Explore New Zealand's Subantarctic Auckland, Snares and Campbell Islands along with the untamed wilderness of Fiordland's ice-carved mountains, forests and fiords. Encounter threatened native species flourishing on Stewart Island's Ulva Island on this iconic, 12-day expedition cruise of remote New Zealand. Heritage Expeditions pioneered expedition cruising in 1984 by cruising the rugged and unique southern coastline of New Zealand's South Island, including Fiordland and Stewart Island.

From those first days exploring the wilderness from their tiny yacht base with just 5 travellers aboard, the Russ family realised their dream that responsible tourism, enacted in a genuine and responsible way in conjunction with local government, had the ability to assist in the protection of vulnerable areas. From there, Heritage Expeditions continued to grow escorting conservation-minded passengers to the world's most special regions, from Antarctica to the Arctic, but our passion for New Zealand's wilderness never diminished. Reinstated in 2018, this expedition returns, in full circle, to where Heritage Expeditions' legacy began.

Exploring the remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords of Fiordland, it is easy to see why this incredible region inspired our dream for responsible travel. In the calm waters of Fiordland, and away from the crowds, there are great opportunities to lookout for marine life, elusive birds and stunning vistas. This expedition also includes New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, as featured in Conde Nast Traveler's influential 'The 25 Best Places to Go in 2025' list along with Heritage Expeditions and our voyages, which have been a popular and essential part of our programmes for many years, and Stewart Island's Ulva Island home to a range of birdlife and free of introduced pests.

Tick this once in a lifetime experience off your travel bucket list; explore remote parts of New Zealand's Southern region, an area known for its range of birdlife and jaw dropping scenery on a grand scale. Join award-winning wildlife photographer and conservationist Doug Gimesy, regular contributor to National Geographic, on our 27 December 2026 voyage for some pro tips from this accomplished wildlife photographer.  Our 2026 also voyage offers the unique opportunity to travel with special guest and pioneering New Zealand fashion icon Karen Walker and her husband, business partner and creative director Mikhail Gherman.

Experience the wonders of the Subantarctic Islands, Fiordland and Stewart Island with fashion’s power couple and enjoy an exclusive, salon-style fireside chat and Q&A with inimitable Kiwi fashion legend Karen Walker. The Subantarctic Islands are the wildlife and history rich regions of Southern New Zealand, they are impossible to visit without an expedition like this. They are not mentioned in a travel brochure on your high street; and rarely will you find them listed in guidebooks, few people have been to them and they don't even appear on some maps of the South Pacific.

Despite their low profile, they are among the most remarkable wildlife reserves in the New Zealand, designated UNESCO World Heritage sites and afforded the highest protection of any nature reserves in New Zealand. Remote, uninhabited and on no regular shipping route, access is further restricted by a strict Management Plan which limits the number of people allowed ashore each year.  Heritage Expeditions is the most experienced Southern Ocean operator and the only Australasian family-owned and operated cruise company and have been exploring the Subantarctic Islands for more than 35 years.

This is one of our ‘signature expeditions' ensuring you will benefit from our unrivalled knowledge and expertise of the region.