Grand Pacific Odyssey GPO: A Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea
15 Days - Heritage Adventurer
Set sail on a true adventure with Heritage Expeditions as we expedition cruise reef-fringed tropical islands, visit historic sites and experience forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters cruising from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea via Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, Solomon Island and Papua New Guinea.
from AUD $14435pp
Home » 15 Day Heritage Adventurer: Grand Pacific Odyssey GPO: A Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea
Itinerary Highlights
- Enjoy stunning coastal views and crystal-clear waters during a day of relaxation at sea.
- Explore the vibrant cultures and rich history of the diverse islands we visit along the way.
- Immerse yourself in the beauty of the lush tropical landscapes and unique wildlife of Papua New Guinea.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Auckland, New Zealand
- Day 2: Mokohinau Islands and the Hauraki Gulf
- Day 3: At Sea
- Day 4: Norfolk Island, Australia
- Day 5: At Sea
- Day 6: Noumea, New Caledonia
- Day 7: Noumea
- Day 8 to 10: At Sea
- Day 11: Honiara, Solomon Islands
- Day 12: At Sea, Solomon Islands
- Day 13: Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea
- Day 14: At Sea, off the coast of Bougainville
- Day 15: Kavieng
Day 1: Auckland, New Zealand
Join Heritage Adventurer this afternoon in the heart of New Zealand’s commercial capital, Auckland. The captain and expedition team will be waiting to greet you on arrival and show you to your cabin. You will have time to settle in and familiarise yourself with the ship; we will also take the opportunity to introduce you to your expedition team and our voyage plans. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as we set sail for the Hauraki Gulf.
Day 2: Mokohinau Islands and the Hauraki Gulf
Daybreak will find us in the Mokohinau Islands (known locally as the Mokes), a group of small islands in the Hauraki Gulf. This afternoon Heritage Adventurer sails northwards through the Hauraki Gulf, join the naturalists on deck watching for whales and seabirds as these waters usually have a few cetaceans around including Short-beaked Common Dolphin, Long-finned Pilot Whale and occasionally Bryde’s Whale.
Day 3: At Sea
Today will be spent sailing north to Norfolk Island, an area rich in seabirds. We also have a good chance to see Sperm Whales here. There is time to relax, join the naturalists on deck and enjoy presentations as we prepare for our arrival at Norfolk Island.
Day 4: Norfolk Island, Australia
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 at 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.
Day 5: At Sea
Continuing our journey northwards, today we arrive in the tropics, sailing across the Tropic of Capricorn and into the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Day 6: Noumea, New Caledonia
This morning we find ourselves sailing along the southern shores of New Caledonia before passing through the extensive barrier reef that surrounds the island and making our way to Noumea. Today we have a full day set aside to explore the history, culture and beauty of New Caledonia. Visit local institution Port Moselle Market, Noumea and rub shoulders with the locals over the astounding range of fresh produce, souvenirs and handcrafts from around the island before continuing to the Maritime Museum for a journey through the history of the islands including their discovery by Captain Cook. A highlight of our day will be our visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Center which introduces the traditional Kanak culture via six architectural pavilions. There may also be an opportunity to visit Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue. This reserve is home to the unique Kagu bird. Enjoy a traditional lunch before spending a relaxing afternoon at the beach and snorkelling.
Day 7: Noumea
This tropical island has been described as a taste of France in the Pacific, where Melanesian traditions blend with French sophistication. New Caledonia is a fragment of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, and it is believed that New Caledonia detached and became an island tens of millions of years ago. It is this isolation which explains both the extent of biodiversity and the incredible levels of endemism on this delightful tropical island. This afternoon enjoy an exploration of Noumea with our local guides. Heritage Adventurer will remain in port overnight so you can enjoy the evening ashore.
Day 8 to 10: At Sea
Enjoy time aboard as we sail through the tropical waters of the South Pacific, relive the experiences of the past days, watch your passage unfold by the pool or in the Observation Lounge and prepare for our arrival to the Solomon Islands.
Day 11: Honiara, Solomon Islands
Our passage early this morning sees us cruising through Iron Bottom Sound, named after the large number of Japanese and American ships and aircraft sunk here during the intense World War II naval battles. Located on the northern coast of Guadacanal, by the Mataniko River, Honiara was founded by the British as a military base during World War II. Honiara was witness to the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, where the Allied forces eventually overcame the Japanese invasion. Options for today include exploring Honiara's bustling central market and visiting historic sites including Henderson Airfield, war memorials and the open-air war museum.
