Heritage Expeditions Announces its 2023 Coastal New Zealand Season, including a new Itinerary, ahead of New Zealand’s border reopening

24. March 2023

Pioneering New Zealand-based expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions has released its 2023 coastal New Zealand expedition season, including new 7-day voyage Islands of the Hauraki Gulf & The Coromandel, ahead of New Zealand’s border opening.

The 2023 season will see the Kiwi family-owned and operated company sharing unforgettable, intimate explorations of New Zealand’s coastlines and islands including Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands/The Coromandel, Marlborough Sounds, Fiordland and Stewart Island with intrepid adventurers aboard its luxurious, 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.

Commercial Director and Expedition Leader Aaron Russ said with New Zealand about to open up to the world again, small ship expedition cruising was the perfect way experience parts of the country still unexplored by many New Zealanders.

„Our immersive wilderness expeditions are created to share parts of New Zealand many visitors, and New Zealanders alike, rarely get the chance to experience,“ said Aaron.

The 5 – 10 day voyages of discovery explore the furthest reaches of New Zealand’s backyard visiting remote bays, coves and island sanctuaries home to world-leading conservation success stories where native wildlife flourishes, delving into New Zealand’s national history, and enjoying some of the country’s greatest coastal scenery.

Guests have the opportunity to hike, swim, fish, kayak and join Zodiac excursions while enjoying outstanding cuisine and new levels of bespoke comfort in expedition travel.

New Voyage – Islands of the Hauraki Gulf & The Coromadel
7 days, Auckland return, 21 – 27 January 2023
Discover the famed islands and coastlines of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park including Great Barrier Island and pristine natural beauty, gold sand beaches and misty rainforests of New Zealand’s subtropical playground The Coromandel. From NZ$5,275 per person.

About Heritage Explorer

Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorercombines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience with a maximum of just 18 guests on board.

Heritage Explorer is a 30-metre, 4-deck New Zealand flagged vessel built in 2004 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 boasting spectacular 180-degree panoramas and theatre capabilities; lounge and bar featuring inclusive regional New Zealand wines and beers; and a well-stocked local library.

Outside, guests can enjoy plenty of covered space on the Bridge Deck, or adjourn to the Sun Deck perfect for wildlife spotting, sunrises and sunsets, or simply enjoying watch your voyage unfold. Kayaks and fishing equipment are available for use during the voyage, while two tenders allow for deeper exploration and the unforgettable wildlife encounters synonymous with all Heritage Expeditions adventures.

As with Heritage Expeditions other vessels, Heritage Explorer has an open bridge policy and a full commercial kitchen helmed by a talented chef focused on highlighting local produce and any guest catches of the day, as well as an enthusiastic and passionate expedition team, and is shipped by a New Zealand captain and crew.

The expedition yacht features state-of-the-art technology to provide a comfortable expedition with high performance dual Scania 653 horsepower engines, bow thrusters, fin stabilisers, full air-conditioning, sound attenuated twin generators and a hydraulic aft ramp, while a comprehensive navigation package ensures the ultimate Kiwi adventure awaits all guests.