Ross Sea & Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand

from/to Queenstown, New Zealand

28 days (27 nights)

MS Heritage Adventurer
28 days (27 nights) ship expedition from/to Queenstown (New Zealand) to the ice-rich Ross Sea and New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands (The Snares, Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island, Campbell Island)
+++Up to 20% early bird discount on selected cruises and cabins in 2027 for new bookings made by February 27, 2026 +++
+++Up to 20% early bird discount on selected cruises and cabins in 2028 for new bookings made by April 30, 2026 +++
This Antarctic expedition to the Ross Sea region takes you to one of the most remote areas of our planet—and to the most fascinating historical sites on the 7th continent.
Since shipping traffic is only possible during two short months of the Antarctic summer due to impenetrable pack ice, very few people have visited this strange and almost unrealistically beautiful area. For non-scientists, only a few expedition ships offer the opportunity to explore this region. The Heritage Adventurer is one of them. A fully equipped and ice-strengthened expedition ship, it is commanded by some of the world's most experienced officers and sailors and supported by a dedicated expedition team.
Antarctic expedition to the untamed Ross Sea – Iconic wildlife and pioneering history
The Ross Sea was discovered in 1841 by Sir James Clark Ross. The British Royal Geographical Society chose the Ross Sea for the famous British National Antarctic Expedition (1901–1904) led by Robert Falcon Scott. This expedition triggered the so-called "race to the South Pole." Ernest Shackleton narrowly failed in 1907–1909, and Japanese explorer Nobu Shirase attempted it in 1910–1912. Scott was confident of victory, but was beaten by Norwegian Roald Amundsen in the summer of 1911. Shackleton's Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914–1917) marked the end of the "heroic" age of Antarctic exploration – but many relics of this era, including historic huts, have been preserved to this day.
The dramatic landscape of Mount Erebus, Mount Discovery, and the Transantarctic Mountains, as described by these early explorers, remains largely unchanged today. The colonies of gentoo, king, and Adélie penguins, which biologists described back then, fluctuate in number but still inhabit the same locations. Seals, once hunted for food, now lie undisturbed on ice floes. Whales, which were almost wiped out in the 1920s, are gradually returning—some species more successfully than others. Snow petrels, Wilson's petrels, Antarctic petrels, and South Polar skuas breed year after year in this seemingly inhospitable environment.
On this Antarctic expedition beyond the Antarctic Circle, you will experience the seemingly barren and hostile region in all its diversity: you will explore historical sites and huts, visit penguin colonies, marvel at mighty glacier tongues and ice shelves, and learn about the formation of icebergs and sea ice. In addition, you will have the opportunity to observe seabirds, seals, and whales up close, which will naturally provide you with some spectacular photo opportunities. You will visit modern research stations and be captivated by the irresistible charm of the distinctive landscapes during Zodiac rides, landings, and hikes.
Like stepping stones on the way to the Antarctic continent,New Zealand's little-knownsub-Antarctic islands are part of the impressive ecosystem of the Southern Ocean—and rightly earned their place on Condé Nast Traveler's list of "25 Best Destinations for 2025." Your route includes The Snares, the Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island, and Campbell Island. These islands not only break up the long sea voyage, but also give you deep insights into an incredibly powerful ecosystem. When you see massive southern elephant seals dozing on the beach up close or literally walk through an Adélie penguin colony, you are more than just an observer of this iconic wildlife. Especially since you will have already developed a deeper understanding of animal behavior and ecological relationships thanks to scientific lectures and presentations on board.
Antarctica is also within reach on sea kayaking tours (optional, limited availability, additional charge): explore New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands and the Ross Sea under expert guidance by kayak, reaching areas that are inaccessible by Zodiac.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.
A heart for solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender.
Entry requirements: German citizens require a valid passport. The current entry requirements for New Zealand can be found here.
Insurance: Taking out international health insurance policy with medical repatriation must be provided.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Expedition to the Ross Sea, the largest biosphere reserve on Earth
- The Ross Ice Shelf, with 30-meter-high glacier cliffs, is the largest ice shelf area in Antarctica.
