Set sail on a true adventure as we explore reef-fringed tropical islands, visit historic sites and experience forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters cruising from New Zealand to Japan on the incomparable 29-day Grand Pacific Odyssey.

Crossing both the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, and the Equator, this Pacific island sojourn has been specially designed with cruise enthusiasts and adventurers in mind. Carefully balancing the excitement of visiting remote islands, snorkelling pristine coral reefs, enjoying thrilling cultural exchanges at isolated villages, observing wildlife and Zodiac cruising tropical isles with languorous sea days spent poolside, in the Observation Lounge or whale watching in the bridge with the captain.

Highlights during the voyage include exploring former Australian penal colony now UNESCO World Heritage Site Norfolk Island, discovering the French-infused charms of New Caledonia and visiting idyllic islands and isolated villages …

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Set sail on a true adventure as we explore reef-fringed tropical islands, visit historic sites and experience forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters cruising from New Zealand to Japan on the incomparable 29-day Grand Pacific Odyssey.

Crossing both the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, and the Equator, this Pacific island sojourn has been specially designed with cruise enthusiasts and adventurers in mind. Carefully balancing the excitement of visiting remote islands, snorkelling pristine coral reefs, enjoying thrilling cultural exchanges at isolated villages, observing wildlife and Zodiac cruising tropical isles with languorous sea days spent poolside, in the Observation Lounge or whale watching in the bridge with the captain.

Highlights during the voyage include exploring former Australian penal colony now UNESCO World Heritage Site Norfolk Island, discovering the French-infused charms of New Caledonia and visiting idyllic islands and isolated villages where unique time-honoured traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome us with unforgettable cultural encounters.

Experience conservation in action on Tetepare Island, the Solomon Islands’ leading community driven conservation project, Kolombangara Island's renowned Imbu Rano Lodge and Conservation Area and Japan's Bonin Islands including the 'Galapagos of the Orient' ChichiJima Island. While historians will appreciate World War II history, wrecks and relics at Honiara, Caroline Islands and Kolombangara Island.

Join Heritage Expeditions aboard our luxurious expedition ship Heritage Adventurer as we discover the history, experience the culture and observe the incredible wildlife of these remote and beautiful Pacific islands.

A Rockjumper leader will not accompany the expedition unless a minimum of 10 participants are signed up through Rockjumper. In the case that a Rockjumper leader is not on board, the professional expedition staff will take care of all participants signed up through Rockjumper.

Prices are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.

 

Top Birds

Short-tailed, Black-footed, Campbell, Shy, Buller’s & Wandering Albatross; Fluttering, Wedge-tailed, Little, Tropical, Bannerman’s, Streaked, Bryan’s, Heinroth's, Short-tailed & Buller’s Shearwaters; Gould’s, Black-winged, Providence, Beck's, Bonin's, White-necked, Kermadec, Bulwer's, Collared, Grey-faced, Great-winged, Tahiti & Black Petrels; New Zealand, White-bellied, Matsudaira’s, Tristram’s, Leach’s, Polynesian, Band-rumped, ‘New Caledonian‘ & White-faced Storm Petrels; Grey-backed & White Terns; Little Penguin; Blue & Black Noddy; Common Diving Petrel; Red-tailed & White-tailed Tropicbirds; Black-tailed Gull; Japanese Cormorant; Japanese Murrelet; Norfolk Island Parakeet; Slender-billed White-eye; Norfolk Gerygone; Teardrop White-eye; Chuuk Monarch; Bonin Honeyeater; Kagu; New Caledonian Goshawk; Goliath (New Caledonian) Pigeon; Cloven-feathered Dove; Horned Parakeet; New Caledonian Parakeet; New Caledonian Crow; New Caledonian & South Melanesian Cuckooshrike; Long-tailed Triller; Fan-tailed Gerygone; Melanesian (New Caledonian) Whistler; Striated Starling; New Caledonian Myzomela; Barred & Crow Honeyeater; New Caledonian Friarbird; Red-throated Parrotfinch; Rennell Starling; Rennell Shrikebill; Bare-eyed White-eye; Rennell Fantail; Rennell White-eye; Sooty Myzomela; White-collared Monarch; White-mottled Flowerpecker; White-headed Fruit Dove; Rufous Fantail; Red-capped Myzomela; White-billed Crow; Solomons Cuckooshrike; Solomons Monarch and Yellow-throated White-eye; Sanford’s Sea Eagle; Roviana Rail; Citrine White-eye; Micronesian Myzomela; Micronesian Starling; Oceanic Flycatcher; Caroline Reed Warbler; Island Swiftlet; Purple-capped Fruit Dove; Izu Thrush; Ijima’s Leaf Warbler; Japanese Wood Pigeon; Japanese Robin; Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker; Japanese Bush Warbler; Blue Rock Thrush; Japanese White-eye; Brown-eared Bulbul.

Top Mammals

Sperm, Sei, Short-finned Pilot, Melon-headed, False Killer, Cuvier’s Beaked, Longman’s Beaked, Hubb’s Beaked, Pygmy Sperm & Dwarf Sperm Whale, Bottlenose, Spinner, Striped & Pantropical Spotted Dolphin.

Habitats Covered

Pacific Ocean, landings on tropical islands, lowland rain forests, deciduous forest

Expected Climate

cool (but not cold) seas off New Zealand & Japan, much hotter weather as we sail near the equator. Rain is likely on some days

Max Group Size

dependent on ship capacity

Tour Pace & Walking

very relaxed, with some longer optional walks

Accommodation

comfortable ship cabins

Ease of Birding

moderate, can be challenging at times

Other Attractions

brilliant coral reef snorkelling, traditional island culture, rarely visited tropical islands, historical World War II relics

Photographic Opportunities

good to excellent

What our clients say about us

Erik Forsyth
KS, New Zealand 2020

We thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Erik Forsyth is an excellent guide. He managed a one-man show as bird guide, van driver and ground agent all the while maintaining a wonderful sense of humor.

Erik Forsyth
KB, New Zealand 2017

Erik Forsyth is not only extremely knowledgeable but also accommodating and fun.

Erik Forsyth
DE & NE, New Zealand

Erik was a delight to be with, as his sense of humour was a constant. Having him at the helm added an unexpected and pleasurable dimension to the whole trip. The entire trip was terrific: beautiful scenery, nice people, good beer and food, and comfy accommodations.

Erik Forsyth
AW & DW, New Zealand 2018

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, which covered a wonderfully varied range of environments, scenery, birds, etc., and was a great introduction to New Zealand. Erik Forsyth did a good job of rearranging times and/or dates for two of the pelagics, which were ultimately successful--even given substantial rain and wind.

Erik Forsyth
JP, New Zealand 2018

Beautiful country, good birding sites, good group of travelers. Eric Forsyth was an excellent guide, handling all situations very well, including weather-related activity cancellations that were beyond his control.

Grand Pacific Odyssey - New Zealand to Japan 2024

21 Mar 2024 - 18 Apr 2024 (29 days)

USD12,495 - No Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Expedition Leader

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Tour Leader: Nigel Redman

Tour price (Per person): USD12,495 * GBP10,190 * EUR11,772 * AUD19,241

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Route Map

Tour Route Map

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