Looking for a new challenge and an adventure?

Heritage Expeditions has an opportunity for a Skipper onboard our 18-passenger expedition vessel, Heritage Explorer, operating in Fiordland, Stewart Island and the Marlborough Sounds starting from June 2026.

The Company

Heritage Expeditions delivers expedition cruises to remote places most people only dream of, developing awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible travel operating

The Role

As Skipper, you are the operational leader of Heritage Explorer and a key representative of Heritage Expeditions’ values of safety, professionalism, and experiential learning. Your leadership will set the tone for every voyage, ensuring excellence in seamanship, teamwork, and guest experience. You will be responsible for the overall safety, running and operation of the vessel and crew. This role will have plenty of customer interaction so you must be presentable, knowledgeable about cruising locations and have the highest standards of customer service and safety.

Skills & Experience

The minimum certification level required is SRL <24m. We are keen to hear from those who have comprehensive sea time around the New Zealand coastline and an understanding of what it takes to run a unique vessel in remote areas.

To be considered candidates must be currently based in New Zealand and have:

• An excellent attitude, unafraid of hard work, organised, focused, a team player, and able to prioritise workloads.
• Excellent communication skills and be a positive influence.
• Flexible nature with an ability to adjust your schedule. This is the foundation of our “rigidly flexible” approach to expedition travel.
• Be process driven and ensure timely and accurate reporting through our vessel management platform.
• Be able to juggle multiple tasks whilst maintaining onboard processes
• Confidence in planning for extended periods without resupply

What’s on offer

• The opportunity to visit some of New Zealand’s most beautiful and iconic wild regions.
• Flexible schedule. (maximum 2.5 weeks on)
• The opportunity to make a difference and educate our crew and guests
• Good support from shore
• To be a part of and influence ongoing operational improvements

Does this sound like you? How to apply?

To ask for a job description, request a confidential discussion about the position, or apply with your resume and introduction by contacting mike.byers@heritage-expeditions.com