First voyages of New Zealand’s Heritage Explorer

As reported earlier, the 30-metre expedition yacht was built in New Zealand in 2004 and sailed in Papua New Guinea as Kalibobo Spirit for Sir Peter Barter’s Melanesian Tourist Services.

Marlborough Sounds

Russ said Heritage Explorer will make a return seven-day ‘Discover Marlborough Sounds’ maiden voyage from Blenheim on April 11.

It will cruise Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds and visit d’Urville Island, named after French explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville. There is a fully licensed cafe on the beachfront of d’Urville Island Wilderness Resort.

The maiden voyage will be followed by ‘Discover Marlborough Sounds’ departures on May 8 and May 14.

Top of the South

On May 30 Heritage Explorer will make a nine-day ‘The Top of the South’ voyage from Blenheim to Nelson which will explore hidden coves, waterways, beaches and wildlife at the top of the South Island.

She will then make the reverse voyage back to Blenheim.

There are 10 cabins across three decks on board Heritage Explorer and the dining room has spectacular 180-degree panoramas.

‘We are really excited to offer more in-depth exploration experiences of New Zealand,’ Russ said.