Day 12: At Sea, Solomon Islands
We sail westwards through the Solomon Islands chain today. Because of its remarkable oceanic topography, the result of volcanic activities and bountiful reefs, the Solomons combines incredible tropical seabirds with marine mammal watching. On previous voyages we have regularly seen Kogias including Dwarf Sperm Whale, and even rare Pygmy Sperm Whales. Spinner and Pantropical Spotted Dolphin are the most regularly observed dolphin species and Pygmy Killer Whales are fairly regular. Blainville’s, Cuvier’s and even Longman’s Beaked Whales have all been seen on previous voyages, while flying fish reach some of their highest diversity in this area. There is also the opportunity to discover the rich history and cultures of these islands in the lecture theatre.
Day 13: Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea
Today we discover the treasures of Papua New Guinea's Bougainville Island, long isolated and in a strange way protected due to the conflict which swirled around its shores. Bougainville is emerging once again as a newly vibrant and remarkably pristine island paradise, it is home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region both above and below the water. We plan to explore the area around Arawa, including the Panguna Copper & Gold Mine site – the setting for the movie Mr Pip – with great opportunities to access the island’s interior and its reefs. Enjoy the unique shopping experience under the thatched roof of the Arawa Markets among the hum and chatter of hundreds of locals.
Day 14: At Sea, off the coast of Bougainville
Today we will be sailing between Bougainville and New Ireland. Options include relaxing poolside, joining lectures or joining the expedition team observing the impressive numbers of seabirds and cetaceans known to visit this stretch of ocean. It can be particularly good for Kogias (the Dwarf and Pygmy Sperm Whale), along with the blackfish: False Killer Whale, Pygmy Killer Whale, Short-finned Pilot Whale and Melon-headed Whale.
Day 15: Kavieng
The capital of Papua New Guinean province of New Ireland and the largest town on the island of the same name, Kavieng is known for its ancient Malagan culture. After breakfast, say your farewell and take a transfer to Kavieng Airport, or continue on a specially-priced extension through to Japan. We ask you not to book any onward flights (Domestic or International) until mid-afternoon to account for any delays and the time it takes to travel to the airport. Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
13 Mar 2025 - 27 Mar 2025 | AUD $14435pp | ||
Main Deck Triple | AUD $14435pp | Contact us | |
Superior Triple | AUD $15995pp | Contact us | |
Deck 4 Superior | AUD $16995pp | Contact us | |
Deck 5 Superior | AUD $18395pp | Contact us | |
Main Deck Single | AUD $20795pp | Contact us | |
Superior Single | AUD $22500pp | Contact us | |
Worsley Suite | AUD $26450pp | Contact us | |
Heritage Suite | AUD $37000pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Main Deck Triple
Located on deck 3
22m-squared
Two porthole windows
Two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system
Superior Triple
Located on deck 5
22m-squared
Large panoramic windows
Two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system
Deck 4 Superior
Located on deck 4
Spacious 22m-squared
Large panoramic windows
King or two single beds
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system
Deck 5 Superior
Located on deck 5
Spacious 22m-squared
Large panoramic windows
King or two single beds
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system
Main Deck Single
Located on deck 3
Spacious 22m-squared
Two porthole windows
King bed
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system
Superior Single
Located on deck 5
Spacious 22m-squared
Large panoramic windows
King bed
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system
Worsley Suite
Located on deck 6
Spacious 22m-squared
Large panoramic windows
King or two single beds
Comfortable chaise-style lounge suite
Writing desk
Private en-suite with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system
Heritage Suite
Located on deck 6
Expansive 44m-squared
Large double panoramic windows
King bed
Large living are with sofa
Coffee table and chairs
Grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower
Large writing desk
Floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage
Flat screen entertainment system
Heritage Adventurer Deckplan
Specifications
- Year built: 1991
- Shipyard: Rauma, Finland
- Classification: Lloyds 1AS, GL E4
- Accommodation: 140 guests
- Length: 124 metres
- Beam: 18 metres
- Draft: 4.97 metres
- Gross tonnage: 8378gt
- Engines: 3940 horsepower (x2)
- Maximum speed: 15 knots
- Cruising speed: 12 knots
- Range: 8600 nautical miles
- Zodiacs: 14
Whats included?
- Local payment
- Pre/post cruise transfers
- All on board ship accommodation with meals
- House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- All expedition shore excursions
What’s not included?
- All items of a personal nature
- Laundry
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- International/domestic flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance