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Galapagos of the Southern Ocean
Wildlife cruising around the sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand, an area with some of the most spectacular land and seascapes in the world, rich in wildlife and a biodiversity hotspot.
Lying to the south of New Zealand are six wild and remote island groups that make up the sub-Antarctic islands; this region is a birdwatchers paradise with the most diverse collection of seabirds on the planet. More than 40 seabird species, at least 11 percent of all the worlds seabirds, breed here. Ten of the worlds albatross species breed in the region, five of them nowhere else. Penguins too are special: of seven penguin species the Snares Crested, Erect Crested, and Royal Penguins are endemic. The diversity of the land birds indicates just how long these islands have been isolated no fewer than 15 species are sub-Antarctic endemics. This wildlife cruise visits four of the six island groups: Snares, Auckland, Macquarie and Campbell, offering a great introduction and understanding of the dynamic and diverse southern ocean eco-system. Embarking in Dunedin, your first sub-Antarctic island will be Snares: more birds nest on this small island than there are seabirds around the entire British Isles. As landings here are not permitted you will zodiac cruise around the sheltered bays on the lookout for endemic Snares Crested Penguins. Sooty Shearwaters are pretty likely too as an estimated six million nest here! Enderby Island, in the south of the main Auckland Islands, is the main breeding ground for the increasingly rare Hookers Sea Lion. You may also see Southern Royal Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Auckland Island Shag, Yellow-eyed Penguin and Red-crowned Parakeets. At Carnley Harbour, if you are feeling energetic you can climb up to the Southwest Cape Shy Albatross colony. Gibsons Wandering Albatross will be nesting close by amongst the tussock grass and good views are likely. You should see vast numbers of Royal Penguins on Macquarie Island, while a zodiac cruise around Lusitania Bay will also give you great views of a huge King Penguin colony. Campbell Island is a magnificent island and you will sail into Perseverance Harbour, a sunken volcanic caldera that cuts across the island, and explore by foot. You will experience some great birding and photographic opportunities here, especially Southern Royal Albatross and the early flowering megaherbs a spectacle to behold. Your voyage ends at the Port of Bluff in New Zealand.
Itinerary
Day 1. Day 2. Day 3. Day 4. Day 5. Day 6. Days 7 & 8. Day 9. Days 10 & 11. Day 12. Day 13. Dunedin Embark in Dunedin Snares Island Enderby Island Auckland Island At sea Macquarie Island At sea Campbell Island At sea Port of Bluff and disembark
Things you need to know
Embark Disembark Voyage nights Departure dates Dunedin, New Zealand Bluff, New Zealand 11 & 17 nights 27 Nov to 9 Dec (11 nights) 9 to 27 Nov (17 nights) Price From £2,895 in a triple share cabin From £3,295 in a twin share cabin Single supplement On request. If you are travelling alone ask about our request share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller.
If you can spare the extra time you could join a 19-day trip sailing from Bluff to Dunedin also in November. You will visit the Antipodes and Bounty Islands in addition to those mentioned above, as well as the Chatham archipelago that lies just north of the sub-Antarctic region.
Guide price for flights & accommodation package
Around £1,550 including return flights from the UK & 1-night in Christchurch.
Whats included Vessel
Spirit of Enderby (see Vessel pages for more details). Pre-cruise hotel night, voyage including guided shore & zodiac excursions, all meals onboard & transfers.
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