15 Jan 2015

Another superb day in the Auckland Islands

This morning brought another early start at 5.30am as Nathan and the Expedition team were keen to take advantage of the fabulous conditions which continue in the Auckland Islands. We arrived into Musgrove Inlet on the eastern side of the main Auckland Island and embarked on an early morning Zodiac cruise. We were impressed by the large groups of Rockhopper Penguins and photographers in the group particularly enjoyed seeing groups on one large rock with great light for photography. From there we zipped across to one of the best caves you can take a Zodiac into. As our Zodiacs drove into the darkness of the cave it suddenly opened up to reveal a large hole to the sky. It was an amazing experience and all completed before breakfast!

Later we moved down the coast to Carnley Harbour. Expedition Leader Nathan and lecturer Don had not seen Carnley like this for years, with flat calm seas and blue skies. We cruised to North Arm where we dropped the anchor off the wreck of the Grafton. The story of the three shipwrecked men who sailed from the Auckland Islands to Stewart Island to get help recently featured on New Zealand television screens thanks to 'Intrepid New Zealand's' Jamie and Kevin. We enjoyed sun, flat seas and a great little landing to learn more about this incredible survival story.

We are now heading south at full speed to get ahead of a front that is making its way towards us from the West and are currently cruising at 13 Knots with NE wind and seas. The sailing is comfortable at this point - long may it last!