- Ross Island with the expedition huts of Scott and Shackleton
- Visit to McMurdo Base, the largest research station in Antarctica (depending on ice conditions and permits)
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle
- Possible sighting of emperor penguins on ice floes in the Ross Sea
- Strictly protected Snares Islands with endemic species such as the Snares crested penguin
- Millions of penguins (king penguins, rockhopper penguins, gentoo penguins, and crested penguins) on Macquarie Island
- The largest Adelie penguin colony in Antarctica at Cape Adare
- Possible sightings of whales, New Zealand sea lions, southern elephant seals, fur seals, Weddell seals, Hooker's and New Zealand sea lions, southern royal albatrosses
- Scientific lecture program on board with presentations on wildlife, ecosystems, and the history of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands
itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown
Today you will arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand's world-famous alpine resort. You will make your own way to the hotel where you will spend the first night of your expedition. In the evening, there will be a casual dinner at the hotel – an excellent opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and some members of your expedition team.
Day 2: Embarkation at Bluff Harbor – Cast off!
After breakfast in the hotel restaurant, you have the morning free to explore Queenstown. Then return to the hotel for lunch before heading to the port of Bluff, where you will board the Heritage Adventurer. There you will have time to settle into your cabin or suite and familiarize yourself with the ship. Feel free to join our expedition team in the Observation Lounge or on the Observation Deck as your ship sets course for The Snares and your unforgettable journey begins.
Day 3: The Snares – North East Island
The sub-Antarctic islands closest to the New Zealand mainland were aptly named "The Snares" by their discoverer, Lieutenant Broughton, in 1795, as they were considered a danger to shipping at the time. They consist of two main islands and a series of rocky islets. The islands are uninhabited and strictly protected. North East Island is the largest of the Snares Islands – and it is claimed that more seabirds nest here than on all the British Isles combined.
You will arrive on the island early in the morning and, weather and sea conditions permitting, take a Zodiac ride along the sheltered east side of the rugged coastline (landings are not permitted). In the sheltered bays, you should be able to spot endemic species such as the Snares crested penguin, the Snares Island tomtit, and the Snares fern warbler. Cape petrels and Antarctic terns are also numerous here.
Hundreds of thousands of sooty petrels nest on the Snares, and around Christmas time, the Buller albatross also returns to the island to breed.
Day 4: Auckland Islands – Enderby Island
The Auckland archipelago was formed by two volcanoes that erupted around 10 to 25 million years ago. Subsequent erosion and glaciation shaped the archipelago into its present form. Enderby Island, one of the most beautiful islands in this group, is named after the well-known Enderby shipping family. This northernmost island of the archipelago is an excellent place for wildlife viewing and is relatively easy to access, both for landing and hiking.
The island was completely cleared of introduced pests in 1994, and since then both the bird life and the vegetation—especially the herbaceous plants—have been recovering remarkably well in terms of numbers and diversity.
You will likely go ashore at Sandy Bay, home to one of three colonies of New Zealand sea lions on the Auckland Islands. Large bulls—known as beachmasters—gather on this beach during mating season to defend their harems and mate with the females.
On land, you have various options: both longer and shorter hikes are available, and of course there is plenty of time to observe the wildlife. The hiking trails are relatively easy to walk – a boardwalk leads across the island to the dramatic cliffs in the west. From there, you follow the coastline as you circle the island.
Among the bird species you are most likely to see are the southern royal albatross, the northern giant petrel, the Auckland cormorant, the Auckland plover, the Auckland tomtit, thebellbird, the meadow pipit, the red-crowned parakeet, the yellow-eyed penguin, and the sooty albatross with a light-colored mantle.
With a little luck, you may also spot the rare sub-Antarctic snipe.
Day 5: At sea
At sea, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the biology and history of the sub-Antarctic islands and the Southern Ocean through a series of exciting lectures and presentations .
Today you will spend the entire day at sea – an excellent opportunity to observe pelagic birds (i.e., seabirds). Keep an eye out for giant petrels such as the wandering albatross, royal albatross, white-capped albatross, light-mantled sooty albatross, gray-headed albatross, and dark-mantled albatross. You may also spot white-chinned petrels, spotted petrels, white-headed petrels, Cape petrels, diving petrels, gray-backed storm petrels, and black-bellied storm petrels.
