Cruise The Malborough Sounds, New Zealand
New Zealand offers a dazzling small ship cruising experience. As a Kiwi owned and operated company since 1985, sharing the natural wonders and beauty of New Zealand is second nature!
Marlborough Sounds encompasses some 1,500-kilometres of forested coastline, sheltered inlets and bays awaiting exploration, many only accessible by sea. Famed for the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines, these regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country's most important conservation efforts.
Explore New Zealand's scenic playground of Marlborough Sounds' Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Pelorus Sound on an immersive five, seven or nine-day cruise adventure aboard our 18-guest expedition yacht, Heritage Explorer. Our nine-day voyage also includes an exploration of the beautiful maritime landscape of Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest national park, its waters home to New Zealand Fur Seals and Little Blue Penguins.
Set Sail for an Unforgettable Journey with Heritage Cruises
Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound: A Walking Cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound
5 DAYS
14 Dec.26 & 29 May, 10 Dec & 14 Dec.27
Blenheim to Blenheim, New Zealand
Aboard Heritage Explorer
Search for birdlife on predator free islands and walk a section of Queen Charlotte Walkway
Discover the wildlife and rich history of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds
Look for the Orange-fronted Parakeet, New Zealand's rarest parakeet, dolphins and fur seals
Explore three main bodies of water - Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds
Visit d'Urville Island home to the critically endangered Long-tailed Bat and the King Shag, the world's rarest shag
Spend two days exploring Pelorus Sound's endless bays, sheltered coves and shoreline
Learn about some of the country's most important conservation efforts
Sail through the iconic French Pass in the wake of French Explorer Dumont d’Urville
Hike part of the Nydia Track and explore Nydia Bay
Enjoy kayak and Zodiac excursions
Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
7 DAYS
20 & 26 Nov. 2 & 8 Dec.26
19 Apr, 25 Apr, 17 May, 23 May 27
12 Nov, 18 Nov, 24 Nov 27
Discover the iconic Queen Charlotte Sound with opportunities to walk a section of the Queen Charlotte Walkway.
Explore Tory Channel to learn about the whaling history of the Perano Whalers and visit Ship Cove to see Captain Cook's memorial.
Sail through the scenic French Pass, with dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals frequently seen, as we visit d’Urville Island.
Spend time in Pelorus Sounds, the largest in the Marlborough Sounds, which offers picturesque views alongside steep verdant hills, and endless bays and coves for exploration.
Visit Ngawhakawhiti Bay to get a glimpse of what the sounds would have been like before the native forest was cleared.
Walk part of the Nydia Track before we explore Nydia Bay.
Visit Blumine Island, home to the Orange-fronted Parakeet, New Zealand’s rarest parakeet
Kayak remote shores and try your hand at fishing to catch your evening’s dinner.
The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
9 DAYS
4 Nov, 12 Nov.2026
1 May, 9 May 2027
3 Nov, 30 Nov 2027
Blenheim to Nelson, New Zealand
Aboard Heritage Explorer
Discover the wildlife and rich history of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds
Explore three main bodies of water - Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds
Walk a section of Queen Charlotte Walkway in the footsteps of Captain Cook
Visit d'Urville Island home to the critically endangered Long-tailed Bat and the King Shag, the world's rarest shag
Sail through the iconic French Pass and in the wake of French Explorer Dumont d’Urville
Hike part of the Nydia Track and explore Nydia Bay
Visit Ship Cove, learn of its history and see Captain Cook's memorial
Kayak secluded inlets and the stunning crystalline waters of Abel Tasman National Park
Explore the native forest of Nagawhakawhiti Bay
Look for New Zealand Fur Seals and Little Blue Penguins
Heritage Explorer
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.
Heritage Explorer - Available for Charter
Explore the furthest reaches of New Zealand's backyard while enjoying new levels of bespoke comfort in expedition travel. Heritage Explorer offers unique itineraries and an intimate, personalised experience with just 10 cabins and a maximum of 18 guests.
Explore Fiordland's Milford Sound, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds and more (including scenic heli-flight); the scenic playground of Marlborough Sounds' Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Pelorus Sound; the parks, reserves and famed beaches of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay; and the iconic wildlife havens of Stewart Island and nearby predator free Ulva Island – your best chance of seeing New Zealand's national icon the Kiwi bird during the day.
Hike, swim, enjoy kayak and Zodiac excursions, fish and spot wildlife from the Bridge Deck and Sun Deck. In the evenings, return to the ship for outstanding cuisine and relaxation.
Discover the Magic of New Zealand with Heritage Cruises in Marlborough Sounds and Fiordland
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