Unseen Fiordland & Stewart Island

6 Days Starting and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand

Visiting: Queenstown, Invercargill, Port of Bluff, Stewart Island, Ulva Island, Paterson Inlet, Oban, Fiordland, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Acheron Passage, Astronomer's Point, Pickersgill Harbour, Cooper Island, Cook Channel, Mt Pender, Bluff

Tour operator:

Heritage Expeditions

Ship Name:

Heritage Adventurer

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Ship Capacity:

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-99

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3750 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 31-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Unseen Fiordland & Stewart Island" expedition, a captivating journey through New Zealand's untouched wilderness. Begin your adventure in Queenstown, then set sail to the tranquil Stewart Island, where 85% of the land is a national park. Explore predator-free Ulva Island, teeming with unique birdlife, and visit the historic Norwegian whaling station. Discover the charming town of Oban in Halfmoon Bay. Venture into the majestic Fiordland, a remote region accessible only by sea, where you'll witness breathtaking waterfalls and diverse wildlife, including dolphins and penguins. Experience a thrilling helicopter flight over Dusky Sound, landing on Mt Pender for panoramic views. Enjoy on-board accommodations with meals, drinks, and expert-led shore excursions. Conclude your voyage with a celebratory dinner, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and newfound friendships forged in this pristine corner of the world.

Highlights

  • Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura and the primordial majesty of Fiordland.

  • Explore Ulva Island, rich in history and wildlife, which has been predator-free since 1997.

  • Visit the historic Norwegian whaling station in Prices Inlet and Kaipipi Bay.

  • Discover the quirky town centre of Oban in Halfmoon Bay.

  • Explore the incredible wilderness of fiords in the south-west corner of the South Island.

  • Look out for Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins, and Little Penguins in Fiordland.

  • Experience an unforgettable helicopter flight through Dusky Sound with a landing on Mt Pender.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Queenstown

Location: Queenstown, Invercargill

Accommodation Name: designated hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Guests should make their way to the designated hotel where we will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening there will be an informal get-together at the hotel for dinner; an excellent opportunity to meet fellow adventurers on your voyage and some of our expedition team.Please note: The 2 January 2027 voyage includes a hotel night in Invercargill instead of Queenstown. Guests should make their way to the designated hotel in Invercargill where we will spend the first night of the expedition, or join our 3pm Queenstown transfer from a designated meeting point to Invercargill.

Day 2: Port of Bluff/ Stewart Island

Location: Port of Bluff, Stewart Island, Ulva Island, Paterson Inlet, Oban

Accommodation Name: ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant before departing for the Port of Bluff and Stewart Island before embarking your ship. New Zealand’s third island is well off the usual beaten tourist track. It is a wonderfully tranquil place and with 85 per cent of the island designated national park, the scenery of untouched bushland is stunning. Despite its small stature on most maps, Stewart Island has 700-kilometres of coastline so there is much to explore and experience here. Enjoy the impressive bird song as we explore Ulva Island, rich in history and wildlife, which has been predator-free since 1997. Some of the wildlife you may get to see while walking its tracks and exploring Boulder and West End Beaches, Post Office Bay and Sydney Cove include Stewart Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, South Island Kaka, Kereru (wood pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird, Tui and Southern Brown Kiwi. There are many more species that may also be seen, our knowledgeable expedition guides will be listening for bird calls and keeping a close watch in overhead canopies and the surrounding shrubs to identify further species. In Paterson Inlet visit the historic Norwegian whaling station in Prices Inlet and Kaipipi Bay, where from 1923 and 1933 the Ross Sea Whaling Company of Sandefjord, Norway ran a repair base where chaser boats were serviced in preparation for the Antarctic summer. Discover quirky town centre Oban in Halfmoon Bay where a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the historic and iconic South Sea Hotel.

Days 3 to 5: Fiordland

Location: Fiordland, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Acheron Passage, Astronomer's Point, Pickersgill Harbour, Cooper Island, Cook Channel, Mt Pender

