Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara with Heritage Expeditions, New Zealand’s pioneering small ship expedition cruise company, on this exclusive 8-day voyage aboard our luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.
Described by botanist Leonard Cockayne in 1909 as being “an actual piece of the primaeval world”, his comment on Stewart Island still rings true today. Just 30-kilometres from the Mainland and with more than 85% of the island dedicated National Park, New Zealand’s third island combines stunning landscapes spanning towering granite cliffs to unspoiled native forests, 700-kilometres of coastline, beaches, hidden bays and coves, with abundant wildlife, numerous conservation success stories, rich history, epic sunrises and sunsets and the rightly famous hospitality of the friendly locals.
And with its Māori name, Rakiura, translating to ‘glowing skies’, there’s also the opportunity to experience the spectacular Aurora Australis which often puts on a mesmerising show as it paints the southern skies.
With only 25-kilometres of road, Stewart Island and its remote, hard to reach shores and historic spots are best explored by sea including nearby predator-free Ulva Island – your best chance of seeing New Zealand’s national icon the Kiwi bird during the day along with Stewart Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, South Island Kākā, Kererū (wood pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird and Tūī.
Discover quirky town centre Oban in Halfmoon Bay where a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the iconic South Sea Hotel, historic Paterson Inlet, Port Pegasus and more as we experience Unseen Stewart and Ulva Islands on this unforgettable adventure.
Read MoreHeritage Explorer
Vessel Type: Expedition Yacht
Length: 30 metres
Passenger Capacity: 18
Built: 2004
Heritage Explorer, a New Zealand-built 30-metre expedition yacht launched in 2004 by Carey’s Boatyard in Picton, joins Heritage Expeditions’ fleet to offer intimate discovery experiences along New Zealand’s coastline. With a maximum of 18 guests across 10 well-appointed cabins, the vessel combines contemporary wood-finished interiors with panoramic dining and lounge areas, extensive covered outdoor spaces, and a range of expedition equipment including kayaks, fishing gear, and two tenders for deeper exploration. Guests enjoy an open bridge policy, locally sourced cuisine prepared in a commercial kitchen, and the guidance of an enthusiastic expedition team and New Zealand crew.
The yacht features state-of-the-art technology for comfort and performance, including dual 653 hp Scania engines, bow thrusters, fin stabilisers, full air-conditioning, sound-attenuated generators, and a hydraulic aft ramp. Accommodation ranges from the Master Suite on the Bridge Deck with queen bed and private deck access, to Lower Deck cabins with doubles, singles, or bunks, all with ensuite bathrooms and storage. Measuring 30 m in length, 7.8 m in breadth, with a draft of 1.93 m and 76.1 gt, Heritage Explorer cruises at 10 knots, providing an intimate yet fully equipped platform for immersive New Zealand expedition travel.
Your tour highlights
• Visit Paterson Inlet
• Discover Port Adventure
• Explore Port Pegasus
• Enjoy Lords River
Tour itinerary
Make your way to the Invercargill Airport where you will meet your fellow travellers before catching your charter flight (times will be confirmed with your voyage documents) to Oban. The Captain and Expedition Leader will be waiting to welcome you aboard Heritage Explorer at Oban and show you to your cabin as you settle into life aboard your home away from home.
Awake refreshed this morning after your first night on Heritage Explorer and enjoy breakfast among the wide open spaces and serenity of Stewart Island’s primeval landscape. Today we plan to explore Paterson Inlet, its near 100-kilometre square expanse features bush-clad bays, beaches, inlets, and 20 islands while its waters frequently visited by Bottlenose Dolphins. During our time here there will be opportunities to 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, walk one of the many forest trails and explore predator-free bird sanctuary Ulva Island with our knowledgeable guides and marvel at the variety of birdlife flourishing here.
Exploring southwards along the eastern coast of Stewart Island there are several well protected and important harbours for us to visit, with Port Adventure being the first of these we reach. Popular for fishing, hunting and diving this bay once housed a small Maori settlement who arrived from The Neck in 1843. Here opportunities could include visiting the Port Adventure Hunters Hut in the North Arm, Zodiac cruising the coastline and the spectacular Heron River, along with adventures ashore on foot.
Sure to be one of the highlights of our voyage, we have three days to explore the remote, undisturbed beauty of Port Pegasus. Isolated at the southern end of the island, with access predominantly by sea, there is much to explore and experience among this undisturbed wilderness. Boasting an expansive harbour laced with waterways, arms and channels, several waterfalls and three main islands – Pearl Island (the largest) in the north, Anchorage Island in the centre, and Noble Island in the south – provides an unrivalled opportunity to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Stewart Island. We will spend our time exploring by Zodiac and kayak, venturing into hidden coves and landing on pristine white sand beaches where few have set foot before. There are also a number of excellent walking options including exploring the granite domes to the west of Gog and Magog, or venturing onto the southern extension of the subalpine Tin Range, the eastern area of which would become the last refuge for Kākāpo in the second half of the 20th Century. The marine life here abounds with Hooker’s/New Zealand Sea Lions and Yellow-eyed Penguins/Hoiho regularly observed. For those who enjoy fishing, there will be ample opportunity to try your luck at catching a meal for the table.
Returning northwards along the shores of Stewart Island’s east coast, Heritage Explorer ventures into the sheltered waters of Lords Rive. At 8-kilometres it is the longest navigable river on Stewart Island. Considered one of the most spectacular and unspoilt areas of New Zealand and the country’s Amazon, a historic deed was signed in 1999 to protect the area’s 3,515 hecatres of virgin native forest. Here we will take the opportunity to enjoy a Zodiac safari up this fascinating winding estuary with its tannin-stained water reminiscent of Fiordland as it snakes its way to the ocean from the interior of Stewart Island.
This morning Heritage Explorer returns to Oban where, after a final breakfast and farewells, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your charter flight to Invercargill. In case of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any onward travel from Invercargill until after midday.
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $6,080
DEPARTURES 4 Oct 2026 / 11 Oct 2026 / 18 Oct 2026 / 30 Dec 2026 / 6 Jan 2027 / 4 Oct 2027 / 11 Oct 2027 / 18 Oct 2027
Other cabin types available:
Salvin's Twin or Double from $6,788pp
Wandering from $7052pp
Royal from $8344pp
20% off selected cabins
Book before 30 June 2026 and SAVE 20%* on all berths on Unseen Stewart Island departing on 30 December 2026 and departures in January & October 2027.
*T&C's apply, new bookings only, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
Landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.