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.
These 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
depending 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
Client Testimonials
The tour was well-planned and Erik Forsyth was an excellent leader. The accommodation, food and transportation were also excellent.
Erik Forsyth was excellent, a great guide; professional, knowledgeable, friendly and pleasant to be around. He was also a careful driver who spent many hours driving us around New Zealand. All in all, I was left very satisfied and happy with the tour; and this being my first Rockjumper tour, I was left with a very positive impression of the company and its staff. I would certainly like to use Rockjumper and Erik again!
Erik Forsyth did a fine job of managing the group. He is a constitutionally positive person and conveyed a healthy sense of humour that was appreciated by the entire group. He clearly endeavoured to spend time with all of the members of the group which brought about good group cohesion. He met each person, regardless of their birding ability, and facilitated their birding experience.
Erik Forsyth is one of the best guides. Extraordinary knowledge of birds as well as New Zealand itself. Personable and cheerful with a wonderful sense of humour. He is attentive birders' needs and made every effort to meet and exceed any special needs. He knew where to try and find the endemics, and the only one we didn't see or hear was because of inclement weather. We would definitely travel with Erik again should that opportunity present itself.
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.