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New Zealand Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the incredible beauty of New Zealand's Subantarctic islands with Adventure Life's 8 small ship cruises for 2025. Join us on a cruise journey through the Albatross Latitudes, exploring the stunning Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, Subantarctic islands, and Chatham Islands. Delve into the heart of the islands' vibrant heritage and breathtaking landscapes, with activities like village visits, wildlife viewing, and hiking through fields of mega herbs. Uncover the rich biodiversity, spot rare birds, and admire the unique flora and fauna guided by our expert expedition team. Embrace the spirit of exploration and discovery in this remote and pristine corner of the world. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of New Zealand's Subantarctic islands - contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • The Snares
Snares Penguin on The Snares Island
from $15,295
25% OFF
EXPLORE

Subantarctic Discovery

Roundtrip Dunedin - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Douglas Mawson
  • Cross the Drake Passage
  • Explore Antarctic wildlife
  • Explore Antarctic Peninsula
  • Attend lectures
Starts / Ends
Dunedin / Dunedin
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Adventure Options, Whale Watching, Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 15-day Subantarctic Discovery Expedition Cruise roundtrip from Dunedin, New Zealand aboard the Douglas Mawson. Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Subantarctic Islands, Stewart and Ulva Islands, Fiordland, Campbell Island and Auckland Islands. Discover rugged beauty and wildlife, including brown kiwi and flightless weka.
Cruise Details
0
New Zealand's remotest island.
from $9,500
Up to 20%
EXPLORE

Beyond Fiordland - New Zealand's Wildest Islands

12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Campbell Island
  • Visit Carnley Harbor
  • Zodiac cruise along Adams Island
  • Admire Stewart Island's beauty
Starts / Ends
Invercargill / Invercargill
Activity Level
Variable
On this 12-day cruise aboard Heritage Adventurer starting and ending in the beautiful city of Invercargill, admire some of New Zealand's best pelagic birding including Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Campbell Island Albatross and Little Shearwater.
Cruise Details
0
Queenstown, New Zealand
from $5,850
Up to 20%
EXPLORE

Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: Subantarctic Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Discover remote New Zealand
  • Hike through windswept Rata forests
  • Visit abandoned WWII huts
  • Explore amazing wildlife reserves
  • Witness flowering megaherbs
Starts / Ends
Queenstown / Invercargill
Activity Level
Variable
Heritage Adventurer hosts this eight-day voyage to the islands south of New Zealand: The Snares, Auckland Islands, and Campbell Island, all of which feature pristine ecosystems teeming with unique wildlife. Hike through windy rata forests and along exposed coastal cliffs before visiting abandoned WWII Coastwatcher huts and even a shipwreck.
Cruise Details
0
from $15,250
Up to 20%
EXPLORE

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

17 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit the best islands for birding
  • See the Albatross Latitudes
  • Marvel at diverse seabird colonies
  • Learn about nature and history
Starts / Ends
Queenstown / Queenstown
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on the Heritage Adventurer for a 17-day New Zealand birding cruise. Visit remote islands that are home to some of the world's most diverse and distinctive bird species. To get a closer look at these islands and their fauna, take Zodiac excursions and hike the islands in search of exotic wildlife. 
Cruise Details
0
Sea lion nestled in the seaweed.
from $9,990
Up to 20%
EXPLORE

Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: New Zealand and Australia's Subantarctic Islands

12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Macquarie Island
  • Venture on Zodiac excursions
  • View a vast array of endemic birds
  • Appreciate the rich biodiversity
  • Enjoy additional discovery by kayak
Starts / Ends
Invercargill / Invercargill
Activity Level
Variable
Take a 12-day wildlife trip on Heritage Adventurer through New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands: the Snares, Auckland, Macquarie, and Campbell. These islands' high biodiversity provides enough opportunities to observe and photograph unique Subantarctic flora and wildlife. Expert naturalists aboard the ship provide a wealth of information.
Cruise Details
0
Explore the stunning Milford Sound
from $13,860
EXPLORE

Expedition to New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands

Dunedin - Dunedin - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore the Snares Islands
  • Enjoy a guided walk on Ulva Island
  • View fur seals, sea lions, & seals
  • See Fiordland Crested penguins
Starts / Ends
Dunedin / Dunedin
Activities
Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail from Dunedin on Le Soleal for a 15-day exploration cruise to New Zealand's Fiordland and Subantarctic Islands. Explore the South West World Heritage Area, which is home to the magnificent Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Sounds. Take a Zodiac cruise across the fiords and look for the endangered Fiordland Crested penguin.
Cruise Details
0
Breathtaking landscapes of Antarctica
from $30,750
EXPLORE

Scott & Shackleton's Antarctica - Ross Sea Expedition

Dunedin Roundtrip - 22 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Spot incredible wildlife
  • Explore unique flora and fauna
  • Follow the paths of explorers
  • Marvel at pristine ice formations
Starts / Ends
Dunedin / Dunedin
Activity Level
Variable
On this 22-day journey aboard Le Soleal, follow in the footsteps of pioneers such as Scott, Shackleton, and Borchgrevink. From New Zealand, cruise to Antarctica through the Ross Sea, visiting sub-Antarctic islands, observing the region's spectacular wildlife, and admiring unspoiled landscapes.
Cruise Details
0
from $31,500
Up to 20%
EXPLORE

In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Ross Sea Antarctica

28 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit the Ross Sea region
  • Experience nature on a grand scale
  • View relics of early exploration
  • Observe penguins, seals, and whales
  • Enjoy shore landings on islands
Starts / Ends
Port of Bluff / Port of Bluff
Activity Level
Variable
Visit the subantarctic islands of Snares, Auckland, Macquarie, and Campbell, in the unique Southern Ocean en route your 28-day Antarctica expedition on the Ross Sea. Aboard Heritage Adventurer, spot penguins, seabirds, seals, and whales as you explore via zodiacs and on wildlife walks.
Cruise Details
0
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