Karen Walker to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Subantarctic Islands with Heritage Expeditions
Pioneering small-ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions is delighted to welcome special guest and pioneering New Zealand fashion icon Karen Walker on its ultimate Kiwi adventure, Beyond Fiordland: New Zealand’s Wildest Islands, at the end of December 2026.
Walker, whose eponymous label has been at the forefront of New Zealand fashion for almost four decades, said she was excited to celebrate the new year exploring the remote wilderness of New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands and into the ‘heart of Fiordland’ with the family-owned Kiwi cruise pioneers.
“There’s something deeply meaningful about exploring the ocean in this way,” said Walker. “My family has a long maritime history, so this opportunity to visit the Subantarctic Islands and see the furthest reaches of New Zealand’s backyard feels both personal and creatively inspiring.”
“It’s such a privilege and ties beautifully into the spirit of our upcoming collection, which is rooted in exploration, resilience and a sense of adventure. To be able to travel with a family-owned and operated company like Heritage Expeditions, who have been actively supporting and advocating for conservation for more than 40 years, is something I can truly get behind.”
Travelling aboard Heritage Expeditions flagship Heritage Adventurer with her husband, business partner and creative director Mikhail Gherman, the fashion power couple will tease an exclusive selection of pieces from their upcoming collection through the Karen Walker social media channels during the 12-day voyage.
“There’s something exciting about revealing a new collection from such wild, rarely visited places – it brings a completely different energy and perspective to the work,” said Walker.
Guests joining the expedition will also be treated to an exclusive, salon-style fireside chat and Q&A with the New Zealand fashion legend whose inimitable aesthetic has made her an A-list favourite with Madonna, Charlize Theron, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Adele, Lorde, Priyanka Chopra, Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga and more.
Heritage Expeditions Commercial Director and Expedition Leader Aaron Russ said it was a pleasure to welcome Walker and Gherman, and their kindred, pioneering spirits, on its signature voyage and celebrate 2027’s arrival with them.
“Karen Walker is a true trail blazer and inspiration for all New Zealanders, charting her own course, like Heritage Expeditions, and proudly flying the Kiwi fashion flag on the world stage,” he said.
“Fiordland and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands are at the heart of Heritage Expeditions, these incredible, UNESCO World Heritage Sites inspired our 40-year legacy of responsible, authentic expedition travel,” said Aaron.
“We can’t wait to share these wild and remote islands home to fascinating wildlife and fields of blooming megaherbs with Karen and Mikhail, and celebrate a New Year of adventures, possibilities and inspiration among New Zealand’s premier wilderness.”
BEYOND FIORDLAND: NEW ZEALAND’S WILDEST ISLANDS
12 DAYS | 27 December 2026 – 7 January 2027
Invercargill/Queenstown, return
The ultimate Kiwi adventure – explore New Zealand’s Subantarctic Auckland, Snares and Campbell Islands, the untamed wilderness of Fiordland’s world-famous ice-carved mountains, forests and fiords, encounter threatened native species flourishing on Ulva Island and explore the wilds of Stewart Island.
This voyage combines remarkable wildlife encounters and observations as we explore remote parts of New Zealand’s Southern region only accessible by sea, an area known for its range of wildlife and jaw dropping scenery on a grand scale.
Save 20%* on all berths when booked by 30 April 2026.
(Karen Walker to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Subantarctic Islands with Heritage Expeditions)
