About Heritage Expeditions
Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985, as a way of increasing awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. Founded by Rodney and Shirley Russ, Rodney was a biologist working for the New Zealand Wildlife Service. Through his work with Kakapo, Chatham Island Black Robin and other ....more
Reasons to tour with Heritage Expeditions
Heritage Expeditions pioneers conservation-driven small ship expedition cruises to some of the most wild, least-explored and biologically rich regions on the planet
Whether you’re a birder, photographer, wildlife enthusiast, conservationist, or simply an adventurous spirit, these expeditions offer an unparalleled travel experience.
We are family-owned and we operate our own ships - 140-guest expedition ship Heritage Adventurer and 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer
Each expedition cruise is meticulously planned and led ensuring expeditioners maximise every opportunity they have to learn and experience as much as possible about the region, while at the same time minimising the impact of their visit.
A world-renowned team of naturalists, botanists, historians and experts to interpret the natural and human history discovered during each voyage
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.
Accreditations and Associations
Adventure Travel Trade Association Member, Australian Geographic Society, International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, Bird Life International, Sustainable Travel International, New Zealand Geographic, Antarctic Heritage Trust, Forest & Bird, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai, Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, Cruise Lines International Association, Department of Conservation Te Papa ....more
Our Story
Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985, as a way of increasing awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. Founded by Rodney and Shirley Russ, Rodney was a biologist working for the New Zealand Wildlife Service. Through his work with Kakapo, Chatham Island Black Robin and other ....more
Responsible Tourism
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.
Cultural Preservation
We partner with True Young Explorer to provide scholarships for young people, who could not otherwise afford to travel, to join our expeditions. Heritage Expeditions holds active membership in a number of conservation and travel organisations, including the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) which promotes responsible travel to ....more
Environmental Sustainability
We travel in small groups and endeavour to maintain a guide-to-client ratio of 1:12. Each expedition is led by an experienced Expedition Leader who is familiar with the region being visited. When selecting our specialist expedition equipment, vehicles and vessels, we research carefully to ensure that they are the most ....more
What We Offer
For more than 35 years, Heritage Expeditions has pioneered conservation-driven small ship expedition cruises to some of the most wild, least-explored and biologically rich regions on the planet including Antarctica, Japan & SE Asian islands, South Pacific, Australia's Kimberley Coast and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, Fiordland and Stewart Island, and ....more
Economic Impact
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; and we dispose of waste responsibly.
Covid Policies
Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies.
Social Responsibility
Heritage Expeditions supports conservation by providing advocacy through responsible travel and providing funds and logistical support for research and management. Since 2011 we have continued BirdLife International as a Species Champion for the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper. In addition providing transport and logistics for several researchers, we are committed to ....more
Activities
Interests
Far East
Polar
South East Asia
Heritage Expeditions Reviews
Heritage Expeditions Ships
Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Explorer
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level is required?
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.
Is any clothing 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.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies
Is there a doctor on board?
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.
Are drinks included?
Yes, 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.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
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; and we dispose of waste responsibly.
Is there a gym on board?
Yes, 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.
What is the onboard currency?
Heritage Adventurer operates in US$ while Heritage Explorer is NZ$.
Does a single supplement apply?
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 cabins, Wandering, and if these are booked there may be availability to book a Salvin’s Twin/Double or Buller’s as a single at 1.8 times the published per person rate.
How long has the tour company been trading?
Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985.
Is there Wi-Fi on board?
Yes, 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.
Are all excursions included?
Yes, 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.
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Book With Confidence
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Low Deposit
Heritage Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your tour, tourhub doesn't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of Heritage Expeditions charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of tour cost -
Secure payments
All payments are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.
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