Unseen Stewart Island
Unseen Stewart Island
Unseen Stewart Island
8 Days Starting and ending in Invercargill
Visiting: New Zealand
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
Heritage ExplorerGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
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 primeval world", his comment 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 wilderness (more than half the island is covered by podocarp and rimu, miro, kamahi and southern rata dominant 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 Maori name, Rakiura, translating to 'the land of the glowing skies', there's also the opportunity to experience the spectacular Aurora Australis which often puts on a mesmerising show as it famously 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 Kaka, Kereru (wood pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird and Tui.
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Invercargill/Oban
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.
Day 2: Paterson Inlet
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.
Day 3: Port Adventure
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.
Day 4 : Days 4 To 6: Port Pegasus
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 via 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 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 seen. For those who enjoy fishing there will be ample opportunity to try your luck at catching a meal for the table.
Day 7: Lords River
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.
Day 8: Oban/Invercargill
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. 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 Explorer
Ship Overview
New Zealand-built expedition yacht Heritage Explorer joins Heritage Expedition's small ship fleet creating new opportunities of discovery around the shores of New Zealand. Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience with a maximum of just 18 guests on board.
Heritage Explorer is a 30-metre, 4-deck New Zealand flagged vessel built in 2004 by the renowned wooden boat building family Carey's Boatyard in Picton. It features a contemporary wood-finished interior, 10 well-appointed cabins across three decks, dining room boasting spectacular 180-degree panoramas and theatre capabilities; lounge and bar featuring a flight of inclusive regional New Zealand wines and beers; and a well-stocked local library.
Outside, guests can enjoy plenty of covered space on the Bridge Deck, perfect for wildlife spotting, sunrises and sunsets, or simply enjoying watch your voyage unfold. Kayaks and fishing equipment are available for use during the voyage, while two tenders allow for deeper exploration and the unforgettable wildlife encounters synonymous with all Heritage Expeditions adventures.
As with our other vessels, Heritage Explorer has an open bridge policy and a full commercial kitchen helmed by a talented chef focused on highlighting local produce and any guest catches of the day, as well as an enthusiastic and passionate expedition team, and will be shipped by a New Zealand captain and crew.
The expedition yacht features state-of-the-art technology to provide a comfortable expedition with high performance dual Scania 653 horsepower engines, bow thrusters, fin stabilisers, full air-conditioning, sound attenuated twin generators and a hydraulic aft ramp, while a comprehensive navigation package ensures the ultimate Kiwi adventure awaits all guests.
Accommodation Details
Royal: Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck.
Salvin's: Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin's cabins have the option of either a double bed or two lower berths. Both feature ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, private en suite and a picture porthole.
Wandering: Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, private en suite and a porthole.
Buller's: Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller's cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, private en suite and a porthole.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
Heritage Explorer
Cabins:
10
Expedition Staff & Crew:
5
Breadth:
7.8m
Cruising Speed:
10 knots
Length:
30m
Tenders:
2
Draft:
1.93m
Guests:
18
Gross Tonnage:
76.1gt
Engine:
653 horsepower
Vessel Type:
Expedition Yacht
Deck Plans
Deck Plan
Deck Plan
Cabins
Salvin's Double
Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole.
Royal
Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck.
Wandering
Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole.
Buller's
Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole.
Salvin's Twin
Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole.
What's Included
-
Landing fees
-
Pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers
Pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers are included in the tour package.
-
On board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities
All on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities are included in the tour package.
-
House drinks and expert on board naturalist guides
House drinks and expert on board naturalist guides are included in the tour package.
-
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.
What's Not Included
-
All items of a personal nature
-
Laundry
Laundry services are not included in the tour package.
-
Domestic flights
Domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
-
Extensions and travel insurance
Extensions and travel insurance are not included in the tour package.
-
laundry
-
domestic flights
-
extensions and travel insurance.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, ensuring a seamless journey to and from Invercargill and Oban.
Accommodation
Enjoy luxurious on-board accommodation aboard the 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer, offering a comfortable and intimate setting for your 8-day voyage.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on Stewart Island and Ulva Island?
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphins, a variety of birdlife on the predator-free bird sanctuary Ulva Island, Hooker’s/New Zealand Sea Lions, and Yellow-eyed Penguins/Hoiho.
-
What activities are available during the visit to Port Adventure?
At Port Adventure, you can visit the Port Adventure Hunters Hut in the North Arm, go Zodiac cruising along the coastline and the Heron River, and explore the area on foot.
-
What can I do during the three days at Port Pegasus?
During the three days at Port Pegasus, you can explore the area via Zodiac and kayak, visit hidden coves and pristine white sand beaches, walk the granite domes of Gog and Magog, venture onto the subalpine Tin Range, and try fishing for a meal.
-
What is special about Lords River?
Lords River is the longest navigable river on Stewart Island, known for its spectacular and unspoilt scenery. It features tannin-stained water reminiscent of Fiordland and is surrounded by 3,515 hectares of virgin native forest protected by a historic deed signed in 1999.
-
What should I be aware of regarding the itinerary?
The itinerary may deviate due to poor weather or opportunities for unplanned excursions. The Expedition Leader will keep you informed of any changes.
-
What is included in the tour package?
The tour package includes landing fees, pre and post cruise charter flights and coach transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals, all shore excursions and activities, GST, house drinks, and expert on board naturalist guides.
-
What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions, and travel insurance.
-
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
1 Select your preferred date
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.