New Zealand's Chatham Islands

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Explore New Zealand's Chatham Islands

Heritage Expeditions has been heading to the Chatham Islands for more than 30 years and has a long history with, and personal connection to, this remote archipelago. Back in the 1970s, company founder Rodney Russ worked here and was involved in some of the early conservation work for the Black Robin. Our voyages Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands and Chatham Islands: A Land Apart visit South East Island, one of the world’s greatest nature reserves, and the Mangere Islands from where the endemic Black Robin was rescued. And our brand new 21 March 2021 expedition, Chatham Islands: New Zealand's Easternmost Islands, will offer a more immersive experience of these islands, Chatham Island and the wild, remote and rarely visited outlying islands.

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The Chatham Islands were the last islands in the Pacific to be settled by people, but they are the first inhabited landmass on the planet to be greeted by the morning sun each day. The history of these islands and their rich natural history is unique. The inhabitants, 'Chatham Islanders', have lived here for many hundreds of years, carry a fascinating history, and actively support the ongoing conservation efforts.

The most famous endemic species on the islands are the Chatham Island Taiko/Magenta Petrel (once thought to be extinct it is one of the world’s rarest seabirds with a population today estimated at less than 200) and the Black Robin (now less than 300), which came perilously close to extinction (just six birds) before being saved through conservation efforts. Other endemic species include the Chatham Island Oystercatcher, Albatross, Pigeon and Warbler, Forbes’ Parakeet, and the endangered New Zealand Shore Plover.

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Introducing Heritage Expeditions

Heritage LIVE Q&A

Chatham Islands

About Heritage Expeditions

Ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world’s best-kept secrets.

Experience

For 40 years, Heritage Expeditions has pioneered voyages to some of the most wild and biologically rich regions on the planet. Our mission is to increase awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel.

Expert Team

Our team of naturalists, historians, biologists and ornithologists bring an enormous wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to our expeditions, both in the field and onboard our ship during our lecture series.

Our Ship

Our new flagship, the 140-guest Heritage Adventurer, combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating with an international flair and luxury amenities. Guests enjoy spacious suites, elegant common areas and cuisine prepared by top chefs.

Heritage Adventurer

Heritage Adventurer, formerly known as MS Hanseatic, is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Originally designed for 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 travellers ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, and with a fleet of 14 Zodiacs to maximise the adventure. Savor daily international gourmet cuisine from talented chefs across two lavish restaurants, and settle into spacious and well-appointed accommodations each night. Enjoy 360-degree views and comfortable sun loungers on the Observation Deck, relax in the Observation Lounge with library, bar and panoramic views, and reinvigorate in the heated salt water pool, well-equipped gym, hot tub, sauna and steam room. 

 

Technical Specs

Year Built: 1991

Shipyard: Rauma, Finland

Classification: Lloyds 1AS, GL E4

Accommodation: 140 guests

Length: 124 metres

Cruising Speed: 12 knots

Zodiacs: 14

Explore The Chatham Islands

Join us on this extraordinary voyage

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

17 DAYS

6 – 22 Dec 2025 SAVE 15-20% on Select Cabins*

Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and return
Aboard 140-guest luxury Heritage Adventurer

  • Island Groups: Snares, Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, Macquarie Island & Chatham Islands
  • Incredibly rare Chatham Island Black Robin and Taiko (Magenta Petrel), and Forbe's/Chatham Parakeet
  • Visit the only breeding sites of the Erect-crested Penguin and home to the world's rarest shag the endemic Bounty Island Shag in Antipodes and Bounty Islands
  • Pyramid Rock, the only breeding place of the Chatham Island Albatross
  • Cross the Chathams Rise, known location of Wandering Royal and Salvin's Albatross, and Cape, Westland Black and Cook's Petrel
  • Observe the raucous antics of Macquarie Island's Royal Penguin and King Penguin colonies
  • Watch lumbering Elephant Seals challenging each other on Macquarie Island
  • Zodiac cruise Lusitania Bay - one of the largest penguin breeding colonies on the planet (Macquarie Island)
  • Look for the elusive Campbell and Auckland Island Snipe
    Experience the rarely-seen early Albatross courting ritual known as gamming
*Book by 28 February 2025 and save 20% off Heritage Suites and 15% off Worsely Suites and in 2025 and 2026. Landing fees not included, per person, new bookings only.

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What our travellers are saying:

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

Just home after a fabulous trip to the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand. Hard to tell what is most memorable, but seeing a baby Southern Royal Albatross being fed a half-dozen whole squid just a few feet away from us was amazing. The birds were fantastic, headlined by the mythical Taiko, which buzzed the ship early one morning. Rodney and his super team did a great job keeping us safe and teaching us about the wonders of these magical destinations.

Peter Kaestner

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

Initially I thought I was on a journey to see some of the most hard to see species of birds in the world. I was mistaken. Along with the world class birding was the absolute grandeur of the subantarctics and the warmth and camaraderie that the Heritage team which made this a truly special experience.

Anonymous

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

This expedition 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 were VERY impressed with the efforts New Zealand is making to conserve these natural treasures for the future - a model for what other countries can do. Thanks to everyone at Heritage Expeditions for making this trip possible.

Tom and Patsy I.

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Expeditions:

For all voyages, exact landings depend on weather and ice conditions and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed; however, our 40+ years of experience in operating expeditions mean that we are well equipped to make the most of the conditions at the time. Past trip logs and species lists are available for all expeditions. 

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