This is possibly the best day of the entire expedition for pelagic observations (seabird watching on the high seas).
Days 6 to 7: Discoveries on Macquarie Island
Australia's most valuable sub-Antarctic possession is home to one of the most vibrant animal populations in the Southern Ocean. Millions of penguins of four different species— king penguins, rockhopper penguins, gentoo penguins, and the endemic royal penguins— breed here.
Landings are planned at both approved landing sites, Sandy Bay and Buckles Bay, as well as a Zodiac trip in Lusitania Bay, weather permitting.
Sandy Bay is home to a breeding colony of little penguins, teeming with tiny birds that march tirelessly back and forth between the shore and their nests, bobbing their golden-yellow head feathers. All three million crested penguins in the world breed exclusively on Macquarie Island. A significant colony of king penguins can also be found here. The best observations are often made by simply standing still and letting the curious and fearless animals approach you at their own pace.
At Buckles Bay, you will likely take a guided tour of the Australian Antarctic Division research station, which was built in the late 1940s and has been in continuous operation ever since. Large groups of southern elephant seals doze on the beaches and in the tussock grass at both landing sites. These huge, blubbery animals take little notice of our presence, lying in intertwined groups and undergoing their annual moult. Younger bulls spar in the shallow water – training for their later years when they will have to defend their own harems.
The king penguin colony in Lusitania Bay is loud and spectacular. A small "welcoming party" will likely swim around the Zodiacs, while a quarter of a million king penguins line the shore. The rusting penguin cooking facilities in the center of the bay are a grim reminder of a time when penguins were killed en masse for their oil. Today, however, their descendants have reclaimed this area.
Macquarie Island is truly an Eldorado for wildlife viewing: in addition to penguins and elephant seals, there are three species of fur seals and four species of albatrosses — wandering albatross, black-browed albatross, gray-headed albatross, and sooty albatross with a light-colored mantle.
Days 8 to 10: Days at sea crossing the Antarctic Circle
Majestic albatrosses and petrels accompany your ship as you continue southward through the Southern Ocean. The lectures on board now focus on Antarctica and the Ross Sea region.
Your expedition team pays close attention to water temperatures so as not to miss the moment when you cross the Antarctic Convergence —that invisible boundary where the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Antarctic meet the warmer sub-Antarctic waters. This is where the ice-cold realm of Antarctica begins.
Drifting icebergs in extraordinary shapes appear like natural sculptures, each one unique. The captain will skillfully maneuver the ship so that you have the opportunity to take your first ice photo up close .
They celebrate crossing the Antarctic Circle together—and entering into 24-hour daylight!
Relax at the bar during these days, browse through the library, or take the opportunity to back up and edit your latest photos on your laptop while the impressions are still fresh.
Days 11 to 22: Exploring the remote Ross Sea
During your stay in the Ross Sea region, you will visit the highlights of the most historic area of Antarctica. Due to unpredictable ice and weather conditions, it is not possible to provide a detailed daily itinerary. The captain and expedition leader will assess the conditions on a daily basis and take every opportunity to go ashore in the Zodiacs and explore the surrounding area.
The itinerary for this trip focuses on wildlife viewing, visits to important research stations and historical sites, and the spectacular landscape of the Ross Sea with its coastal formations, glaciers, and icebergs.
Possible targets include
Cape Adare
The striking promontory and Downshire Cliffs welcome you—ice permitting—at the tip of the Ross Sea. This is home to Antarctica's largest Adelie penguin colony, with over a million birds. A vibrant "penguin town" where you can experience the hustle and bustle up close, surrounded by curious birds.
In the middle of the colony stands Borchgrevink's hut – the oldest building in Antarctica and winter quarters for the first wintering expedition in 1899. The hut can be viewed from the inside and still contains everyday objects used by the explorers at that time. Above it lies the oldest grave in Antarctica, that of 22-year-old Nicolai Hansen.
Cape Hallett
The Admiralty Mountains, over 4,000 meters high, form a dramatic backdrop. In addition to an abandoned US-New Zealand research station, numerous Adelie penguins and Weddell seals live here.
