Heritage Expeditions

Heritage Expeditions is New Zealand's longest established birding travel company. 

In 1985, Rodney Russ, a former Wildlife Service biologist working with endangered species such as the Black Robin and Kakapo began a small family business in Christchurch, New Zealand.  Created as a way to produce ‘wilderness ambassadors’ who would advocate and support conservation efforts, the result is Heritage Expeditions, an internationally recognised leader in expedition cruising and responsible travel.

Travelling with Heritage Expeditions provides keen birders with opportunities that are not available anywhere else in the world.  Travel to the Subantarctic Islands south of New Zealand, famous for the millions of penguins and petrels that come ashore each year to breed. Venture further south, to the remote and pristine Ross Sea region of Antarctica, accessible in a month long return voyage from the South Island of New Zealand. Or explore the tropical and rarely visited outlying islands of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Kermadec Islands, teeming with abundant birdlife. Those with a particular interest in pelagic birding will enjoy Heritage Expeditions’  31 day birding voyages from New Zealand northwards through the South Pacific.

Heritage Expeditions operates the Spirit of Enderby, an ice strengthened polar research vessel which accommodates just 50 passengers on each voyage. This class of vessel is renowned for its strength and manoeuvrability and is perfect for small group expedition cruising. Enhancing the expedition experience, an on board team of world-class wildlife experts delivers an informative lecture series, with most voyages having a specific birding guide on board.

Note: The map indicator indicates only a small portion of Heritage tours visited territory.

 Travel on the Spirit of Enderby in the South Pacific and Southern Ocean from October to April each year, prices start from $4100 USD for an eight day itinerary. Contact us for more information, including voyage itineraries, past trip logs and bird lists. 

Heritage Expeditions Contact Details