Oceania & Pacific Islands

Unseen Stewart Island

Name: Unseen Stewart Island
Brand: Heritage Expeditions
Price: 4190.5 USD
Availability: InStock

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 primaeval world", his comment on Stewart Island 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 native 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 Māori name, Rakiura, translating to 'glowing skies', there's also the opportunity to experience the spectacular Aurora Australis which often puts on a mesmerising show as it 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 Kākā, Kererū (wood pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird and Tūī. 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.

Choose your departure

5 departures

DEC30

Heritage Explorer · 2026

From $4,930

JAN6

Heritage Explorer · 2027

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OCT4

Heritage Explorer · 2027

From $4,191

OCT11

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OCT18

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From$4,930per personSign in to see your member priceTaxes includedSave 5%+1Starting tier sold outAI PickActive promotion on this Heritage Expeditions departure to New ZealandAI Pick8-day Heritage Expeditions voyage

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Route Map

Gallery

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Voyage Overview

Landing fees, 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.

All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.

Ship

Heritage Explorer

Heritage Expeditions

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.

Passengers18

Tonnage76 GT

Built2004

Decks4

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Deck Plans

Onboard Facilities

Booking & Cancellation Policies

Children Policy

“Child/Children” means any Passenger under the age of 18 years on the date of outward travel;

Single Supplement

Dedicated single‑occupancy cabins are available for direct selection by solo travellers, subject to cabin availability.

Cancellation Policy

210+ days before departure: 750 USD penalty 121–209 days before departure: 25% penalty 0–120 days before departure: 100% penalty We strongly recommend travel insurance with cancellation cover (minimum USD $150,000 Subantarctic / USD $250,000 Antarctic). Name change fee: $0 USD

Insurance Requirements

It is mandatory that all Passengers obtain and have travel insurance while travelling with the Carrier. Such insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, loss of or damage to luggage, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses and pre-existing medical conditions. Passengers must be able to provide proof of insurance purchase and adequate coverage as per the above if requested by the Vessel’s officers, personnel or Carrier’s representative. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Passenger. All guests must hold comprehensive travel insurance covering baggage loss, cancellation and curtailment, medical, accident, and repatriation / emergency evacuation. Minimum coverage: USD $150,000 per person for Subantarctic / South Pacific / Japan / New Zealand voyages; USD $250,000 per person for Antarctic voyages. Repatriation / emergency evacuation cover should include polar evacuation. Proof of insurance must be submitted before final payment, otherwise Heritage Expeditions reserves the right to cancel the booking.

Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy