Have questions? We're here.
Heritage Explorer

Heritage Explorer

Talk with an expert
Build your ideal trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Talk with an expert
Max Passengers: 18
Ship Type: Expedition Cruise Ship
Operated by: Heritage Expeditions

Heritage Explorer, a New Zealand-built expedition yacht, joins Heritage Expeditions' small ship fleet, bringing new exploration opportunities throughout New Zealand's coasts. Traveling in New Zealand has never been more luxurious or personalized than aboard the Heritage Explorer, which has a maximum capacity of just 18 passengers.

The Carey's Boatyard in Picton produced the 30-meter, four-deck New Zealand flagged Heritage Explorer in 2004. A well-considered design that is both forward-thinking and demonstrates an intelligent combination of privacy, comfort, spaciousness, and agility. It was renovated in Cairns in late 2007 for Sir Peter Barter's Melanesian Tourist Services in Papua New Guinea. 





 
0

Photo Gallery

Heritage Explorer Heritage Explorer Heritage Explorer Heritage Explorer Heritage Explorer

Departures

Select a Departure Date

List View | Calendar View
  • Mar 12, 2025from $4,150Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Mar 18, 2025from $5,295All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Mar 27, 2025from $5,295All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Apr 14, 2025from $4,695The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
  • Apr 22, 2025from $4,695The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
  • May 1, 2025from $3,650Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • May 7, 2025from $3,650Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • May 13, 2025from $2,595Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound
  • May 17, 2025from $3,650Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • Jul 4, 2025from $4,150Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Jul 10, 2025from $4,150Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Jul 16, 2025from $5,295All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Jul 27, 2025from $2,975Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
  • Jul 31, 2025from $3,150Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland
  • Aug 9, 2025from $4,150Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Aug 15, 2025from $5,295All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Aug 25, 2025from $5,295All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Sep 3, 2025from $4,150Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Sep 9, 2025from $2,975Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
  • Sep 13, 2025from $2,975Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
  • Sep 19, 2025from $5,295All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Oct 1, 2025from $4,475Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
  • Oct 8, 2025from $4,475Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
  • Oct 15, 2025from $4,475Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
  • Oct 22, 2025from $4,475Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
  • Nov 7, 2025from $2,595Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Nov 11, 2025from $4,695The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
  • Nov 21, 2025from $3,650Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • Nov 27, 2025from $3,650Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • Dec 3, 2025from $3,650Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • Dec 9, 2025from $2,595Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Dec 13, 2025from $2,595Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Dec 30, 2025from $4,695Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
  • Jan 6, 2026from $4,695Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
  • Jan 29, 2026from $3,750Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
  • Feb 3, 2026from $3,295Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland
  • Feb 7, 2026from $3,125Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
  • Feb 11, 2026from $4,360Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Feb 17, 2026from $5,560All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Feb 28, 2026from $3,125Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
  • Mar 8, 2026from $3,295Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland
  • Mar 12, 2026from $3,125Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
  • Mar 16, 2026from $4,360Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Mar 22, 2026from $5,560All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Apr 1, 2026from $5,560All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Apr 19, 2026from $3,835Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • Apr 25, 2026from $3,835Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • May 1, 2026from $4,930The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
  • May 9, 2026from $4,930The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
  • May 17, 2026from $3,835Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • May 23, 2026from $3,835Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • Jul 4, 2026from $4,360Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Jul 10, 2026from $4,360Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Jul 16, 2026from $5,560All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Jul 26, 2026from $4,145Northern Fiords Explorer: Expedition Cruising Fiordland's Northern Fiords
  • Aug 1, 2026from $3,125Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
  • Aug 5, 2026from $3,295Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland
  • Aug 9, 2026from $3,125Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
  • Aug 13, 2026from $4,360Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Aug 19, 2026from $4,360Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Aug 25, 2026from $4,360Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Aug 31, 2026from $5,560All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Sep 10, 2026from $5,560All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
  • Sep 19, 2026from $4,360Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Sep 25, 2026from $4,360Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords
  • Oct 4, 2026from $4,695Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
  • Oct 11, 2026from $4,695Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
  • Oct 18, 2026from $4,695Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
  • Nov 4, 2026from $4,930The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
  • Nov 12, 2026from $4,930The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
  • Nov 20, 2026from $3,835Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • Nov 26, 2026from $3,835Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • Dec 2, 2026from $3,835Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • Dec 8, 2026from $3,835Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
  • Dec 14, 2026from $2,725Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound
 Mar 2025>
SMTWTFS
2324252627281
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
303112345

