Heritage Expeditions Sails into Summer Season
A look aboard the first cruise ship to start sailing again in NZ after Covid-19 (tvnz.co.nz)
Pioneering small ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions has once again made history, this time as the first passenger vessel to operate in New Zealand this season.
The Christchurch-based company’s 50-pax purpose built flagship Spirit of Enderby set sail on its first Kiwis-only voyage of the season this week.
Heritage Expeditions Commercial Director and Expedition Leader said the sold out 7-day Unseen Fiordland and Stewart Island voyage departed Bluff under perfect conditions.
“Great weather, calm seas, excited guests, and a sensational sunset and sunrise have made the start of our first voyage very memorable,” said Aaron.
“On the first night guests celebrated with bubbles on the bow and spent the following day exploring predator free wildlife sanctuary Ulva Island and the rugged beauty of Stewart Island.”
Spirit of Enderby was the first passenger vessel to get an exemption to operate from the New Zealand Government.
Aaron said the Kiwis-only season had received incredible support from New Zealanders wanting to explore the furthest reaches of their amazing backyard.
“Our first voyage sold not long after it was released and our 6 January departure, which includes The Snares, also sold out not long after,” he said.
“The final spots on our other voyages, including those down to the Subantarctic Islands, are also filling fast.”
Generally international adventurers made up around 80% of Heritage Expeditions guests, said Aaron.
“So New Zealanders have really supported our style of authentic expedition travel.”
Heritage Expeditions Southern Ocean season includes 7-day expeditions to Fiordland and Stewart Island and 8 – 13 day voyages to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands. The company is also looking forward to the opportunity to return to the heart of Antarctica, the Ross Dependency, in January and February.
