Heritage Expeditions recently shared the latest news about its adventures in far-flung places you might never have heard of. Karryon joined the crew to find out more.
Hosting the event was Robert Halfpenny, Head of Global Sales; Aaron Russ, Commercial Director, and Chris le Roux, Sales Manager Australia.
Heritage Expeditions Head of Global Sales Robert Halfpenny kicked off the presentation with an introduction to the company’s own fascinating heritage story.
It’s a real family affair – Heritage Expeditions was launched in 1984 by biologist Rodney Russ and his wife, Shirley Russ – and owned and operated by their sons, Aaron and Nathan, since 2018.
Rodney Russ’ conservation work for the New Zealand Wildlife Service inspired the foundation of the New Zealand-based expedition-cruise company. They believed the only way for people to understand the importance of protecting the environment and wildlife was to see it for themselves.
Adventurous eco-minded travellers clearly agreed. The couple chartered various ships, ran successful expeditions to the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands, within New Zealand and to Fiordland, and then to Antarctica, taking their sons along at a very early age.
In 2021, Heritage Expeditions bought the 18-guest Heritage Explorer for New Zealand expeditions and Heritage Adventurer to explore further afield.
What’s Heritage Adventurer like?
“Heritage Adventurer is often called the ‘grande dame of polar exploration’ because of her illustrious history. She was purpose-built as a polar expedition ship in Finland in 1991, was formerly known as MS Hanseatic when sailing for the renowned German line Hapag-Lloyd and has hit more expedition firsts than any other expedition ship,” Halfpenny said.
Aaron Russ, who enjoys researching the history of expedition cruising as much as he loves leading expeditions, said when Heritage Expeditions bought and then refitted the ship, guest numbers were reduced from 184 to 140.
“We also found the original marketing material from when she was launched and repainted her in her original colours. We wanted to respect her heritage – Heritage Adventurer is a very storied and well-travelled vessel,” he said.
The ship provides a range of extremely comfortable accommodation, a main dining room and bistro plus a terrace area for barbecues, a large library and observation lounge, a pool, gym, steam room and sauna. There are 14 Zodiacs on board, as well as sea kayaks and snorkelling gear.
“And as all good expedition ships should have, we have an open-bridge policy on board so you can meet the captain and officers while they work,” he added.
Where are the Subantarctic Islands?
If you’re asking yourself that question, you’re not the only one! I had the privilege of cruising the ‘Subs’, as they’re called, in late 2023 with Heritage Expeditions, and like many other people – even most Kiwis – I had no idea where they were.
In a nutshell, the ‘Subs’ are a collection of uninhabited, wildlife-rich islands that lie between Australia and Antarctica. Five of the groups belong to New Zealand (the Snares, Bounty, Antipodes, Auckland and Campbells) and one island (Macquarie) to Australia and all are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The wildlife is phenomenal and some species can only be found on these islands. They’re home to seabirds, such as penguins, albatross, petrels and skuas; rare land birds, such as the snipe; and elephant seals, fur seals, sea lions, whales and dolphins.
Rare plants also flourish on the remote, rugged Subs – ‘megaherbs’ or giant wildlflowers that have been described as one of the botanic wonders of the world.
Heritage Expeditions voyages to the Subs operate every November and December on board Heritage Adventurer before the ship heads to Antarctica for lengthy exploration sailings between January and March.
All voyages on Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer are accompanied by a team of expedition specialists. Heritage Expeditions Commercial Director Aaron and Operations Director Nathan Russ regularly lead expeditions in some of the world’s most intriguing destinations.
Following nature’s calendar
After Antarctica, Heritage Adventurer follows the summer sun, first spending two weeks exploring the New Zealand coast. She then heads to the South Pacific in March for a series of expedition voyages ranging from nine to 25 days.
Destination highlights on her Heritage Expeditions South Pacific adventures include Norfolk Island, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Aaron Russ said: “We’ve spent many years in the region and have long-standing relationships with small communities, which helps us introduce guests to different cultures as well as providing incredible wildlife experiences.”
“Many people don’t realise that some of the greatest wilderness areas in the world are on Australia’s doorstep.”
From April to June, Heritage Adventurer sails around Japan’s many less-visited islands and then operates in the Kimberley until September, when she explores Indonesia and Melanesia. In November, she returns to her ‘heartland’”,’ of the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands and the cycle continues.
New Zealand’s Heritage Explorer
The nimble, 18-guest Heritage Explorer sails in New Zealand almost year-round for Heritage Expeditions on cruises ranging from five to 10 days.
Itineraries cover Fiordland’s Milford Sound, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds and more (including a scenic heli-flight); Marlborough Sounds’ Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Pelorus Sound; the parks, reserves and beaches of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay; and the wildlife havens of Stewart Island and nearby Ulva Island.
“The beauty of Heritage Explorer is that she can go into the heart of the fiords and into tiny bays. The New Zealand coastline stretches along 15,000km and has some stunning scenery” Aaron Russ said.
“In Fiordland, there are 14 fiords but most of the world has only heard about one, or maybe two. I often wonder why people from this part of the world fly to Norway to see fjords when the can see the best fjords going, right on our doorstep.”
Find out more at heritage-expeditions.com