Available Itineraries

Cabins

Heritage Explorer Buller's cabin
Buller's
Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller's cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole.
Heritage Explorer Salvin's cabin
Salvin's
Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole.
Heritage Explorer Wandering cabin
Wandering
Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole.
Heritage Explorer Royal cabin
Royal
Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck.

Deckplan

Heritage Explorer deckplan

Heritage Explorer Cabins, Staterooms & Decks

New Zealand is regarded as the world's albatross capital. The master suite and cabins of the legacy explorer are named after albatross species that are endemic to New Zealand. Tastefully created, Heritage Explorer's modern wood interior has ten luxurious cabins across three decks. 

With a private en suite, queen-sized bed, abundant closet and drawer space, mirror and washbasin, and access to the covered Bridge Deck via the Royal Master Suite on the Bridge Deck, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

A double bed or two lower sleepers are available in Salvin's cabins, located on the ship's lowest deck. In both, you'll find a spacious wardrobe and drawers, as well as a TV and a PABX satellite phone.

There is one lower single berth, extensive storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV and PABX satellite phone in the Wandering cabins, a private en suite, and a porthole on the lower deck cabins.

The Buller's cabin is located on the lower deck and contains a bunk (one upper and one lower sleeper), plenty of storage with a closet and drawers and TV, PABX satellite phone, private en suite, and porthole.

Food & Dining

Heritage Explorer offers a dining room with 180-degree views and theater capabilities and lounge and bar areas loaded with regional New Zealand wines, beers, and spirits. Featuring an open bridge policy and a full commercial kitchen, a professional chef is in charge of showcasing local produce and any guest catches of the day. 
 

Amenities Onboard

The Bridge Deck offers plenty of shaded space for expeditioners, while the Sun Deck is a great place to take in the scenery, whether it's wildlife sightings, sunrises, sunsets, or just watching the action as it unfolds. When the ship is at sea, passengers can use kayaks, fishing gear, and excursion tenders, a hallmark of all Heritage Expeditions excursions.

New Zealand Itineraries

Many places to visit in New Zealand are ideal for expedition cruising, sailing, and private yacht charters. Dolphin and whale watching, as well as outstanding birding and birdwatching, are all available to anyone in search of an exhilarating trip and close encounters with nature in New Zealand.

Itineraries include Fiordland, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound, with its sunken valleys and towering mountains; the Bay of Islands, with its crystal-clear waters and golden beaches and coves; the Hauraki Gulf, with its rich marine life; and the Marlborough Sounds, with Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound, and Pelorus Sound, with its scenic playground. 

About Heritage Expeditions

Heritage Expeditions is a Russ family-run expedition cruise company that has been in business since 1985. Operating from its purpose-built offices in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions has a well-deserved reputation for delivering premium expedition cruises to Antarctica, the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand, and Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu with a unique collection of vessels. 

Its other small ships are 140-guest expedition ship Heritage Adventurer, 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer, and 50-guest Polar Research vessel Spirit of Enderby (Professor Khromov)

Heritage Expeditions maintains the highest standards of the environment under the guidance of strict environmental policies and procedures. The company supports many conservation organizations, including Greenpeace and WWF.
 

Heritage Explorer Reviews

Guests are pleased with Heritage Explorer's truly remarkable and well-organized expedition. A travel company that makes expedition cruising available to remote places lets them experience the incredible wildlife and friendly indigenous people. 

It's not too early to reserve your spot on this magnificent ship. Call Adventure Life New Zealand experts today!



 

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By

Claudia Corona Adventure Life employee profile
Claudia C
Plan My Trip
We love travel, talk with an expert 1.800.344.6118
GOT IT!
We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue browsing the site if you're ok with this. For more info, please see our privacy policy.