Next trip to the Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia is planned for autumn 2011. More information will be available shortly. The itinerary below is from our previous trip 2009. Please contact us on +4631-333 17 30 or info@polar-quest.com to recieve more information.
The spectacular, isolated and seldom visited Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia are recognised as some of the world`s great "biodiversity hotspots" and enlisted as World Heritage Sites. Home to almost half of the world`s albatross and penguin species these islands are true oases for anyone interested in wildlife and pristine nature.
To the south of New Zealand and Australia are several groups of islands, remote from each other and very seldom visited. These are the Sub-Antarctic Islands, among the world`s wildest places. This region hosts the most diverse collection of seabirds in the world, with over 40 seabird species breeding here. We have chances of seeing no less than eight different species of albatross and even more penguin species during the trip. Several of these are endemic to the area and can be found nowhere else on earth. The islands are all protected nature reserves and have World Heritage status. In order to reach these amazing islands, PolarQuest have chartered the expedition ship Spirit of Enderby and this is the only trip of its kind in 2009. During the expedition we will visit four island groups - the Snares, Auckland, Campbell and Macquarie Islands. There is no other comparable expedition in the world and for an introduction and understanding of the dynamic and diverse Southern Ocean ecosystem this is a "must do" expedition.
Day 1: Dunedin, New Zealand
Arrive in Dunedin and check into a centrally located hotel. This evening we will have dinner together and are briefed on the upcoming cruise to the Sub-Antarctic Islands.
Day 2: Port of Otago towards Snares
After breakfast we transfer to our expedition ship Spirit of Enderby in the Port of Otago. We steam out of Otago Harbour, under Taiaroa Head and then southwards to the Snares Island.
Day 3: Snares Island
Snares is an amazing island - more seabirds nest on this small island than around the entire British Isles! We arrive in the early morning and board the infl atable boats for a stunning cruise close to shore. From the small boats we have a great view of the wildlife and excellent photographic opportunities. During the cruise we should see the endemic Snares crested penguins, tomtits and the endemic Buller`s albatrosses soaring overhead. There are also an estimated six million sooty shearwaters nesting here. After our first taste of the magnificent New Zealand Sub-Antarctic we continue south towards the Auckland Islands.
Day 4 - 5: Auckland Islands
We arrive at the gem in the Auckland Islands - Enderby Island. Regarded as the most diverse of all wildlife havens fringing the great Antarctic continent, the Auckland Islands boast everything from penguins and albatross to parakeets and tomtits. We make our fi rst landing at Sandy Bay, a beautiful white beach, and the main breeding ground for the Hooker`s sea lion. Here we also have good chances of spotting the shy yellow eyed penguin, one of the rarest penguin species in the world. During a hike through the peculiar rata forest, which covers large parts of the island, we hope to spot other bird species such as giant petrels, shags, teals, pipits and the colourful parakeets. We also hope to see two types of albatross: light-mantled sooty and southern royal albatross. We search for the rare Subantarctic snipe. In the southern part of the Auckland Islands group is Carnley Harbour. Here you have the chance of cruising with our small boats along the coastal forest looking for the New Zealand falcon. For the energetic participants there will be an opportunity to climb to a colony of shy albatross. Gibson`s wandering albatross nest above the colony amongst the tussock and we should get good views of these impressive birds. We depart the Auckland Islands in the mid-afternoon of day 5 and head southwest towards Macquarie Island.
Day 6: At Sea
We will be at sea all day, spending some time on deck in the company of albatross and petrels. The Sub-Antarctic Convergence Zone is bordering the area we are sailing through so we should expect the bird life to be abundant as we get closer to Macquarie Island. We will also listen to a series of lectures on the biology and history of the Sub Antarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean.
Day 7 - 8: Macquarie Island, Australia
We arrive at magic Macquarie Island, where around 3.5 million seabirds and 80 000 elephant seals arrive each year to breed and moult. This is the only place in the world to see the royal penguin and there is an abundance of these endearing little creatures here. King penguins are also found in vast numbers - some 100 000 pairs breed here surrounded by huge elephant seals and fur seals. Other penguin species breed on Macquarie Island, such as the gentoo and the rockhopper. We plan landings at the Australian ANARE scientifi c station and at Sandy Bay. We will also zodiac cruise Lusitania Bay, where there is a huge king penguin colony. After two days in this paradise we continue to Campbell Island.
Day 9: At Sea
At sea en-route to Campbell Island we enjoy entertaining lectures by our on-board specialists. Spending time on deck in the company of graceful seabirds, we may also spot whales.
Day 10 - 11: Campbell Island
Campbell Island is a magnificent island offering great birding and unique photographic opportunities. The island holds the world`s largest population of nesting southern royal albatross with an impressive wingspan of 3 metres. The regeneration of the megaherbs since the removal of the sheep is another spectacle to behold. Arriving early in the morning we will spend the first day exploring the island by foot from Perseverance Harbour. During the two days ashore we should also see elephant seals, Hooker`s sea lions, the beautiful light-mantled sooty albatross and the rare New Zealand pipit.
Day 12: At Sea
At sea en-route to Bluff our lecturers will take the opportunity to recap the highlights of the expedition. Tonight we enjoy a festive farewell dinner.
Day 13: Port of Bluff, New Zealand
We arrive at the Port of Bluff and disembark after breakfast. We transfer to the city of Invercargill and start our journey home.
Please note: This program is only a preliminary plan. Our exact route will depend on weather conditions and the wildlife we encounter.
Photo: Konrad Wothe/Minden Pictures, Pete Oxford/Minden Pictures, Ole Jörgen Liodden, Tui De Roy/Minden Pictures
