EXPEDITION CRUISE

Beyond Fiordland

CRUISE ID # HERITAGEHA261227

Queenstown TO Queenstown

Beyond Fiordland
Beyond Fiordland
Beyond Fiordland
Beyond Fiordland
Beyond Fiordland
Beyond Fiordland
Explore New Zealand's Subantarctic Auckland, Snares and Campbell Islands along with the untamed wilderness of Fiordland's ice-carved mountains, forests and fiords. Encounter threatened native species flourishing on Stewart Island's Ulva Island on this iconic, 12-day expedition cruise of remote New Zealand. Heritage Expeditions pioneered expedition cruising in 1984 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 continued to grow escorting conservation-minded passengers 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, 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, as featured in Conde Nast Traveler's influential 'The 25 Best Places to Go in 2025' list along with Heritage Expeditions and our voyages, which have been a popular and essential part of our programmes for many years, and Stewart Island's Ulva Island 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. Join award-winning wildlife photographer and conservationist Doug Gimesy, regular contributor to National Geographic, on our 27 December 2026 voyage for some pro tips from this accomplished wildlife photographer.  Our 2026 also voyage offers the unique opportunity to travel with special guest and pioneering New Zealand fashion icon Karen Walker and her husband, business partner and creative director Mikhail Gherman.

Experience the wonders of the Subantarctic Islands, Fiordland and Stewart Island with fashion’s power couple and enjoy an exclusive, salon-style fireside chat and Q&A with inimitable Kiwi fashion legend Karen Walker. 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.  Heritage Expeditions is the most experienced Southern Ocean operator and the only Australasian family-owned and operated cruise company and have been exploring the Subantarctic Islands for more than 35 years.

This is one of our ‘signature expeditions' ensuring you will benefit from our unrivalled knowledge and expertise of the region.  
TRIP STARTS ON
December 27, 2026
SHIP SAILS ON
December 27, 2026
HOTEL NIGHTS
Pre-Cruise: 0, Post-Cruise: 0
SHIP
Heritage Adventurer
TRIP ENDS ON
January 07, 2027
STOPS
15 Stops, 1 Country
CRUISE NIGHTS
11
OPERATOR
Heritage Expeditions
FROM: 

$11,545

WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED

FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST

Suites & Fares

CHOOSE START DATE 

: December 27, 2026

 
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DEAL
Cruise Fare
View Suites

Itinerary

15 Ports
1 Country

Guests should make their way to the designated hotel in Invercargill where we will spend the first night of the expedition, or join our 3pm or 6pm Queenstown transfers from a designated meeting point to Invercargill. 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.
Day
One
Arrival
December 27, 2026
Port
Queenstown, New Zealand

The most southernmost town in New Zealand, Bluff (or The Bluff as it is locally known) is perhaps the most European of all the settlements in the country. Called Campbelltown until 1917, the city was officially renamed after the 265 meter conical hill that towers above it. One of the farthest corners of the British Empire, the inaugural Royal Tour of New Zealand by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, concluded at Bluff in January 1954. Nowadays however, it is the Bluff oysters that are the stars of the show. Reputed to be the best in the world, these local heroes are what have really put Bluff on the map and are celebrated every May with a lively festival honouring Ostrea chilensis (that’s Latin for Bluff oyster). But gastronomy aside (and it is mostly oyster related), Bluff offers the adventurous traveller much in the way activity. Gateway to Stewart Island, day trippers here might enjoy hopping on the ferry for the hour long trip to Stewart Island, or New Zealand’s third island. Unspoilt, tranquil and stunning, Stewart Island is a showcase for New Zealand’s undiscovered tourism spots due to its privileged (yet remote) position in the world. However, for those who wish to stay on the mainland, the Bluff Maritime Museum is a “must visit” for anyone travelling along the Southern Scenic Route, with fascinating historical information about the many early shipwrecks in these challenging southern waters and coastlines. The comprehensive network of walking tracks will delight the ornithologists amongst you – just don’t forget your binoculars!

Day
Three
Arrival
December 29, 2026
Port
Day at Sea

The Campbell Islands are a group of subantarctic islands in New Zealand. Known for its rich flora display, Campbell Islands are overflowing with megaherbs, herbaceous, perennial wildflowers which are recognised for their great size, colourful flowers and large leaves. The islands are furthermore home to some rare, and critically endangered birds including the Campbell Island teal and snipe. Enjoy a guided walk on the Col Lyell Saddle boardwalk and head out on the Zodiac for a unique tour around the coastline of Perseverance Harbour.

