Experience the raw beauty and remote wilderness of New Zealand’s southernmost regions on this exceptional voyage through Stewart Island and Fiordland. This journey aboard the Heritage Adventurer takes you into some of the most untouched and spectacular landscapes on the planet. Start your adventure in Stewart Island, home to some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife, including the Southern Brown Kiwi, as well as stunning beaches and coastal landscapes. Explore Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary, where you’ll encounter a range of native birds such as the Stewart Island Robin, Kaka, and Bellbird.
As we venture into Fiordland, the vast, untouched wilderness reveals its grandeur. Known for its dramatic peaks, cascading waterfalls, and mist-cloaked valleys, Fiordland is a paradise for nature lovers. Explore Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, and Acheron Passage, where few have ventured before. Marvel at the majestic landscapes as we cruise among towering mountains and pristine waters, home to native wildlife including Fiordland Crested Penguins and Bottlenose Dolphins. This intimate voyage provides unparalleled access to New Zealand’s most remote and beautiful corners, offering a rare chance to experience unspoiled wilderness and historical sites that shaped the country’s future.
Arrive in Queenstown and check into the designated hotel. Enjoy a relaxed dinner with fellow adventurers and some of the expedition team. This informal gathering is a great opportunity to meet others and learn more about the upcoming voyage. For those on the 2 January 2027 voyage, the first night will be spent in Invercargill instead of Queenstown.
Overnight in Queenstown.
After breakfast, travel to the Port of Bluff before boarding your expedition ship. Set sail towards Stewart Island, known for its untouched bushland and tranquil beauty. Explore Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary since 1997, where you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife including the Stewart Island Robin and Southern Brown Kiwi. Visit the historic Norwegian whaling station at Prices Inlet and enjoy some downtime in Oban, Halfmoon Bay.
Overnight in Stewart Island.
Embark on a three-day journey to explore Fiordland, a vast wilderness known for its dramatic landscapes and rich history. Visit iconic spots such as Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, and Acheron Passage, where you can experience awe-inspiring views and spot wildlife like Fiordland Crested Penguins and Bottlenose Dolphins. During your time in Dusky Sound, enjoy an optional helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views of Cooper Island and Cook Channel.
Overnight in Fiordland.
After breakfast, sail into the Port of Bluff, where you’ll disembark and begin your journey home. A complimentary coach transfer will take you to either Invercargill or Queenstown Airports. Due to possible delays, please ensure any onward travel is scheduled after midday from Invercargill and after 3 pm from Queenstown. End of the cruise in Invercargill or Queenstown.
Heritage Adventurer is a grand, ice-strengthened expedition ship offering guests a rare blend of comfort, capability, and character. Originally built in Finland for polar exploration, this 1A Super ice-class vessel has a proven record in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. Now thoughtfully refurbished and operating with a reduced capacity of just 140 guests, it provides a spacious and refined setting for extraordinary journeys from the Subantarctic Islands to the Ross Sea and beyond.
Despite its expedition strength, the atmosphere onboard remains warm and welcoming. Expansive public areas, a full wraparound deck, and multiple lounges and viewing spaces offer plenty of room to spread out and take in the scenery. Guests are welcome on the open bridge, where they can learn directly from the crew and feel truly involved in the navigation and nature of each voyage. Whether watching albatross sweep past the bow or navigating icy channels by Zodiac, Heritage Adventurer combines true adventure with understated elegance.
Accommodation
Accommodation aboard Heritage Adventurer is comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed for extended voyages. Cabins range across several categories and all include private en suites, large windows or portholes, and plenty of space to unpack and feel at home. The design feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship, and with a reduced guest capacity, the ship never feels crowded. After a day spent out on deck or on shore, cabins offer a peaceful retreat where you can rest and recharge for the next day’s explorations.
Food and Dining
Dining is an enjoyable part of the experience on board. Meals are served in the dining room or bistro, and the onboard chefs use fresh ingredients and local inspiration to craft satisfying and flavourful menus. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast to start the day or a relaxed dinner shared with fellow travellers, the meals reflect the same thoughtfulness and care seen throughout the voyage. Dietary preferences can be catered for, and tea, coffee, and snacks are always on hand between excursions.
The Experience
Heritage Adventurer is perfectly suited for travellers who want to explore off-the-map destinations without giving up comfort or connection. Its unique size and design allow access to remote coastlines and wildlife-rich regions while still offering the space, service, and atmosphere of a well-run, small luxury ship. Ideal for those seeking a deeper kind of travel, this ship offers the chance to be part of something special — where wild places, experienced guides, and a like-minded community come together in one unforgettable journey.
Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other caurrencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 130 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 120 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.