Heritage Expeditions Celebrates Reopening of New Zealand with Three New Voyages

Christchurch, New Zealand, 5 April 2022:  Heritage Expeditions is celebrating the reopening of New Zealand’s borders to international visitors from 1 May 2022, with the launch of three brand new voyages taking in the hidden beaches, breath-taking fjords and remote island sanctuaries of this enduringly popular destination.

The New Zealand based expedition cruise operator, which has been specialising in conservation-based trips for the past 35 years, is marking the addition of the new cruises with a US$500 flight credit per person booking any of the three trips.

New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast:  The first of the new departures leaves the bright lights of Auckland on 14 November 2022 on an 11-day voyage to discover the highlights of the country’s three main islands, North, South and Stewart.

Before boarding the 140-guest ship, Heritage Adventurer, in Tauranga, a detour will take in the geothermal sights of Rotorua, with its plethora of steam vents, geysers and bubbling mud pools, without which no trip to New Zealand would be complete.

This is a cruise which packs in the contrasts, focal points and hidden gems of the ninth longest coastline in the world.  From the avant-garde fashion labels of Dunedin, the adventure playground of Queenstown and the Art Deco capital of Napier, to the stunning scenery of Fiordland including Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, the iconic wildlife havens of Stewart and Ulva Islands, home to New Zealand icon – the Kiwi bird, and thrilling opportunities to encounter rare Hector’s dolphins, native fur seals and penguins in Akaroa Harbour, the Ultimate Expedition features them all.

What’s more, guests will never be far from New Zealand’s gourmet delights, including award-winning wines from Canterbury, Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay and French-infused Akaroa, along with its cheeses.

Prices start from US $4495 per person (including the US$500pp flight credit).

For further details, visit: https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/destinations/new-zealand/new-zealand-coastal-odyssey-cruise/

The Best of New Zealand: An Intimate Exploration Cruise of New Zealand’s Islands:  Guests looking for a longer voyage will find this 15-day cruise, departing on 6 March 2023 and sailing from Queenstown to Auckland, perfect for discovering the very best New Zealand has to offer.

This itinerary includes a more leisurely exploration of the implausible beauty of Fiordland’s sunken valleys and towering mountains, the coast of which is only accessible by sea, making it the most remote and, therefore, unspoilt region of the mainland.

Other highlights of the expedition are also designed to appeal to nature lovers, such as Abel Tasman, the country’s smallest National Park, famed for its lush greenery, golden beaches, sculptured cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

The park is accessed via the vibrant, yet seldom-visited port of Nelson, which itself is home to the creative energy of numerous artists and crafts people, as well as the gateway to picture-perfect beaches and world-class wine regions.

Other stops along the route include Great Barrier Island, a hidden gem bursting with sub-tropical forests, verdant walking trails and the beautiful Port Fitzroy, which may be explored in the company of Heritage’s own naturalist.

Bay of Islands boasts culture and a fascinating history along with some of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal scenery.  As the location for the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, it is where much of New Zealand’s early Maori and European history began.

The Best of New Zealand also takes in several iconic towns such as the Scottish city, Dunedin; the Garden City of Christchurch; the fertile soils of Gisborne, home to the National Arboretum, plus the World’s coolest little capital, Wellington.

Prices start from US$5,845 per person (including the US$500pp flight credit).

For further details, visit: https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/destinations/new-zealand/best-new-zealand-cruise/

Unseen Fiordland, Stewart Island and The Snares: Exploring New Zealand’s Remote Backyard:  This eight-day round-trip from Queenstown departs on 28 February 2023 and is the most reminiscent of the company’s original pioneering expedition cruises, heading further off the beaten track than its other new itineraries.

The remote areas of New Zealand’s Southern region are known for their diverse wildlife, awe-inspiring landscapes and, reputedly, more nesting sea birds than the entire British Isles at Subantarctic islands, The Snares.

With 85 per cent of Stewart Island designated national park, environmentalists and nature lovers will be in their element, while ornithologists will marvel at the breadth of bird life in the overhead canopies.  Stewart Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, South Island Kaka, Kereru (wood pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird, Tui and, of course, the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi, are just some of the species to look and listen out for, with the expert help of knowledgeable Heritage guides.

The Snares, so called because they were once a hazard to sailing ships, enjoy the protection of being Nature Reserves, and cannot be visited on foot.  However, Zodiac cruising along their outstanding coastlines allows guests to explore sheltered bays observing Snares Crested Penguins navigating the formidable ‘penguin slide’, Snares Island Tomtit, Fernbirds and possibly Buller’s Albatross.

This itinerary offers the rare opportunity to combine Stewart Island and The Snares with a visit to majestic Fiordland on one voyage.  On this departure, Heritage guests will have three full days to explore remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests, hidden inlets, coves and beaches, hopeful of spotting New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins and numerous bird species, as well as orchids, flame-tipped rata and alpine tree daisies along the way.  It’s the stuff intrepid travellers dream of.

Prices start from US$4,775 per person (including the US$500pp flight credit??).

For further information, visit:  https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/destinations/new-zealand/unseen-fiordland-stewart-island-and-snares-cruise/

All prices quoted are based on triple share accommodation onboard the luxury 140-passenger ship, Heritage Adventurer, all on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Zodiac excursions, guided nature tours, one night hotel accommodation (incl. dinner/breakfast), pre- and post-cruise transfers.

For images please visit: https://bit.ly/3NIeXnD

Media Enquiries:  Debra Taylor, Toucanmoon, Contact – Toucanmoon; +44 (0)7956 852197; debra@toucanmoon.com.

About Heritage Expeditions

Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of up to 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer, Heritage Explorer and Spirit of Enderby on voyages ranging from 5 – 29 days.

Founded in 1985 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions to Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands, around New Zealand and through the Pacific on their purpose-built expedition ships.

Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring passengers maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.