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 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 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.

Enderby Island is the second largest island in the archipelago which is brimming with a magnificent flora and fauna environment. The island has become well known for being home to the rare yellow-eyed penguin and it is further the primary breeding location for the New Zealand Sra Lion. Enjoy a guided tour of the Northern Cliffs track and if you’re lucky, spend some time observing the sea lion colony.

The Snares Islands, also known as ‘The Snares’ are the northernmost of New Zealand's subantarctic islands. The islands are totally uninhabited and land mammals were never introduced on the islands, so it is only inhabited by sea mammals, birds and flora. The area is among one of five subantarctic island groups forming the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

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 Offce 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, Tui and Southern Brown Kiwi. 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.
Day
Eight
Arrival
January 03, 2027
Port
Ulva Island, New Zealand

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-teraki-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. Fiordland’s 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 Sound, Dusky Sound and 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. During our time in Dusky Sound there will be the opportunity to experience an unforgettable helicopter flight through the Sound swooping down alongside Cooper Island and Cook Channel with a landing on Mt Pender where spectacular vistas across constellations of islands stretching into the horizon and dotting the winding fiords can be enjoyed. On the evening of Day 11 we will enjoy a celebratory dinner with newfound friends and reflect on a wealth of new experiences from our adventure.

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-teraki-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. Fiordland’s 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 Sound, Dusky Sound and 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. During our time in Dusky Sound there will be the opportunity to experience an unforgettable helicopter flight through the Sound swooping down alongside Cooper Island and Cook Channel with a landing on Mt Pender where spectacular vistas across constellations of islands stretching into the horizon and dotting the winding fiords can be enjoyed. On the evening of Day 11 we will enjoy a celebratory dinner with newfound friends and reflect on a wealth of new experiences from our adventure.

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-teraki-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. Fiordland’s 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 Sound, Dusky Sound and 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. During our time in Dusky Sound there will be the opportunity to experience an unforgettable helicopter flight through the Sound swooping down alongside Cooper Island and Cook Channel with a landing on Mt Pender where spectacular vistas across constellations of islands stretching into the horizon and dotting the winding fiords can be enjoyed. On the evening of Day 11 we will enjoy a celebratory dinner with newfound friends and reflect on a wealth of new experiences from our adventure.

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. Note: 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.
Day
Twelve
Arrival
January 07, 2027
Port
Queenstown, New Zealand
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About the Ship

Name

Heritage Adventurer

Operator

Heritage Expeditions

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising' 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.

Ship Facts
cabin count
No Data
capacity
140
crew count
No Data
deck count
7
currency
No Data
gross tonnage
8378
language
de+en
launch year
1991
length
124m
speed
15kts
wheelchair count
No Data
width
18m
DINING
Dining Room

Indulge in fine international cuisine with a New Zealand-Asian leaning 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.

Bistro

Simple fast and delicious meals and snacks from classics to alternating Asian-inspired additions are on offer in our relaxed Bistro on Deck 6. Perfect for early risers to enjoy tea, coffee and light breakfast and lunch options the Bistro provides great views and opens directly onto a semi-covered and heated teak-deck outdoor dining area perfect for Heritage Adventurer’s famous BBQs.

Entertainment
Observation Lounge & Library

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.

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.

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.

Sea Shop

Heritage Adventurer’s gift shop or Sea Shop as it’s known is located on Deck 4. Here you will find a collection of branded merchandise, souvenirs and gifts, books, clothing and things you may have forgotten to pack.

Health And Fitness
Sauna and Steam Room

True to her Nordic origins, Heritage Adventurer features a dry-heat Finnish sauna and European steam room in Deck 7’s wellbeing zone. 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.

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.

Swimming Pool and Hot Tub

Surrounded by relaxed teak seating including sun loungers, the open-air saltwater pool in Deck 7’s wellbeing zone 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.

The Spa

In need of some pampering or relaxation after a busy day’s adventure? Head to the oasis of tranquillity of the Spa in Deck 7’s wellbeing zone where a refined menu of Swedish and deep tissue massage sits alongside a suite rejuvenating facials options. 

Enrichment
Excursions and Landings

Designed to engage with a wide range of interests, expedition days start early in order to observe wildlife starting their day and make the most of the morning light excellent for photography. Explore by Zodiac safari, on foot, snorkelling and by local transport well off the beaten path, engage in citizen science projects, enjoy thrilling exchanges with remote tribes, visit historic sites and actively support conservation efforts as we follow ....

