Explore the raw beauty of Stewart Island, New Zealand’s southernmost island, on an 8-day adventure aboard the luxurious Heritage Explorer. This expedition takes you to some of the most remote and pristine areas of the island, including the rugged coastline of Ulva Island and the rich history of Paterson Inlet.
Stewart Island, with its dense native forests and over 700 kilometres of coastline, is a sanctuary for rare wildlife, including the Southern Brown Kiwi, Stewart Island Robin, and Kaka. This voyage offers a chance to experience these stunning landscapes through guided hikes, Zodiac cruises, and kayaking. Explore Motuara Island and its thriving birdlife, or immerse yourself in the island’s conservation efforts.
Your journey also includes the opportunity to visit Port Pegasus, one of the most remote spots on the island, where you’ll navigate through sheltered waterways, encounter New Zealand Sea Lions, and enjoy the serenity of unspoiled beaches. Heritage Explorer offers an intimate and comfortable setting with a maximum of 18 guests, ensuring personalised attention and a truly immersive experience.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a keen adventurer, this expedition cruise will leave you with lasting memories of Stewart Island’s untouched wilderness and its thriving wildlife.
Arrive at Invercargill Airport and meet your fellow travellers before boarding a charter flight to Oban on Stewart Island. Upon arrival, the Captain and Expedition Leader will welcome you aboard Heritage Explorer. Settle into your cabin and get comfortable before setting sail through the tranquil waters surrounding Stewart Island. Enjoy the first evening of your adventure, surrounded by pristine nature and the untouched beauty of the island.
Overnight in Oban.
Wake up in the serene environment of Stewart Island and enjoy breakfast before exploring Paterson Inlet. This area, known for its bush-clad bays and islands, is a sanctuary for Bottlenose Dolphins. Visit the historic Norwegian whaling station in Prices Inlet and Kaipipi Bay, where whaling operations took place in the early 1900s. Continue exploring the forest trails of Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary, and marvel at the abundant birdlife.
Overnight in Paterson Inlet.
Sail southwards along the eastern coast of Stewart Island to reach Port Adventure, a bay rich in history. Once home to a small Māori settlement, Port Adventure offers opportunities to explore on foot and by Zodiac. Visit the North Arm and the Port Adventure Hunters Hut, or embark on a scenic coastline tour. The picturesque Heron River is another highlight, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature.
Overnight in Port Adventure.
Spend three days exploring the remote and undisturbed beauty of Port Pegasus, located at the southern tip of Stewart Island. With its expansive harbour and numerous islands, this area provides ample opportunities for Zodiac and kayak exploration. Visit pristine beaches, hike the granite domes of Gog and Magog, and explore the subalpine Tin Range, which served as a refuge for Kākāpo. Observe marine life, including Sea Lions and Yellow-eyed Penguins.
Overnight in Port Pegasus.
Sail back up the east coast of Stewart Island and venture into the sheltered waters of Lords River, the longest navigable river on the island. Known as New Zealand’s “Amazon,” this pristine area is home to virgin native forests. Take a Zodiac safari along the winding estuary, enjoying the stunning natural beauty and learning about the region’s conservation efforts.
Overnight in Lords River.
Return to Oban this morning and enjoy a final breakfast aboard. After farewells, transfer back to the airport for your charter flight to Invercargill. Please ensure no onward travel is booked until after midday to accommodate any delays. End of the cruise in Invercargill.
Heritage Explorer is a purpose-built expedition yacht offering an intimate and personalised way to experience New Zealand’s remote coastline, islands, and waterways. Carrying just 18 guests, this New Zealand-built vessel is designed for exploring hard-to-reach places where larger ships cannot go, creating a relaxed and immersive atmosphere ideal for curious and nature-loving travellers.
Crafted by respected naval architect Carey Clough, Heritage Explorer features four decks with ample outdoor viewing space, a welcoming dining saloon, and a cosy lounge for unwinding between excursions. With an open bridge policy, guests are invited to engage with the crew and feel part of the journey. Whether navigating the deep sounds of Fiordland or the sheltered bays of Marlborough, the ship feels both capable and comfortable.
Accommodation
Heritage Explorer offers four categories of en suite cabins, all with outward-facing views and a simple, classic design. Rooms are comfortably appointed with windows or portholes, warm bedding, and a compact private bathroom. While not overly luxurious, the accommodation is clean, quiet, and perfectly suited for an expedition-style journey. The ship’s small size creates a peaceful onboard setting where guests can easily retreat to their cabins or relax in one of the shared spaces to read, chat, or take in the scenery.
Food and Dining
Dining is casual, nourishing, and thoughtfully prepared by the onboard chef. Meals showcase local flavours and ingredients, often inspired by the regions visited along the way. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served communally in the dining area, creating a warm and social atmosphere. Snacks, tea, and coffee are always available, and dietary needs can be catered for with notice.
The Experience
Heritage Explorer is ideal for those who value connection with nature, genuine hospitality, and small group travel. It’s a perfect match for travellers who want to experience Aotearoa’s hidden corners with minimal fuss and maximum depth. Each journey feels more like a shared adventure than a cruise, with the ever-changing landscapes always just outside your window.
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.