Franklin Island
This rugged island is home to a large colony of Adelie penguins. If conditions are suitable, you will go ashore by Zodiac and explore the surrounding area.
Possession Islands
Rarely visited, small islands near Cape Hallett with thousands of breeding Adelie penguins, set against the impressive backdrop of the Admiralty Mountains.
Ross Ice Shelf
The largest ice shelf in Antarctica – a 30-meter-high wall of ice that leads to bizarre weather conditions when storm-force winds blow. You cruise along the ice front and watch huge tabular icebergs calve.
Ross Island – Mt. Erebus, Cape Bird, Shackleton and Scott huts
Dominated by the active volcano Mount Erebus (3,794 m), Ross Island is rich in history.
• Cape Bird: A large Adélie penguin colony and a New Zealand research station
• Cape Royds: Shackleton's hut (Nimrod Expedition 1907–1909)
• Cape Evans: Scott's hut from 1911 – amazingly well preserved by the Antarctic Heritage Trust.
The view of Mount Erebus and its plume of smoke rising above the crater is unforgettable.
McMurdo and Scott Base (including Discovery Hut)
These stations are always desirable destinations, but visits are highly dependent on ice conditions and the activities of national programs—with better chances in February.
Terra Nova Bay
Visit the Italian summer station Stazione Mario Zucchelli, known for its hospitality and what is said to be the best espresso in Antarctica.
Nearby are also the German Gondwana Station, the South Korean Jang Bogo Station, and the new Chinese Qinling Station on Inexpressible Island.
Days 23 to 25: At sea
On the way to Campbell Island, you can look forward to a series of lectures to prepare you for tomorrow's visit. As on the way to Macquarie Island, you will encounter numerous pelagic birds – seabirds that are at home on the open sea.
Take time to relax and enjoy life on board after your impressive experiences in Antarctica.
The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.
activities
Included activities
- Bird watching, especially seabird watching on the high seas
- Lectures on wildlife, the environment, history, and travel destinations
- Observation of marine mammals
- Zodiac rides
- shore leave
- hikes
Kayaking – Optional activity at extra cost
Sea kayaking is an optional activity on this trip. It allows you to get even closer to the impressive scenery around the Subantarctic Islands and in the Ross Sea, and encounter wildlife at eye level. Kayaking also allows you to reach coastal areas that are inaccessible to Zodiacs. Of course, you will be accompanied by experienced kayak guides as you paddle along spectacular coastlines or maneuver between icebergs and drift ice.
Please note that there are only a limited number of places available for the kayaking offer and that there is an additional charge for participation.
Important note: Nature plays a crucial role in the sea kayaking program. Understanding weather-related changes is essential.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
January 6, 2027 – February 2, 2027
from €34,893 per person
28 days/27 nights
MS Heritage Adventurer (Maximum occupancy: 140)
Queenstown Queenstown
Up to 20% discount on new bookings for a Heritage Suite or up to 15% discount on new bookings for a Worsley Suite until February 27, 2026
Optional, available for a fee: kayaking
February 1, 2027 – February 28, 2027
from €33,660 per person
28 days/27 nights
MS Heritage Adventurer (Maximum occupancy: 140)
Queenstown Queenstown
Up to 20% discount on new bookings for a Heritage Suite or up to 15% discount on new bookings for a Worsley Suite until February 27, 2026
Optional, available for a fee: kayaking
January 5, 2028 – February 1, 2028
from €34,213 per person
28 days/27 nights
MS Heritage Adventurer (Maximum occupancy: 140)
Queenstown Queenstown
Up to 20% discount on new bookings for a Heritage Suite or up to 15% discount on new bookings for a Worsley Suite until April 30, 2026
Optional, available for a fee: kayaking
January 31, 2028 – February 27, 2028
from €34,213 per person
28 days/27 nights
MS Heritage Adventurer (Maximum occupancy: 140)
Queenstown Queenstown
Up to 20% discount on new bookings for a Heritage Suite or up to 15% discount on new bookings for a Worsley Suite until April 30, 2026
Optional, available for a fee: kayaking
Selected date
