Explore New Zealand's Stewart and Ulva Islands
New Zealand offers a dazzling small ship cruising experience. As a Kiwi owned and operated company since 1985, sharing the natural wonders and beauty of New Zealand is second nature!
Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara with Heritage Expeditions, New Zealand's pioneering small ship expedition cruise company.
Described by botanist Leonard Cockayne in 1909 as being "an actual piece of the primeval world", his comment still rings true today. Just 30 kilometres from the Mainland and with more than 85% of the island dedicated National Park, New Zealand's third island combines stunning landscapes spanning towering granite cliffs to unspoiled wilderness (more than half the island is covered by podocarp and rimu, miro, kamahi and southern rata dominant forests), 700-kilometres of coastline, beaches, hidden bays and coves, with abundant wildlife, numerous conservation success stories, rich history, epic sunrises and sunsets and the rightly famous hospitality of the friendly locals.
Heritage Explorer, our 18-guest expedition yacht, offers unique active itineraries with kayaking excursions and a personalised experience with 10 cabins and a maximum of 18 guests. Hike, swim, enjoy kayak and Zodiac excursions, and spot widlife from the Bridge Deck and Sun Deck.
Stewart Island Cruises
Aboard 18-Guest Heritage Explorer
Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure
8 DAYS
2025
1 Oct, 8 Oct, 15 Oct SAVE 20%*
2026
6 Jan 2026 SAVE 20%*
4 Oct 2026, 11 Oct 2026, 18 Oct 2026 SAVE 20%*
Invercargill, New Zealand and Return
Aboard Heritage Explorer
- Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island
- Visit predator-free Ulva Island - your best chance of seeing a Kiwi during the day
- Discover quirky town centre Oban and enjoy a drink with the locals at the iconic South Sea Hotel
- Look for Bottlenose Dolphins in Paterson Inlet
- Explore virign forests filled with wildlife
- Enjoy a Zodiac safari of Port Adventure
- Experience the remote, undisturbed beauty of Port Pegasus
- For those who enjoy fishing there will be the chance to try your at catching a meal for the table
- Learn about the rich conservation history and success stories
- Kayak remote coves and inlets where few have been before
- Options to explore the Granite Domes and subalpine Tin Range
- Enjoy a Zodiac safari along Lords River - New Zealand's Amazon
*T&Cs apply, subject to availability, when booked by 30 April 2025, cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Savings apply to all Oct 2025 departures and all 2026 departures.
Heritage Explorer
Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience for a maximum of just 18 guests. Built by the renowned wooden boat building family Carey's Boatyard in Picton, it features a contemporary wood-finished interior, 10 well-appointed cabins across three decks, dining room with spectacular 180-degree panoramas and theatre capabilities; lounge and bar featuring a flight of inclusive regional New Zealand wines, beers and spirits; and a well-stocked local library. Outside, guests can enjoy plenty of covered space on the Bridge Deck, or ajourn to the Sun Deck for wildlife spotting. Kayaks and fishing equipment are available for use, and two tenders allow for deeper exploration and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Technical Specs
Vessel Type: Expedition Yacht
Expedition Staff & Crew: 5
Guests: 18
Cabins: 10
Length: 30m
Cruising Speed: 10 knots
Tenders: 2