Accommodation Name: ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have three days to explore the incredible wilderness of fiords in the south-west corner of the South Island. This is an area rich in history, majestic scenery and abundant in wildlife. Fiordland was well known to local Maori people, with the demi-god Tu-teraki-whanoa being said to have used his adze, Te Hamo, to carve out the region’s fiords. Captain Cook and his crew landed here on HMS Resolution in 1773, they were the first Europeans to visit Fiordland, subsequently spending five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook’s records of his discovery and maps attracted sealers and whalers not long after who then formed the first European settlements of New Zealand, historically this region is very important and shaped the future of the country. Fiordland’s coast is only accessible by sea, making it the most remote region of New Zealand’s mainland. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. A rugged terrain, the thickly forested floors are covered with ferns, lichens and mosses. Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and Little Penguins are all residents of the fiords; during our time here we will look out for them. Our schedule gives us the flexibility to visit as much as possible, areas we plan to visit during our time in Fiordland include Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron Passage, Astronomer’s Point and Pickersgill Harbour. During our time in Dusky Sound there will be the opportunity to experience an unforgettable helicopter flight through the Sound swooping down alongside Cooper Island and Cook Channel with a landing on Mt Pender where spectacular vistas across constellations of islands stretching into the horizon and dotting the winding fiords can be enjoyed. Our final plan will be determined by the weather. The Captain and Expedition Leader will work hard to make the best use of our time in this incredible region of New Zealand, including areas that even few New Zealanders have visited. The isolation of Fiordland has been beneficial because its beauty remains unspoiled and its historic sites undisturbed. On the evening of Day 5 we will enjoy a celebratory dinner with newfound friends and reflect on a wealth of new experiences from our adventure.

Day 6: Invercargill/Queenstown

Location: Bluff, Invercargill, Queenstown

Early this morning we will arrive in the Port of Bluff. After a final breakfast we bid farewell to our fellow voyagers and take a complimentary coach transfer to either Invercargill or Queenstown Airports. In case of unexpected delays due to weather and/or port operations we ask you not to book any onward travel until after midday from Invercargill and after 3pm from Queenstown. Note: 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.

Ship Details

Heritage Adventurer

Image Of Ship

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.

Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.

Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.

Ship Name:

Heritage Adventurer

Draft:

4.97 metres

Shipyard:

Rauma, Finland

Year Built:

1991

Maximum Speed:

15 knots

Gross Tonnage:

8,378gt

Engines:

3,940 horsepower (x2)

Length:

124 metres

Zodiacs:

14

Beam:

18 metres

Classification:

Lloyds 1AS, GL E4

Cruising Speed:

12 knots

Accommodation:

140 guests

Range:

8,600 nautical miles

Deck Plan

Deck Plan

Deck 5 Superior

Superior Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

Worsley Suite

Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaise-style lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.

Main Deck Triple

Main Deck Triple Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

Main Deck Twin

Superior Single

Superior Single Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

Superior Triple

Superior Triple Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

Deck 4 Superior

Superior Cabins on Deck 4 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

Heritage Suite

Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower, large writing desk, floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, free laundry, US$100.00 per person SPA credit, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.

Main Deck Single

Main Deck Single Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

What's Included

  • Pre/post cruise transfers

    Transfers to and from the cruise are included.

  • One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)

    One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room with dinner and breakfast is included.

  • All on board ship accommodation with meals

    All accommodation on the ship with meals is included.

  • House beer

    House beer is included.

  • Wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and all expedition shore excursions

    Wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, all expedition shore excursions, and a programme of lectures by noted naturalists are included.

  • Coach transfer to airports

    A coach transfer to either Invercargill or Queenstown Airports is included.

  • Expedition shore excursions

    All expedition shore excursions are included.

What's Not Included

  • All items of a personal nature

    Personal items are not included.

  • Laundry

    Laundry services are not included.

  • Drinks

    Drinks other than house beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities are not included.

  • Helicopter excursion

    Helicopter excursions are not included.

  • International/domestic flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

  • Visas and travel insurance

    Visas and travel insurance are not included.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes pre/post cruise transfers, a coach transfer to either Invercargill or Queenstown Airports, and all expedition shore excursions.

Accommodation

Enjoy one night in a twin share room at a designated hotel in Queenstown, including dinner and breakfast, followed by all on-board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Check out our Q&As

  • What wildlife can I expect to see on Stewart Island?

    On Stewart Island, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including the Stewart Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, South Island Kaka, Kereru (wood pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird, Tui, and the Southern Brown Kiwi. The island is rich in birdlife, especially on Ulva Island, which has been predator-free since 1997.

  • What is the significance of Fiordland in New Zealand's history?

    Fiordland is significant in New Zealand's history as it was well known to local Maori people and was first visited by Europeans when Captain Cook and his crew landed there on HMS Resolution in 1773. Cook's records and maps attracted sealers and whalers, leading to the formation of the first European settlements in New Zealand. The region's history has played a crucial role in shaping the future of the country.

  • What kind of activities are included in the Fiordland exploration?

    During the Fiordland exploration, you will have the opportunity to visit areas such as Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Acheron Passage, Astronomer's Point, and Pickersgill Harbour. There is also an option for an unforgettable helicopter flight through Dusky Sound with a landing on Mt Pender, offering spectacular views of the surrounding islands and fiords.

  • Are there any special excursions included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes all expedition shore excursions and a programme of lectures by noted naturalists. However, the helicopter excursion through Dusky Sound is not included and would be an additional cost.

  • What should I be aware of regarding the itinerary and schedule?