January 6, 2027 – February 2, 2027 (28 days/27 nights)
MS Heritage Adventurer | In the footsteps of Robert F. Scott and Ernest Shackleton
Main Deck Triple
Superior Triple Room
Deck 4 Superior
Deck 5 Superior
Main Deck Single
Worsley Suite
Superior Single Room
Heritage Suite
cabin
options
| Kayaking (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 3 095,00 € | |
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optionally bookable
Selected date
February 1, 2027 – February 28, 2027 (28 days/27 nights)
MS Heritage Adventurer | In the footsteps of Robert F. Scott and Ernest Shackleton
Main Deck Triple
Superior Triple Room
Deck 4 Superior
Deck 5 Superior
Main Deck Single
Worsley Suite
Superior Single Room
Heritage Suite
cabin
options
| Kayaking (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 3 095,00 € | |
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optionally bookable
Selected date
January 5, 2028 – February 1, 2028 (28 days/27 nights)
MS Heritage Adventurer | In the footsteps of Robert F. Scott and Ernest Shackleton
Main Deck Triple
Superior Triple Room
Deck 4 Superior
Deck 5 Superior
Main Deck Single
Worsley Suite
Superior Single Room
Heritage Suite
cabin
options
| Kayaking (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 3 095,00 € | |
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optionally bookable
Selected date
January 31, 2028 – February 27, 2028 (28 days/27 nights)
MS Heritage Adventurer | In the footsteps of Robert F. Scott and Ernest Shackleton
Main Deck Triple
Superior Triple Room
Deck 4 Superior
Deck 5 Superior
Main Deck Single
Worsley Suite
Superior Single Room
Heritage Suite
cabin
options
| Kayaking (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 3 095,00 € | |
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optionally bookable
Information
Included services:
- One night's accommodation in Queenstown on day 1 in a double room, including dinner and breakfast
- Transfer to the ship and airport transfer after the cruise
- Accommodation on board during the sea voyage, including full board
- House beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages with lunch and dinner
- All shore excursions, Zodiac trips, and activities on land
- Lecture program with renowned natural scientists
- Port fees, permits, and landing fees
Not included in the price:
- International or domestic flights
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary
- Taxes for arrival or departure at the airport
- Costs for passport, visas, reciprocity fees, and vaccination fees
- Travel insurance or emergency rescue fees
- Optional kayaking excursions
- All personal expenses, including alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of meals), gratuities, laundry service, personal clothing, medical expenses, or telephone charges
Important:
- Language spoken on board: English
- Expedition leaders and lecturers are English-speaking
- Currency on board: US dollar
- A doctor is on board
Your ship during the voyage

Your ship: The MS Heritage Adventurer
Click here for deck plans, cabin categories, facts & figures
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scott-and-shackleton_heritage-adventurer-cape-adare_r-young_heritage-expeditions
To the Ross Sea on the MS Heritage Aventurer | © R. Young
scott-and-shackleton_snares-islands-zodiac_m-potter_heritage-expeditions
Zodiac tour of the Snares Islands | © M. Potter
scott-and-shackleton_skua-chick-enderby-island_c-todd_heritage-expeditions
Skua chick on Enderby Island | © C. Todd
scott-and-shackleton_auckland-island-rockhopper-penguin_m-potter_heritage-expeditions
Rockhopper penguin on the Auckland Islands | © M. Potter
scott-and-shackleton_coast-subantarctic-islands_t-kraakman_heritage-expeditions
Subantarctic coastal landscape | © T. Kraakman
scott-and-shackleton_heritage-adventurer-railing_h-finch_heritage-expeditions
In the Southern Ocean | © H. Finch
scott-and-shackleton_hooker-sea-lion_k-ovsyanikova_heritage-expeditions
A Hooker sea lion | © K. Ovsyanikova
scott-and-shackleton_zodiac-tour_f-wardle_heritage-expeditions
Zodiac excursion on the ice shelf | © F. Wardle
scott-and-shackleton_adelie-penguins-jumping_k-ovsyanikova_heritage-expeditions
Leaping Adelie penguins | © K. Ovsyanikova
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