South Pacific Sojourn

Arrive at Vanuatu's bustling capital city of Port Vila where contemporary hotels, restaurants and markets abound. Guests should make their way to the designated hotel where we will spend the first night of the expedition.

This evening there will be an informal get-together at the hotel for dinner; an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers.

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure at the hotel followed by free time to explore Port Vila's rich cultural and natural wonders including the National Museum of Vanuatu, shopping at the Port Vila Markets, visit a local village or take in the grandeur of the multi-tiered 35 metre waterfall and azure pools of Mele Cascades nestled among lush rainforest.

This afternoon, transfer to board Heritage Adventurer. The captain and crew will be waiting to greet you on arrival and show you to your cabin. You will have time to settle into your cabin and familarise yourself with the ship; we will also take the opportunity to conduct a number of safety briefings. You are invited to join the crew in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as we set our course to Tana Island.

Today we have a full day to explore the paradisiacal outpost of Tanna Island. Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, time moves at a slower pace on Tanna which is famously home to the world's most accessible active volcano Mount Yasur. Rising more over 360 metres above sea level, it is said that Mount Yasur has been in a continuous state of activity since before Captain James Cook who first observed its activity in 1774.

Traverse dirt roads and pass through friendly, self-sufficient cultural villages along the way for a short climb up to the summit where the volcano still demonstrates miniature eruptions, safe for guest viewing. Other highlights on Tanna Island include spectacular snorkelling, incredible cultural encounters, stunning black and white sand beaches, natural hot springs and a Giant Banyan Tree which, at more than 100 metres wide and 80 metres high, is thought to be one of the world's largest.

Today we discover a tropical slice of French paradise in the heart of the Pacific Ocean as we sail into New Caledonian waters – well beyond typical tourist routes and into the realm of legend and tradition. Lifou Island is one of three islands making up the pristine trifecta of the Loyalty Islands and the largest and most populous of the group. First sighted by French explorer Dumont d'Urville in 1857 it became a destination for Christian missionaries and several 19th Century Catholic church buildings still remain (including Notre Dame de Lourdes perched high on a hillside overlooking the ocean).

Today it is rightly famous for its crystal clear water, sprawling coral gardens and abundant colourful marine life, and tangled tropical jungles supporting a myriad of birdlife including Red-bellied Fruit Doves, Grey-eared Honeyeaters, Lifou White-eyes and more. Experience traditions unchanged for generations during a thrilling cultural exchange at a local village and discover the gastronomic secret of Lifou's ‘brown gold', the island's highly sought after vanilla wowing taste buds around the globe.

Relax and unwind following the recent days' adventures poolside, catch up with some reading, start processing your photos or simply find a quiet space and enjoy watching your voyage unfold.

We have a full day to enjoy Norfolk Island, a former penal colony which Captain Cook encountered in 1774 and named after the Duchess of Norfolk. This morning we will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful St Barnabas Chapel. This five-year labour-of-love features mother-of-pearl inlays, stained glass windows and a spectacular vaulted timber ceiling.

This afternoon discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kingston, a former brutal outpost for British prisoners and Australia's second oldest settlement, or visit the Norfolk Island Botanical Gardens with its 40 endemic, or unique, species including 15 plant species considered to be critically endangered. For the more active you may wish to walk in the National Park towards Mt Pitt. The tracks wind through lush palm forests and stands of Norfolk Island Pine leading to remarkable views of the island and ocean.

Enjoy time aboard, relive the adventures of Norfolk Island and prepare for our arrival to New Zealand and the Bay of Islands.

Wake this morning in the subtropical paradise of the Bay of Islands, home to more than 140 islands and stunning gold sand beaches. We have a full day set aside to explore and enjoy the Bay of Islands. It was here that much of New Zealand's early history, both Maori and European unfolded, including the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Visit the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi and discover the significance and stories surrounding the region.

Later in the day there is an opportunity to explore historic Russell, a town of New Zealand firsts including first seaport, European settlement, capital and licensed hotel. Perhaps enjoy a drink at the iconic Duke of Marlborough Hotel, explore the quiet coves and beaches at your own pace, snorkel crystal clear waters and walk remote white sand beaches and pristine native bush on uninhabited islands as we embrace this magical Kiwi paradise.

Enjoy a sleep in or head out on deck to enjoy our arrival into the busy Port of Tauranga late morning. After final farewells, a complimentary transfer from the ship to Tauranga Airport awaits. We ask you not to book any onward flights until mid-afternoon to account for any delays and the time it takes to travel to the airport.