These Subantarctic Islands are recognized as one of the worlds’ great biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and a region of tremendous floral diversity. Remote, isolated, protected by the Southern Ocean and seldom visited, they are home to many of the world’s albatross and penguin species. These islands are also the only location in which mega herbs grow. When the great English botanist Joseph Hooker found them in flower, he described them as “second to none outside of the tropics”. Discovered by Europeans only in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the islands were quickly occupied by sealing and whaling gangs that plundered the seal populations and introduced pigs, goats, cattle, cats and rats. Today conservation efforts are focused on eliminating these non-native animals and returning the islands to their natural state. This annual expedition provides a rare insight into a priceless and unique ecosystem found nowhere else in the world. It includes the Snare, Auckland and Campbell Islands, with ample time to explore and enjoy them in a way no other expedition can.
-
Day 1: Invercargill
We depart Invercargill by coach to the Port of Bluff (27km south of Invercargill) to embark the ‘Spirit of Enderby’. Once shown to your cabin, there will be formal introductions to the staff and ship, followed by safety briefings before we set sail to this expedition. D
-
Day 2: The Snares Islands
We plan to arrive early in the morning at the largest of the Snares Islands, a nature reserve of international importance. Landing is not allowed, but if weather and sea conditions are suitable we will cruise the rugged coastline by Zodiac to see the unique Olearia and Brachyglottis forests and some of the unique wildlife. This includes the endemic Snares Crested Penguin, the Tomtit and Fernbird. On the cliffs we will likely see Buller’s Albatross, which only nests here and at the Solander Islands. B L D
-
Day 3-4: Auckland Islands
Auckland is the largest of the islands in this region. It is made up of two tremendous, extinct volcanoes with world-class harbours, one on the north coast and one on the south. The western coastline has been sculptured into formidable cliffs by the prevailing westerly weather, while the eastern coastline has been carved by glaciers into some of the most picturesque fiords in the world.
Our anchorage in Carnley Harbour offers a range of activities, depending on weather and sea conditions. Climb to Southwest Cape for magnificent views of a Shy Albatross colony or enjoy a quiet amble through the forest on the Musgrave Peninsula to the remains of the World War II Coast Watchers’ huts. For the energetic, a hike onto the ‘tops’ is hard work, but the rewards are great views and many new plant species. If the weather and sea conditions prove suitable, we will explore some of the eastern fiords by Zodiac and may also hike to a small glacial lake through the Rata forest that dominates these sheltered fiords.
The highlight of our visit to the Auckland Islands will likely be the day ashore on Enderby Island in Port Ross. It is home to the rare Hookers (New Zealand) Sea lion, which breed on Sandy Bay beach. We will see the unique mega herbs of this island, including the extensive fields of Bulbinella rossii, the regenerating patches of Anisotome latifolia and the red and white gentians. Royal Albatross nest amongst a hummocked sward of Oreobolus pectinatus comb sedge and gentians. In the forest we will find Bellbirds, Redcrowned Parakeets and the friendly Tomtits. Yelloweyed Penguins also nest here under the tangled divaricating shrub Myrsine divaricata. There is a good chance that we will see the endemic Auckland Island Flightless Teal as we explore the island. B L D
-
Day 5-6: Campbell Island
We arrive atCampbell island early in the morning and anchor in Perseverance Harbour. The island was farmed from the 1890s to early 1930s, but the regeneration of the flora since the removal of the feral sheep and rats, especially the mega herbs, can only be described as spectacular. Our visit should coincide with the peak of the flowering of the Pleurophyllum daisies, a Sub-Antarctic endemic. The abandoned Meteorological Station at the head of the harbour makes a great starting point for our exploration of the island.
There will be a range of walks offered, all accompanied by guides. The Col Lyall Saddle walk boasts all three species of Pleurophyllum daisies and an opportunity to view and photograph the Southern Royal Albatross nesting here amongst the flowers and tussocks. Alternatively, walk to remote North West Bay across the tussock tops and mega herb fields to a sandy beach that New Zealand Sea lions and Yellow-eyed Penguins call home. Mount Honey, the highest peak on the Island at 507 metres, is an easy scramble rewarded by magnificent views over almost the entire island. From the summit you can continue down to Southeast Harbour – in all, an enjoyable full day’s walk. B L D
-
Day 7: At Sea
Our day at sea is a great opportunity to see pelagic species, interspersed with illustrated lectures of the biology and history of the Sub-Antarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean. Species that breed on these islands include the Wandering Albatross, Southern Royal Albatross, White-capped Albatross, Lightmantled Sooty Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, White-chinned Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Cape Petrel, Diving Petrel, Grey-backed and Black-bellied Storm Petrel.B L D
-
Day 8: Bluff
On arrival at the Port of Bluff, we say our farewells, then transfer by coach to either Invercargill city or to the airport. B