Lectures and Presentations

Enjoy informative and entertaining lectures on history, biology, wildlife, and ecology in the comfort of the Presentation Theatre and Bar and Lounge. With state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, our world-renowned expedition team will bring your adventure to life through interactive presentations and discussions. Hands on activities include learning the art of origami on our Japan voyages, photography workshops, manhauling on our Ross Sea voy....

Citizen Science

Opportunities to engage in citizen science initiatives occur both on shore and on board. These may include testing water samples, collecting air flask samples, assisting Heritage Expeditions regular professor Tim Flannery searching for new mammal species on remote islands in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, collecting penguin bones and shells at the world’s largest and oldest Adelie penguin colony alongside leading....

Open Bridge Policy

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.

USEFUL TO KNOW
Fitness Levels

Guests are required to have a reasonable level of fitness in order to participate in landings. While not strenuous, travellers who participate on excursions must be able to climb a ship-side gangway, get in and out of Zodiacs and be able to stand unaided. Each landing and excursion caters to all fitness levels ranging from easy to challenging, ultimately each guest is able to decide how active or relaxing their voyage is.

What Clothing Is Included?

Thermally-insulated Muck Boots are provided for use on all our Southern Ocean voyages while guests travelling to the Ross Sea are supplied with an Antarctic grade jacket during their time in Antarctica. 

Medical Facilities

Yes, on Heritage Adventurer there is an on board doctor with a small infirmary and on many voyages a First Responder will travel with guests on excursions. Heritage Explorer does not have a doctor on board, however our crew are trained in first aid.

Drinks Packages

House wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on all Heritage Expeditions voyages. Complimentary drinks can also be enjoyed during special events on board while bar purchases can also be charged to your stateroom. 

Ethical Travel Credentials

Travelling with Heritage Expeditions is to travel responsibly. As biologists and ornithologists, we are intimately aware of the many issues that confront animals and their habitats, the world's oceans and isolated ethnic groups. We also take action: we actively contribute to the conservation of the places we visit in several ways; we 'buy local' and employ locally; we make sure that travellers are respectful of local customs and traditions; an....

Fitness Onboard

Heritage Adventurer has a gym, pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and Spa on Deck 7. While there is no gym on Heritage Explorer, guests have plenty of opportunity to stretch their legs on shore or take the kayaks out, weather permitting.

Onboard Currency

Heritage Adventurer operates in US$ while Heritage Explorer is NZ$.

Single Person Supplement

Heritage Adventurer has 20 dedicated single cabins (12 x Main Deck Single Staterooms on Deck 3 and 8 x Superior Single Staterooms on Deck 5). Heritage Adventurer also has the option of guests sharing in our Main Deck Triple (Deck 3) and Superior Triple (Deck 5) Staterooms. There may also be the option to share a Deck 4 or Deck 5 Superior Stateroom with another solo-travelling guest of the same gender. Heritage Explorer has 2 dedicated single c....

Wi-Fi & Internet Access

There is Wi-Fi available on both ships. Heritage Adventurer has a connection via satellite and vouchers can be purchased from reception. Wi-Fi is included on Heritage Explorer.

Excursions

All standard excursions are included in the voyage cost. All you will need to pay for on board is anything of a personal nature, laundry, drinks and gratuities.

Dress Code

Expedition casual is the dress code, ensuring our guests are comfortable and ready to enjoy themselves at all times. There may be a special occasion dinner during your voyage so it may pay to bring one fancier outfit with you.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation notices received more than 180 days prior to the Departure Date will be entitled to a full refund less a USD$750.00, AUD $1,080.00, NZD$1,160.00, GBP£585.00 or EUR€715.00. per person $1,080.00, NZD$1,160.00, GBP£585.00 or EUR€715.00. per person administration fee. If the cancellation notice is received within 179 and 91 days* of the Departure Date, the full deposit will be forfeited. If the cancellation notice is received within 9....

What's Included?

Pre/post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and all expedition shore excursions. Full programme of lectures by noted naturalists.

Photography

We have an onboard photographer on our voyages who will be on hand to assist with your photography questions and tips. On select departures we offer specific photography workshops at an additional cost, contact us to find out more.

Dietary Requirements

We can cater for most dietary requirements on board including gluten free, lactose intolerance, kosher, vegetarian, vegan. Contact us if you have specific requirements we would be happy to discuss in detail.

Age Restrictions

There are no age restrictions on board. There are no children specific activities on board and all children will be fully responsible by their guardian whilst on board.