Yale Alumni Academy welcomes you on this remarkable program, Cruising New Zealand aboard Heritage Adventurer, featuring an outstanding lineup of expert speakers. The program takes place during one of New Zealand’s finest seasons, late summer to early autumn, when warm weather, clear skies, and a relaxed pace make exploration effortless.

It begins with an overnight stay in Queenstown, where dramatic mountain landscapes and a strong outdoor culture set the tone for the days ahead. From there, board the Kiwi owned and operated Heritage Adventurer for a nine-night voyage from Fiordland National Park to Auckland. The ship’s design and full Zodiac fleet provide access to remote shorelines, wildlife habitats, and sheltered waterways across the North, South, and Stewart Islands.

Along the way, participants can choose from a variety of excursions highlighting New Zealand’s most defining features, including glacial fiords, geothermal activity, Māori heritage, and native forests home to rare bird species. Expert study leaders provide lectures and informal discussions that enrich understanding of the landscapes and communities encountered.

Optional extensions in Queenstown and Auckland, including the Bay of Islands, are available for those wishing to continue exploring.