About Heritage Expeditions

Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985, as a way of increasing awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. It’s founder Rodney Russ was a biologist working for the New Zealand Wildlife Service. Through his work on Kakapo, 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 the company, which is still family owned, operates its own Polar Research Vessel on expeditions to Antarctica, the Subantarctic, through the Pacific and the Russian Far East. Each expedition is meticulously planned and led  ensuring that passengers (maximum of 50) maximize every opportunity they have to learn and experience as much as possible about the region, while at the same time minimizing the impact of their visit.

Today Heritage Expeditions works from modern purpose built offices in Christchurch, New Zealand. Its staff brings an enormous wealth of experience and knowledge of the destinations we visit which you will benefit from when you book with us.