense of space, style, and comfort during voyages. With a fleet of 14 Zodiacs, all guests are ensured ample opportunity to fully engage in their expedition adventures. As the flagship of Heritage Expeditions, Heritage Adventurer continues the tradition of delivering exceptional and personalized expedition experiences.

20% Advantage from €4.778,-

Sydenham, New Zealand

Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: Subantarctic Islands

Join us for an 8-day expedition through the breathtaking Subantarctic Islands. Experience the unique flora and fauna, explore uninhabited landscapes, and witness the incredible diversity of sea life in one of the world's most remote regions.

20% Advantage from €7.376,-

Sydenham, New Zealand

Beyond Fiordland: New Zealand's Wildest Islands

Embark on a 12-day expedition cruise aboard the Heritage Adventurer to explore New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands, including Auckland, Snares, and Campbell Islands, with their unique wildlife and distinctive landscapes. Discover the wilderness of Fiordland National Park with its fjords and ice-carved mountains, accompanied by opportunities for bird watching, marine life viewing, and guided hikes.

19% Advantage from €9.570,-

Sydenham, New Zealand

Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: New Zealand and Australia's Subantarctic Islands

A 12-day expedition aboard the Heritage Adventurer takes you to the sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia. The journey visits UNESCO World Heritage sites and offers insights into the region's wildlife, including albatrosses, penguins, and other endemic species. Guided Zodiac rides and kayaking excursions are included in the price, as are photography workshops with professional photographers. Shore excursions on islands such as Macquarie and Campbell offer the opportunity to get to know the diverse flora and fauna and the unique landscapes of the islands.

20% Advantage from €14.595,-

Sydenham, New Zealand

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

Experience an unforgettable 17-day journey through the fascinating Subantarctic Islands. Enjoy unspoiled nature, encounter a variety of bird species, and learn more about the unique flora and fauna of this remote region!

20% Advantage from €29.995,-

Sydenham, New Zealand

In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Ross Sea Antarctica

During your 28-day expedition, experience the pristine beauty of Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands. Enjoy exciting excursions, breathtaking wildlife observations, and the adventure that these remote regions have to offer.

"Heritage Expeditions is widely recognised as the leading specialist for voyages to the Ross Sea and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands. Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, the family-owned company offers unique expeditions departing directly from New Zealand to some of the world's most remote destinations."

Heritage Expeditions is one of the Southern Hemisphere's most respected expedition cruise operators, specialising in remote wilderness voyages since 1984. Family-owned and headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, the company has built an international reputation for its expertise in the Ross Sea and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, while maintaining a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism.

The fleet includes the Heritage Adventurer, the company's flagship for polar and South Pacific expeditions, and the small expedition yacht Heritage Explorer, which operates selected nature cruises around New Zealand. From May 2027, the fleet will be expanded with Heritage Discoverer, formerly operating as Exploris One. Accommodating up to 130 guests, the vessel will further strengthen Heritage's expedition programme in both the Arctic and Antarctica.

Heritage Expeditions is best known for its unique itineraries departing from New Zealand. The company operates voyages to the UNESCO-listed Subantarctic Islands, including the Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, The Snares, the Bounty Islands and Macquarie Island. Heritage is also regarded as one of the world's leading operators in the Ross Sea, offering expeditions to one of Antarctica's most remote and least-visited regions, renowned for its spectacular ice formations, historic exploration sites and exceptional wildlife. One of the region's greatest highlights is the opportunity to observe Emperor Penguins in their natural habitat. Unlike most Antarctic cruises departing from South America, where King Penguins are primarily encountered on South Georgia, Ross Sea expeditions provide access to the world's largest penguin species in one of the most remote environments on Earth.

Beyond these signature destinations, Heritage also offers expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, the South Pacific and selected regions of Japan. Zodiac cruises, shore landings and expert-led lectures by naturalists, historians and scientists are central to every voyage, providing guests with an in-depth understanding of the destinations they visit.

With more than four decades of experience, a strong New Zealand heritage and an emphasis on remote expedition cruising rather than traditional cruise tourism, Heritage Expeditions has established itself as one of the world's leading specialists for the Ross Sea and New Zealand's remarkable Subantarctic Islands.