Heritage Expeditions

The Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart Invercargill

We depart Invercargill by coach to the Port of Bluff to embark the ‘Spirit of Enderby’. After settling in to your cabin, there will be formal introductions to the staff and ship, followed by safety briefings before we depart to Campbell Island.  

Day 2: 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 and other albatrosses; the White-chinned Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Cape Petrel and others.

Days 3 & 4: Campbell Island

We arrive at Campbell Island early in the morning and anchor in Perseverance Harbour.  The island was farmed from the 1890s to the early 1930s, but the regeneration of the flora since the removal of the feral sheep and rats, especially the mega herbs, is spectacular.  Our visit should coincide with peak flowering of the Pleurophyllum daisies, a Sub-Antarctic endemic.

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 mega herb fields to a sandy beach that New Zealand Sea Lions and Yellow-eyed Penguins call home.

Days 5 – 7: Auckland

Enderby is the largest of the islands in this region. It is made up of two extinct volcanoes and has world-class harbours. The western coastline has been sculptured into formidable cliffs by the prevailing westerly weather, while the eastern coastline has been carved by glaciers into picturesque fiords.

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. We may explore some of the eastern fiords by Zodiac and also hike to a small glacial lake through the Rata forest.

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, Red-crowned Parakeets and the friendly Tomtits. There is also a good chance that we will see the endemic Auckland Island Flightless Teal as we explore the island.

Day 8: 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 permit 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.

Day 9:  Dunedin

After completing formalities at the Port of Otago, Dunedin, you are free to disembark.

Landings at the Sub Antarctic Islands are by permit only as administered by the Government of New Zealand. No landings are permitted at Snares Is.
Circumstances may be encountered during our voyage which will make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. These circumstances include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed during the voyage.

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Spirit of Enderby ©

Our vessel, the 'Spirit of Enderby' is perfect for Expedition Travel. The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodation (refurbished in New Zealand Nov '04). The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs. Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Capitan and crew. The 'Spirit of Enderby' measures 72 metres in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two 1,560 horse power diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots. What makes this Expedition Vessel absolutely unique is the equipment we carry including: a) our fleet of RIB’s, (rigid inflatable boats) sometimes referred to as zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places. b) Our specially designed and built Hovercraft (2) give us unprecedented over ice capability in Antarctica allowing us to land in places that are inaccessible to other ships.

The name 'Spirit of Enderby' honours the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800’s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Subantarctic Island in the world.

Technical description:

• Classification: Russian register KM ice class 
• Year built: 1984
• Accommodation:  50 berths expedition  
• Shipyard: Finland
• Main engines: power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw) 
• Register: Russia
• Maximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines),
• Cruising speed: 10 knots(one engine) 
• Bunker capacity: 320 tons

Deck and Cabin plan:

Rollover a room for more information

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  Upper Deck
  Middle Deck
  Lower Deck

• Heritage Suite
• Mini Suite
• Superior Plus
• Superior

• Main Deck
• Main Deck Triple
• Bar/Lounge
• Dining Room

Spirit of Enderby

Fully ice-strengthened for Expedition Travel our vessel carries just 50 passengers in very comfortable accommodation. Onboard are some of the most experienced naturalists and guides who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas we visit.

Heritage Suite

Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed, single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers, and fridge. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows with great views.

Mini Suite

A small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower. toilet and washbasin. This suite has windows.

Superior Plus

Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Superior

Cabins have one bunk (an upper and lower – two), wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Main Deck

Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.

Main Deck Triple

Main deck triple cabin: This cabin has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.

Bar Lounge

Equipped for the use of laptops, video and digital cameras, opening hours are variable depending on the activities of the day. We have a well stocked library you are welcome to use at any time, and a range of beverages available.

Dining Room

Our chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available prepared according to your special dietary needs (as per information specified on your booking form). Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are not available.

Dining Room

Our chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available prepared according to your special dietary needs (as per information specified on your booking form). Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are not available.

Life onboard ‘Spirit of Enderby’

The ‘Spirit of Enderby’ was designed and built as a Research Vessel and still undertakes some research work when not involved with work through Heritage Expeditions.  Ship amenities and services include:

Bar: ‘Globe’ It is situated on the Middle deck aft (400 level cabins). We have a range of beverages available (beers, wines, soft drinks and spirits). Opening hours are variable, depending on the activities of the day onboard (e.g. lectures, landings). Opening hours are indicated on daily programmes.

Dining Room: ‘Ice Culture’
Our Australian and New Zealand chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available. Our chefs onboard can prepare food according to your special dietary needs (providing this information in advance of departure date, specified on the booking form). We regret to inform that Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are NOT available onboard.

Library: We have a well stocked library and you are welcome to use it at any time. We have card and board games available. The Bar/Library is located on the Middle deck and is equipped with electricity outlets to facilitate the use of laptops, video cameras and digital cameras.

Lecture Room: Has seating for all the passengers to attend our lectures and films screened during the voyage. It is well equipped for Power Point presentations, slide shows, video films and similar. It is located below the Lower Deck.

Medical Service:
‘Spirit of Enderby’ carries a Medical Advisor  and a well-equipped medical clinic, situated on the Middle Deck. The  medical advisor is available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency onboard the ship.
 
Communications:
The ‘Spirit of Enderby’ is equipped with the Iridium satellite phone for phone calls and for receiving and sending emails.