Heritage Expeditions
The Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific
The plant life of the Sub Antarctic region is rare and unique. Sir Joseph Hooker, botanist aboard Sir James Clark Ross’s 1840 Antarctic Expedition, who later became curator of the famous Kew Gardens in England wrote about the plants on these remote islands “the most extraordinary is the Pluerophyllum meadow, a community dominated by the large leafed herbaceous composite, producing a flora display second to none outside the tropics”
In recognition of the richness, special forms and unique associations, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) has designated the region a world centre of floristic diversity. Vascular plants number about 250, with 35 found only in the region and several found only at a single island or group.
This expedition which visits the Snares, Auckland’s and Campbell Islands are timed to coincide with this magnificent flora display. Because of the remoteness of these islands only a few people have ever witnessed this display. This expedition is your opportunity to enjoy this display and the magnificent wildlife.
The Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific Itinerary:
Day 1
A coach will transfer you from Invercargill to the Port of Bluff (27km south of Invercargill) to embark our vessel Spirit of Enderby. The coach will depart the Kelvin Hotel, Kelvin Street, Invercargill at a time to be advised. (Departure times from Bluff are dependent on tide and at the time of preparing this we are waiting on advice from the Harbour Master). From the Port of Bluff we sail down the short channel and into Foveaux Strait and then set a course direct to Campbell Island. There will be introductions and briefings on board.
Day 2
At sea we will have a series of lectures supported by videos of the biology and history of the Sub Antarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean. Our day at sea will be a great opportunity to see pelagic species, including wandering albatross, Southern royal albatross, white-capped albatross, light-mantled sooty albatross, grey headed albatross, black browed albatross, white chinned petrel, mottled petrel, white headed petrel, cape petrel, diving petrel, grey backed and black bellied storm petrel.
Days 3 & 4
Arrive Campbell Island early morning. This island provides some great birding and an opportunity to get some really good photographs, especially of the Southern royal albatross. The regeneration of the megaherbs since the removal of the feral sheep in the 1970's and 80's is a spectacle to behold and increasing each year as the rats have also been successfully removed. On arrival we will anchor below the abandoned Meteorological Station and walk to Col-Lyall Saddle. All three species of Pleurophyllum daisies, can be seen along the way. The short flowering season will be near its best. Southern royal albatross nest amongst these flowers and tussocks and there will be an opportunity to observe and photograph these.
Make sure you make time to look for some of the smaller plants, the Myosotis capitata with its small but deep purple flowers and the Hebe benthamii which has perhaps the deepest flower colour in the genus.
From Col Lyall there is a short walk to the summit ridge from where you can get some spectacular views over NW Bay. On our second day ashore at Campbell Island there will be an opportunity to revisit the Col Lyall Saddle or walk to remote Northwest Bay which is a relatively easy walk across tussock tops and the megaherb fields or climb to Mt Honey, Campbell Island’s highest peak.
Days 5 & 6
Arrive Auckland Islands and visit Carnley Harbour, the large southern harbour area. Our visit here will include the opportunity to climb to South West Cape and to shy (white capped) albatross colony or to explore the historic Coastwatchers Hut and Lookout at Tagua Bay.
The highlight of our visit to the Auckland Islands is the day ashore on Enderby Island in Port Ross, a magnificent island crammed with natural history wonders. It is home to the rare Hookers (New Zealand) Sealion which breed each year on Sandy Bay beach. The island is forested by gnarled and windswept rata, and has a plateau of scrubland and cushion bog. We will see and experience the unique megaherbs 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. Yellow-eyed penguins also nest here under the tangled divaricating shrub Myrsine divaricata. There is a good chance that we will see the endemic Auckland Island flightless teal at Derrycastle Reef as we explore this island.
Day 7
At day break we plan to arrive to Snares Island. It is a nature reserve of international importance. Landing is not allowed, but we will use our zodiacs to cruise the rugged coastline to see the unique Olearia and Brachyglottis forest and some of the unique wildlife including the endemic Snares Crested penguins, tomtit and fernbird. On the cliffs we will see the Buller’s Albatross, which only nests here and at the Solander Islands.
Day 8
On arrival at the Port of Bluff on the last day of the expedition there will be breakfast on board the ship after which we will provide transport to Invercargill city or airport.
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.
| DEPARTURES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific
Voyage # 2563 4 January 2009 - 11 January 2009 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cabin options: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional charges: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Circumstances may be encountered during our voyage which will make it necessary or desirable to deviate from this itinerary. These circumstances include poor weather conditions and opprtunities for making unplanned zodiac excursions. Your Expedition leader will provide more information at the start of the voyage and keep you fully informed during the voyage. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Click map for more information: |
 |
 | Forgotten Islands - 2293 Adobe Acrobat Document: 412 KB, 60 seconds @ 56kbps |
| Forgotten Islands - 2294 Adobe Acrobat Document: 331 KB, 49 seconds @ 56kbps |
| Forgotten Islands - 2392 Adobe Acrobat Document: 686 KB, 100 seconds @ 56kbps |
| Forgotten Islands - 2393 Adobe Acrobat Document: 244 KB, 36 seconds @ 56kbps |
| Forgotten Islands - 2494 Adobe Acrobat Document: 611 KB, 89 seconds @ 56kbps Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific Trip Log - 2494 |
Document viewers:
If you cannot view a document, you may need to download and install the appropriate document viewer.
Adobe Acrobat Document:
Adobe Acrobat Reader
|
 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. |
Technical description:
- Classification: Russian register KM ice class
- Year built: 1984
- Accommodation: 48 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
-
-
Upper DeckMiddle DeckLower Deck
Spirit of Enderby
Fully ice-strengthened for Expedition Travel our vessel carries just 48 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.
|
|
|
|
|