20 Dec 2016

Forgotten Islands Expedition: Enderby Island Exploration and more

Day 1

Day One of our first Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific expedition of the season began with all the passengers meeting on a blustery day at the Kelvin Hotel and being transferred to the ship in Bluff. With rough seas awaiting us, briefings and a hearty dinner were enjoyed before departing for Snares Island.

Day 2

After a restless night experiencing Southern Ocean swells, some enjoyed breakfast. Snares Island was a welcome sight – an abundance of seabirds put on their displays, with cape petrels, diving petrels, diving petrels, shearwaters and albatrosses and more. 

As the sea conditions were not in our favour, we were unable to zodiac cruise, but we enjoyed views of the island and the Snares Crested Penguins from the ship, before departing for the Auckland Islands.

Day 3

After an early breakfast, we all made it to Sandy Bay on Enderby Island. We started the day with cloudy skies but by the end of the day the island was bathed in sun. A full day of exploration around the island was enjoyed by one large group. Others took the more leisurely option of a walk along the boardwalk to the western cliffs and then back to Sandy Bay to enjoy all the wildlife that call this island home including Yellow Eyed Penguins, Hooker Sealions and a few inquisitive skuas.

The intrepid walkers had plenty of opportunities to see the local residents as well as spotting the elusive Auckland Island snipe, flightless teal and Falcon. Everyone was in awe of the spectacular windswept landscapes, the flowering megaherbs and the twisting rata forest. 

A fantastic day was had by all and once back on the ship everyone shared tales of their day while enjoying a tasty meal and a selection of drinks at the bar.

Guest Blogger: Gill Scott Douglas - Reservations Manager