About Heritage Expeditions

Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1984, as a way of increasing awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. Founded by Rodney and Shirley Russ, Rodney was a biologist working for the New Zealand Wildlife Service. Through his work with Kakapo, Chatham Island Black Robin and other endangered species he appreciated that rather than locking wilderness areas away, it was important to share them with people so that they might become 'ambassadors' advocating and supporting conservation efforts. He has long held the view that conservation and responsible travel are partners, that together can achieve what might otherwise be unachievable.

From those small beginnings Heritage Expeditions, which is still family-owned and run, now by Rodney and Shirley's sons Aaron and Nathan Russ, operates its own ships – 140-guest expedition ship Heritage Adventurer and 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer on expedition cruises into the 'heart of Antarctica' the Ross Sea, the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia, around the islands of Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Philippines, Australia's iconic Kimberley Coast and coastal New Zealand and Fiordland, Stewart Island and Marlborough Sounds. Each authentic, small-ship expedition cruise is meticulously planned and led ensuring expeditioners maximise every opportunity they have to learn and experience as much as possible about the region, while at the same time minimising the impact of their visit.

Today Heritage Expeditions works from modern purpose-built offices in Christchurch, New Zealand. When booking with us you benefit from the enormous wealth of experience, knowledge and passion of our team for the destinations we visit.

Our Ships

Heritage Expeditions luxurious 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer and 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer are renowned for their strength and manoeuvrability – perfect for exploring the world's most remote coasts and shorelines.

Responsible Travel Policy

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.

Expedition Staff

Heritage Expeditions' has assembled a world-renowned team naturalists, botanists, historians and experts to interpret the natural and human history discovered during each voyage, as well as hosting regular lectures, ensuring guests maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible during their voyage.

Office Staff

Responsible for taking your bookings, logistics, making sure everything runs smoothly and more, our outstanding office team are based at Heritage Expeditions' HQ in Christchurch, New Zealand. Contact them to benefit from their wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for the places we go and expeditions we offer.

Where We Go

Heritage Expeditions knows its stuff. If you love pelagic birds, penguins, sea lions and unique flora, you cannot be disappointed by the islands of the Subantarctic. The roaring forties and furious fifties awaken the spirit of adventure – this is a sea voyage as much as a biodiversity overload. More than just a sensory experience, …

Neale Frazer

Amazing beautiful places … what more to life is there?

Susan

It was an awesome trip for John and me. We were very impressed with the expertise on board to help us with bird watching and to identify the megaherbs. Nathan's leadership kept us well informed and feeling safe. Also, we were very impressed with the efforts and dedication of Heritage Expeditions and the NZ Dept. …

Celia Saw

This is my 3rd trip to Antarctica. First time with Heritage Expeditions and first time to the Ross Sea. The vast amount of knowledge shared with us by the group of expedition leaders is unparalleled. Heritage is in a class by itself.

Russell Yeh

What an amazing trip! We visited remote communities that had rarely and in some cases never had visitors before. The welcomes were amazing and it was a real privilege being able to be part of such an experience. This was our 2nd trip with Heritage and it exceeded expectations. They are a true expedition company …

John & Anne Swindell

This was a magnificent trip. The pre trip advice was very good. The organisation on the ship was efficient. The lectures were really interesting and covered a wide range of topics from flora, fauna, rocks, geography, how to get the most out of photographing with a mobile phone, transport in the Antarctica etc. The landscape …

Jude

A great trip with anticipation of adventure on every morning. One of the real surprises was the stunning variety of tundra plants.

Marion

I'm back home in the cold and wet with 6.5 hrs. of daylight and a lot of really good memories from the trip. I would like to thank you all for making it such a wonderful trip filled with so many different things to see, the cetaceans were especially good for me.

Graham

What a great trip! Although in the eye of a cyclone, with the expert knowledge of the captain and tour guide the scenery and experiences were fantastic. I can't tell you how special the culinary creations our expert French chef provided were - exceptional!!