Join the Grand Pacific Odyssey, a 25-day cruise from New Zealand to Japan aboard Heritage Adventurer. This adventure balances remote island visits, coral reef snorkeling, cultural exchanges, and wildlife encounters. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site Norfolk Island, French-influenced New Caledonia, and the hidden treasures of Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea. Experience history of Honiara in the Solomon Islands, sail through the rich marine life of the Solomon Islands chain, and discover the pristine beauty of Bougainville Island. The journey continues to the Bonin Islands in Japan, including Chichi-jima, Haha-jima, and Tori-shima, each with its unique attractions. The expedition concludes in Osaka, Japan, after a memorable 25-day exploration.
Highlights
Sail through the rich waters of the Hauraki Gulf
Explore Norfolk Island's UNESCO World Heritage Site."
Visit the remote Bonin Islands, known as the 'Galapagos of the Orient.
Experience Papua New Guinea's Bougainville Island and its biodiversity
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Embark on Heritage Adventurer this afternoon in Auckland, New Zealand. Upon arrival, your Captain and Expedition Team await to greet and guide you to your cabin. Settle in, acquaint yourself with the ship, and meet your Expedition Team and Guides. Join them in the Observation Lounge and on the Observation Deck as you journey to the Hauraki Gulf.
Daybreak reveals us in the Mokohinau Islands (known locally as the Mokes), a group of small islands in the Hauraki Gulf. This afternoon, Heritage Adventurer sails northwards through the Hauraki Gulf. Join the naturalists on deck, watch for whales and seabirds, as these waters usually host a few cetaceans, including Short-beaked Common Dolphin, Long-finned Pilot Whale, and occasionally Bryde’s Whale.
Spend today sailing north to Norfolk Island, an area rich in seabirds. There's a good chance to see Sperm Whales here. Relax, join the naturalists on deck, and enjoy presentations as you prepare for the arrival at Norfolk Island.
Enjoy a full day exploring Norfolk Island, a former penal colony encountered by Captain Cook in 1774 and named after the Duchess of Norfolk. This morning, explore the beautiful St Barnabas Chapel, a five-year labor-of-love featuring mother-of-pearl inlays, stained glass windows, and a spectacular vaulted timber ceiling. In the afternoon, discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Kingston, a former brutal outpost for British prisoners and Australia's second oldest settlement. Alternatively, visit the Norfolk Island Botanical Gardens with its 40 endemic or unique species, including 15 plant species considered critically endangered. For the more active, consider walking in the National Park towards Mt Pitt, where tracks wind through lush palm forests and stands of Norfolk Island Pine, leading to remarkable views of the island and ocean.
Continuing your journey northwards, today you arrive in the tropics, sailing across the Tropic of Capricorn and entering the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean.
This morning, sail along the southern shores of New Caledonia, passing through the extensive barrier reef surrounding the island on the way to Noumea. Today is dedicated to exploring the history, culture, and beauty of New Caledonia. Begin by visiting the local institution Port Moselle Market, Noumea, where you can mingle with locals amidst an astounding range of fresh produce, souvenirs, and handcrafts from around the island. Continue to the Maritime Museum for a journey through the history of the islands, including their discovery by Captain Cook. A highlight of the day is the visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Center, introducing the traditional Kanak culture through six architectural pavilions. There may also be an opportunity to explore Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue, home to the unique Kagu bird. Enjoy a traditional lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at the beach, with the option for snorkeling.
Described as a taste of France in the Pacific, this tropical island blends Melanesian traditions with French sophistication. New Caledonia, a fragment of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, detached and became an island tens of millions of years ago. This isolation explains the extensive biodiversity and incredible levels of endemism on this delightful tropical island. This afternoon, explore Noumea with local guides. Heritage Adventurer stays in port overnight, allowing you to enjoy the evening ashore.
Enjoy time aboard as you sail through the tropical waters of the South Pacific. Relive the experiences of the past days, watch your passage unfold by the pool or in the Observation Lounge, and prepare for the arrival to the Solomon Islands.
This morning, your passage takes you through Iron Bottom Sound, named after the large number of Japanese and American ships and aircraft sunk here during the intense World War II naval battles. Located on the northern coast of Guadalcanal, by the Mataniko River, Honiara was founded by the British as a military base during World War II. Honiara witnessed the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, where the Allied forces eventually overcame the Japanese invasion. Options for today include exploring Honiara's bustling central market and visiting historic sites, including Henderson Airfield, war memorials, and the open-air war museum.