    The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. The Captain and Expedition Leader will make adjustments as necessary to ensure the best use of time in the region. It's advised not to book onward travel until after midday from Invercargill and after 3pm from Queenstown to accommodate any potential delays.

  • What fitness level is required?

    Guests are required to have a reasonable level of fitness in order to participate in landings. While not strenuous, travellers who participate on excursions must be able to climb a ship-side gangway, get in and out of Zodiacs and be able to stand unaided. Each landing and excursion caters to all fitness levels ranging from easy to challenging, ultimately each guest is able to decide how active or relaxing their voyage is.

  • Is any clothing included?

    Thermally-insulated Muck Boots are provided for use on all our Southern Ocean voyages while guests travelling to the Ross Sea are supplied with an Antarctic grade jacket during their time in Antarctica.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies

  • Is there a doctor on board?

    Yes, on Heritage Adventurer there is an on board doctor with a small infirmary and on many voyages a First Responder will travel with guests on excursions. Heritage Explorer does not have a doctor on board, however our crew are trained in first aid.

  • Are drinks included?

    Yes, house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on all Heritage Expeditions voyages. Complimentary drinks can also be enjoyed during special events on board while bar purchases can also be charged to your stateroom.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Travelling with Heritage Expeditions is to travel responsibly. As biologists and ornithologists, we are intimately aware of the many issues that confront animals and their habitats, the world's oceans and isolated ethnic groups. We also take action: we actively contribute to the conservation of the places we visit in several ways; we 'buy local' and employ locally; we make sure that travellers are respectful of local customs and traditions; and we dispose of waste responsibly.

  • Is there a gym on board?

    Yes, Heritage Adventurer has a gym, pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and Spa on Deck 7. While there is no gym on Heritage Explorer, guests have plenty of opportunity to stretch their legs on shore or take the kayaks out, weather permitting.

  • What is the onboard currency?

    Heritage Adventurer operates in US$ while Heritage Explorer is NZ$.

  • Does a single supplement apply?

    Heritage Adventurer has 20 dedicated single cabins (12 x Main Deck Single Staterooms on Deck 3 and 8 x Superior Single Staterooms on Deck 5). Heritage Adventurer also has the option of guests sharing in our Main Deck Triple (Deck 3) and Superior Triple (Deck 5) Staterooms. There may also be the option to share a Deck 4 or Deck 5 Superior Stateroom with another solo-travelling guest of the same gender. Heritage Explorer has 2 dedicated single cabins, Wandering, and if these are booked there may be availability to book a Salvin’s Twin/Double or Buller’s as a single at 1.8 times the published per person rate.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985.

  • Is there Wi-Fi on board?

    Yes, there is Wi-Fi available on both ships. Heritage Adventurer has a connection via satellite and vouchers can be purchased from reception. Wi-Fi is included on Heritage Explorer.

  • Are all excursions included?

    Yes, all standard excursions are included in the voyage cost. All you will need to pay for on board is anything of a personal nature, laundry, drinks and gratuities.

Reviews of this operator

Heart In Diamond NZ (Google Reviewer)  

The trip to the Southern...

15-Sep-2024

The trip to the Southern Fiords was truly the experience of a lifetime! My partner Chris and I were blown away by every moment. Tamzin and Lou, our expedition guides, were fantastic! Their passion and knowledge of the Fiordlands made the journey even more special. I had no idea of the rich European and Maori history in this area, and being able to witness it firsthand was incredible. The housekeeping team, Maia and Juanita, made sure we were always comfortable, and the meals were simply divine—fresh, delicious food at every turn. Jamie, our Captain, navigated with such finesse and kept us entertained with his great sense of humor. And Hamish, the engineer, worked tirelessly behind the scenes and even took on multiple roles, from first mate to zodiac driver. The whole experience was unforgettable, and I can’t thank the team enough for making it so extraordinary. Highly recommend!

Anne Carroll (Google Reviewer)  

I’ve just returned to Canada...

06-Sep-2023

I’ve just returned to Canada after an absolutely stupendous trip to the Kimberley region of Western Australia aboard the Heritage Adventurer. Everything from booking the trip to exiting the ship on our last day was first class and run like a well-oiled machine. The guides were informed, interesting, interested, enthusiastic, friendly, and made us guests feel like we were part of the ship family. Every day I wondered how they could top the daily activities, and the next day was another mind-blowing experience. The daily recaps were well-presented and always so interesting. We always knew what was coming up next - everything was very well organized. The camaraderie amongst the guides was obvious and that translated into a truly remarkable experience for me and the many other guests I met and befriended on board. The ship crew were always smiling and quickly learned our names and preferences. To a person, they were delightful and couldn’t have done more to ensure a fabulous experience for all. Great staff, lovely ship and absolutely amazing daily experiences. Wildlife, stunning landscapes, ancient art sites, and guides who explain in detail what we are seeing whether it’s insects, birds, rocks, whales, crocodiles, plants, fish and so much more. I came away with a much deeper appreciation for nature and how we humans are affected by and have an effect on nature. The cruise was ten days, but it felt like I had a month worth of experiences. I’d jump at the chance to explore any place with this company. I’m now hooked on the small ship cruise experience! Thank you Heritage Expeditions!

