The Best of New Zealand

The Best of New Zealand 12 Days

Prices From £4,835pp
March, November | 11 nights

Up To 20% Off!

Single Cabins Available

The Best of New Zealand 12 Days

Aboard: Heritage Adventurer

Discover the wonders of New Zealand as you explore around its three main islands on this unforgettable adventure cruise. From the chic capital of Wellington and fashionable Dunedin to the unrestrained beauty of the Fiordland, this voyage showcases the very best of Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Highlights

  • Discover the sunken valleys and towering mountains of Fiordland; the crystalline waters, golden beaches, and coves of the Bay of Islands; the diverse marine life of Hauraki Gulf; the incredibly scenic Marlborough Sounds and the iconic wildlife havens of Stewart Island and nearby predator free Ulva Island
  • Visit enchanting cities and towns including Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch and Gisborne
  • Learn all about New Zealand’s fascinating natural and cultural history
  • Search for marine wildlife including dolphins and whales, as well as an abundance of birdlife
  • Enjoy a farm visit in North Canterbury, and scenic drives through New Zealand’s countryside
  • Take exciting Zodiac (small boat) excursions through fjords, harbours, remote bays and islands

What's Included

  • Transfers to and from ship for arrival and departure
  • One night's hotel stay in Queenstown pre-voyage
  • All meals on board ship
  • All excursions shown in itinerary
  • Programme of expert lectures and talks

Up To 20% Off!

Book 2027 departure by 30th October and receive a 20% discount! Rates shown include discount.

Offer applicable when booked before 31st October 2026

Full terms & conditions apply. New bookings only, subject to availability. Discount applies to voyage cost only and does not apply to landing fees that are included in the trip cost. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Queenstown
1Day

Queenstown

Your itinerary begins in Queenstown, New Zealand, where after arriving independently you will make your way to the hotel for your included overnight stay. There will the opportunity tonight to meet your fellow guests and some of your crew over an informal dinner.

Invercargill - Embark
2Day

Invercargill - Embark

After some free time this morning to explore Queenstown, you will return to the hotel for lunch and then join your transfer to the Port of Bluff in Invercargill for embarkation. As you settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship, we will set sail past Ruapuke Island, formerly a local Maori stronghold supporting a population of over 200 people.

Fiordland
3 - 4Days

Fiordland

Welcome to the incredible Fiordland area, home to New Zealand’s most iconic and most photographed natural wonders. We will have two days to explore here, learning all about the area’s history, searching for wildlife including Fiordland Crested penguins, Little penguins and Bottlenose dolphins, and soaking up the incredible scenery on offer. Located in the south-west corner of the South Island, the Fiordland is incredibly important to the history of New Zealand, and your expert crew will share information on the explorers of the past as we visit historic sites and unforgettable viewpoints.

As with all expedition cruising, our itinerary will be flexible and often dictated by weather conditions, with your captain and crew choosing the best course each day for adventure. As we sail around waterfalls, streams, rivers, mountains, valleys and fiords, we will hope to visit a number of renowned spots including Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, Pickersgill Harbour, Astronomer’s Point and the Acheron Passage.

Stewart Island
5Day

Stewart Island

We now sail back along the bottom of South Island to reach Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third island, a tranquil and very beautiful place which has been largely untouched by tourism. We plan to enjoy a morning exploration of Ulva Island, which being predator-free is a haven for birdlife and wildlife and we will hope for sightings of birds such as the South Island Kaka, Stewart Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, Red-crowned Parakeet, Kereru (Wood Pigeon), Fantail, Mohua (Yellowhead) and more. We also plan to head to Paterson Inlet to explore the sandy beaches of Boulder Bay and West End Beach or just enjoy some time around Post Office Bay and Sydney Cove.

Dunedin
6Day

Dunedin

Our first city stop will bring us to the famed, fashion-forward city of Dunedin where we will sail into the picturesque Otago Harbour and hop off for some exploration. We also plan to explore along the scenic Otago Peninsula where sea lions rest and Yelloweyed penguins can be spotted amongst the rolling hills and sandy beaches.

Akaroa
7Day

Akaroa

Heritage Adventurer will sail through the Akaroa heads and anchor in the sheltered waters of Canterbury’s largest harbour. It was here, beneath the eroded volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula, that the French attempted to settle in 1840. The French connection remains, with a certain je ne sais quoi at the heart of the township of Akaroa. This afternoon, visit the Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory and French Farm Vineyard at the head of the harbour and enjoy the opportunity to explore Akaroa or take one of the local nature walks.

Wellington
8Day

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s ‘coolest little capital’ and an exceptional natural harbour, where Heritage Adventurer will be docked in the centre of the action. From here, you can easily explore this vibrant city on foot. Visit the iconic cable car, explore the world-renowned Zealandia nature reserve, and discover the Botanic Gardens and New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa.

Marlborough
9Day

Marlborough

This morning, Heritage Adventurer sails into the sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds, a beautiful labyrinth of waterways intersecting the northern shores of the South Island. Take the opportunity to explore a coastal trail through the lush regenerating forest and watch for native birds, including Saddleback, Parakeets and Robins on one of the region’s nature reserves.

At Sea
10Day

At Sea

Sailing up the scenic North Island coastline, enjoy a day at sea attending lectures, relaxing on board or catching up on your photos and journaling as we head towards Tauranga.

Tauranga/Rotorua
11Day

Tauranga/Rotorua

From our berth in Tauranga, we drive inland, passing the rich horticultural region of the Bay of Plenty as we travel to the geothermal heartland of Rotorua. Marvel at the abundance of steam vents, geysers and bubbling mud pools as we explore one of the most geologically active regions on the planet accompanied by expert local guides. Renowned for its rich Māori culture, world-class spa and wellness experiences, otherworldly geothermal landscapes, incredible lush forests and sparkling lakes there is much to see and experience here.

Auckland
12Day

Auckland

This morning Heritage Adventurer arrives in Auckland, the City of Sails, where she will berth in the central city waterfront, following breakfast disembark and head to the airport or continue your exploration of New Zealand. In case of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any onward travel until after midday today. During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Heritage Adventurer
Mid range vessel

Heritage Adventurer

Previously known as the MS Hanseatic, the Heritage Adventurer is a renowned authentic expedition ship. Purpose-built with ice-strengthened hull, the vessel combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Designed to match Heritage’s signature experiential expedition travel, the ship accommodates up to 140 guests in welcoming and spacious cabins that feature outside views, separate lounge areas, TVs, en-suite bathrooms and double or twin beds.

Communal areas include a lounge, two restaurant areas including an al-fresco bistro, gym and spa, lecture theatre, library, passenger lifts and outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect New Zealand adventure for you.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Sally Nevitt Sales Team Leader

Sally pairs a real love of adventure travel with a natural gift for looking after people. She knows exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, and with her warmth and endless patience she'll guide you from your first enquiry right through to the moment you're safely home again.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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