Sail westwards through the Solomon Islands chain today. Due to its remarkable oceanic topography, shaped by volcanic activities and abundant reefs, the Solomons offer a combination of incredible tropical seabirds and marine mammal watching. On previous voyages, there were regular observations of Kogias, including Dwarf Sperm Whales, and even rare Pygmy Sperm Whales. Spinner and Pantropical Spotted Dolphin are the most regularly observed dolphin species, and Pygmy Killer Whales are fairly regular. Blainville’s, Cuvier’s, and even Longman’s Beaked Whales have all been seen on previous voyages, while flying fish reach some of their highest diversity in this area. Take the opportunity to discover the rich history and cultures of these islands in the lecture theatre.
Today, uncover the treasures of Papua New Guinea's Bougainville Island, long isolated and strangely protected due to the conflict around its shores. Bougainville is emerging as a newly vibrant and remarkably pristine island paradise, home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region, both above and below the water. The exploration includes the area around Arawa, including the Panguna Copper & Gold Mine site – the setting for the movie Mr Pip – providing great opportunities to access the island’s interior and its reefs. Enjoy a unique shopping experience under the thatched roof of the Arawa Markets amidst the hum and chatter of hundreds of locals.
Today, you'll be sailing between Bougainville and New Ireland. Options include relaxing poolside, joining lectures, or joining the expedition team observing the impressive numbers of seabirds and cetaceans known to visit this stretch of ocean. It can be particularly good for Kogias (the Dwarf and Pygmy Sperm Whale), along with the blackfish: False Killer Whale, Pygmy Killer Whale, Short-finned Pilot Whale, and Melon-headed Whale.
The capital of the Papua New Guinean province of New Ireland and the largest town on the island of the same name, Kavieng is known for its ancient Malagan culture. If you choose to disembark today, say your farewells after breakfast with a transfer to Kavieng Airport. For those continuing, enjoy a traditional Malagan cultural performance, explore tropical beaches, snorkel abundant coral reefs, and visit Kavieng town and its highlights, including the busy local market, before sailing northwards.
Day 16-20: At Sea
5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
You now have five days at sea as you sail northwards. Use this time to relax, catch up on notes and photos, celebrate your crossing of the Equator, sail through a blue desert poolside, and enjoy lectures from your expedition team.
Day 21: Chichi-jima Island, Japan
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive at the Bonin Islands, the most remote part of Japan, with plans to complete customs at the largest of the Bonin Islands, Chichijima. While here, there may be time for a short walk on shore to explore the settlement and the surrounding area. The largest of Japan's Bonin Islands, Chichi-jima is considered the 'father island' among an archipelago rightly described as the 'Galapagos of the Orient' and supported by its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. There may also be an opportunity to see Minami-jima's stone arch and the local Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphin populations.
Day 22: Haha-jima Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, you return south to visit the most interesting of the Bonin Islands, biologically speaking, Haha-jima. Known as the ‘mother island’ to Chichi-jima’s ‘father island,’ Haha-jima is smaller, more remote, and less developed than its neighbor. It is known for its outdoor attractions and activities, including pristine beaches, impressive snorkeling, jungle treks, and cetacean watching, with Humpback Whales often seen in the nearshore waters. Explore the small but busy village centered around Oki Port, take in the grand scale views of Mount Kofuji, and discover historic sites, including the former Kita Port and abandoned wartime gun batteries.
Day 23: Tori-shima Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
With its name literally translating to 'bird island,' Tori-shima, an uninhabited 453-hectare volcanic islet, is an internationally-protected bird sanctuary and the largest breeding ground for the once thought extinct Short-tailed Albatross. While no landings are possible, you plan to circumnavigate this rocky outpost, learning about the incredible conservation story behind this remarkable, endangered bird and the scientific debate surrounding whether it should be considered two species (Torishima-type and Senkaku-type).
Day 24: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
On this final day at sea, sail towards Honshu, anticipating one last round of excellent pelagic birding on this stretch. Keep an eye out for species like the Streaked Shearwater, and Tristram’s and Matsudaira’s Storm Petrel. Also, be on the lookout for the Japanese Murrelet in these waters, although spotting them might take some luck.
Day 25: Osaka | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast and completion of arrival formalities for Osaka, disembark Heritage Adventurer. A complimentary transfer from the ship to Osaka Air Terminal is available. Please refrain from booking any onward flights (Domestic or International) until mid-afternoon to accommodate potential delays and travel time to the airports. Note: Throughout the voyage, circumstances may necessitate or make it desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$11,6952-3 travelers
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Superior Triple
Superior Triple Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, two single beds, and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Main Deck Triple
Main Deck Triple Cabins on Deck 3 is a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, two single beds, and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Deck 4 Superior
Superior Cabins on Deck 4 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Deck 5 Superior
Superior Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Main Deck Single
Main Deck Single Cabins on Deck 3 is a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Superior Single
Superior Single Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Worsley Suite
Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaise-style lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Heritage Suite
Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table, and chairs, and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub, and shower, large writing desk, floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage and a flat-screen entertainment system.
Notes
- Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
1 day ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
3 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
5 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
6 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