Sally Adams  

In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Ross Sea Antarctica “A Fantastic Voyage!”

01-Mar-2023

It was a fantastic voyage! The weather was amazing, the ship was stable, all the staff were terrific, the lectures were really interesting the food was excellent & I met many wonderful fellow travellers, some of whom I am keeping in touch with. And now I am belatedly reading a book about the Antarctic explorers it means a lot more, having been to the area, seen the huts etc. So thank you very much for a memorable experience.

Heritage Expeditions Customer
Shirley Turner (Google Reviewer)  

A Wild, Wonderful 10 Days...

23-Oct-2024

A Wild, Wonderful 10 Days in Fiordland. We had everything from high winds, high seas, heavy rain and hail mixed with sunshine, calm seas, rainbows and sunsets. The sounds and fiords with their huge mountains covered in ancient trees and bush are stunning, made even more magical with the rivers and many waterfalls. The wildlife that joined us on our adventure were penguins, dolphins and seals which were a treat to see. The many ocean going birds of Albatross and Petrel loved the conditions and escorted us on our ocean passages. Along the way we learnt the history of this amazing area. Pre European, Captain Cook and NZs first conservationist, Richard Henry. Ship wrecks, whaling, mining, sealers, lighthouses and power stations all contributed to this remote part of NZ which once had busy towns full of people. Who would have known that NZs first European house and ship were built here in Fiordland. A huge thank you goes out to our fantastic crew of Steve, Hamish, Glenda, Genevieve, Sebastian and Maia who made this a truly wonderful trip.

Emily P  

The Best of New Zealand: An Intimate Exploration Cruise of New Zealand's Islands “One of the greatest experiences of my life!”

01-Mar-2023

“The expedition was one of the greatest experiences of my life. We journeyed to many incredible parts of Aotearoa that I wouldn't have otherwise sailed to, hiked, or photographed. I loved how the daily itinerary responded to the weather conditions and different abilities so that we could all have a meaningful time in each place. The vessel is stunning and the crew took excellent care of us, as did the expedition team. Getting to know them and our fellow adventurers was a special part of the trip. It still feels like a dream!”

Heritage Expeditions Customer
Graham Barrie (Google Reviewer)  

Have just booked a trip...

28-May-2021

Have just booked a trip later in the year and the service I had with the staff and Emma in particular has been wonderful. Thank you 😊

Lorraine Knowles (Google Reviewer)  

Our trip on Hertiage Explorer...

10-Oct-2022

Our trip on Hertiage Explorer to the Southern Fiords was awesome. There was not one aspect that we could fault. The food, crew, expeditions ashore, fellow passengers and the knowledge of our guides was A+. We will definately book with you again - 2024 around the Bay of Islands.

Pat Hutchison (Google Reviewer)  

I just returned home from...

26-Jun-2024

I just returned home from the Sacred Japan trip, I highly recommend this expedition, everything was first class, the meals, the staff, the expedition guides and lecturers. We enjoyed amazing excursions at each port. I met many fellow passengers and enjoyed their company in the evenings. It was a wonderful experience and a great way to visit Japan.

Kita Williams  

Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: New Zealand and Australia's Subantarctic Islands “This was a Fantastic Trip - I Enjoyed Every Moment”

01-Mar-2023

This was a fantastic trip! From the glorious king penguins, to the sweet young elephant seal pups with their huge eyes, to the breathtakingly beautiful albatrosses on Campbell Island, and the colourful megaherbs, I enjoyed every moment. The sub-Antarctic islands are all very different, with unique landscapes and characteristics that were wonderful to experience. It was great to watch the lectures on board the ship, and our guides were very knowledgeable, helpful, fun and organised. We were so spoiled with the delicious meals and almost endless choices on board as well! The ship became a very cozy, familiar place and I enjoyed meeting some wonderful guests and exploring or cruising around in Zodiacs together. This trip really was a photographer's paradise, the wildlife and landscapes were incredible. Thank you Heritage Expeditions, I hope to join you again in the future!

Heritage Expeditions Customer
Chris Verstappen (Google Reviewer)  

A travel company that makes...

04-Oct-2017

A travel company that makes expedition cruising available to remote places on earth. I had the opportunity to go on a trip to the South Pacific in April 2017. A truly remarkable and well organized expedition and for sure a company I will come back to for more of their trips.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026
$3750 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Heritage Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of heritage expeditions charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.