More Explorer voyages

HISTORY is repeating itself for Heritage Expeditions, with the cruise line announcing its return to New Zealand’s Fiordland, where it began back in 1985.

Four new voyages have been released aboard the new 18-guest Heritage Explorer (CW 02 Mar) which will be bound for the region’s remote coves and inlets from Jul.

The new five-, seven- and 10-day expeditions will explore iconic destinations only accessible by sea, including Preservation Inlet, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, Acheron Passage, Chalky Inlet, Milford Sound and more.

Commercial Director & Expedition Leader Aaron Russ said the New Zealand-based family owned-and-operated cruise line pioneered expedition cruising more than 35 years ago with its intimate five-guest explorations of Fiordland.

“It was our early exploration of these rarely visited and remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fjords rich in wildlife, conservation and New Zealand history which inspired our dream for responsible travel,” said Russ.

The new voyages join the recently announced Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman expeditions, (CW 18 Mar) with upcoming itineraries including Hauraki Gulf, Bay of Islands and Stewart Island to be released shortly.

Explorer set sail on her maiden voyage, Discover Malborough Sounds, on Sun.

Russ said the seven-day voyage was completely full, with guests to explore Queen Charlotte Sound, D’Urville Island, French Pass and Pelorus Sound.