Kiwisonly expedition programme approved

CHRISTCHURCH: Christchurchbased expedition company Heritage Expeditions is to resume operations this summer.

The company said the Government had allowed its 50guest flagship vessel Spirit of Enderby/Professor Khromov to operate a Kiwisonly Southern Ocean programme this season.

Directors Aaron and Nathan Russ said it was a huge win for them, for tourism in general and for ongoing scientific research.

Nathan Russ said the decision allowed them to continue doing what they had been doing for more than 35 years.

‘‘Sharing the furthest reaches of New Zealand’s spectacular backyard with inquisitive Kiwis,’’ he said.

The company was involved with GNS Science and the World Meteorological Organisation, and had had a long association with the Department of Conservation, providing vital links to some of the country’s most remote locations.

The familyowned company was founded in 1985 with the aim also of contributing to conservation through experiential learning and provision of funds for research and management.

Each expedition was led by a team of experts in their field, including botanists, ornithologists and naturalists.

Aaron Russ said going ahead with the season would help protect jobs and support local businesses.

Nathan Russ said securing the permission had been a lengthy process, which they understood was necessary from a health and wellbeing perspective, due to Covid19.

The Southern Ocean season included trips to Fiordland and Stewart Island, and New Zealand’s subantarctic islands.

The company also planned to return to the the Ross Dependency in the Antarctic in January and February. — RNZ