About Heritage Expeditions

Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1984, 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 endangered species he appreciated that rather than locking wilderness areas away, it was important to share them with people so that they might become 'ambassadors' advocating and supporting conservation efforts. He has long held the view that conservation and responsible travel are partners, that together can achieve what might otherwise be unachievable.

From those small beginnings Heritage Expeditions, which is still family-owned and run, now by Rodney and Shirley's sons Aaron and Nathan Russ, operates its own ships – 140-guest expedition ship Heritage Adventurer and 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer on expedition cruises into the 'heart of Antarctica' the Ross Sea, the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia, around the islands of Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Philippines, Australia's iconic Kimberley Coast and coastal New Zealand and Fiordland, Stewart Island and Marlborough Sounds. Each authentic, small-ship 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.

Today Heritage Expeditions works from modern purpose-built offices in Christchurch, New Zealand. When booking with us you benefit from the enormous wealth of experience, knowledge and passion of our team for the destinations we visit.

Our Ships

Heritage Expeditions luxurious 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer and 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer are renowned for their strength and manoeuvrability – perfect for exploring the world's most remote coasts and shorelines.

Responsible Travel Policy

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.

Expedition Staff

Heritage Expeditions' has assembled a world-renowned team naturalists, botanists, historians and experts to interpret the natural and human history discovered during each voyage, as well as hosting regular lectures, ensuring guests maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible during their voyage.

Office Staff

Responsible for taking your bookings, logistics, making sure everything runs smoothly and more, our outstanding office team are based at Heritage Expeditions' HQ in Christchurch, New Zealand. Contact them to benefit from their wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for the places we go and expeditions we offer.

Where We Go

First of all, thank you again for the trip of a lifetime! I found it all so enjoyable and really appreciated your organization and care… I would just love to travel with you again.

Barbara

The staff including the Russian crew were really great, personable, accommodating, competent and very interesting, and the chefs produced all sorts of terrific food with a smile despite any adverse weather. It far exceeded my expectations and I will be looking forward to learning more Russian and going on other trips in the future.

Heather

EXCERPTS FROM DIARY - FORGOTTEN ISLANDS EXPEDITION CHRISTMAS 2013 CHRISTMAS DAY We managed 3 landings on the Auckland Islands today due to astonishingly clear weather. We are anchored in Port Ross and take the zodiacs first into Erebus Cove where we wander through the Rata forests. The Rata were milled by a ship in the …

Stephanie

What a fantastic trip! A beautiful boat and lots of activities to do such as bushwalks, Zodiac cruises, kayaking and even fishing. Let alone cruising down the sounds spotting the wildlife. We had a fabulous time. And a big thank you to our chef Lindzi and his wife Kath. What a great team and amazing …

Jo Randle

What an unforgettable way to travel and experience the rarest of New Zealand locations, marine life, ecology and history. Each day was an adventurous delight, full of memories, topped off with top-notch cuisine and hospitality from a delightful crew. It is a very slick operation and a real credit to the staff by Heritage Expeditions …

J McElrea

Wow what an incredible experience it was to visit these amazing islands and to see the wildlife that calls these islands home. The ship was very comfortable and plenty of space to move about and the staff were just wonderful. The expedition team led by Cheli were amazing and Cheli kept us entertained and up …

Angela Farnsworth

Birding Down Under #1961 was a tremendous experience! The staff and crew were fabulous: we learned so much and always felt that everyone had our safety and enjoyment foremost in their minds. Being able to go where so few have gone is a great privilege, and we are so grateful to have this opportunity. We …

Tom and Patsy Inglet

Dear Rodney, During the weeks I have been back home in Rotorua I have had time to reflect on the wonderful holiday I had with you all on the Spirit of Enderby travelling up the Kamchatka Peninsular. For me the holiday offered everything I desired for a perfect holiday. Wilderness experiences, wildlife galore, fantastic company …

Joan

This was a fantastic trip! From the glorious king penguins, to the sweet young elephant seal pups with their huge eyes, to the breathtakingly beautiful albatrosses on Campbell Island, and the colourful megaherbs, I enjoyed every moment. The sub-Antarctic islands are all very different, with unique landscapes and characteristics that were wonderful to experience. It …

Kita Williams