Heritage Expeditions
Western Pacific Odyssey
This expedition is a unique opportunity for “birders”, “cetacean watchers” and the romantics who simply love the thrill of a cruise in the South Pacific that includes remote Islands and Atolls.
After departing Auckland we spend a day “birding” in the rich waters of the Hauraki Gulf where there are numerous endemic species including the recently re-discovered NZ storm petrel. From there it is northward to Norfolk Island and New Caledonia where we make shore excursions for the island endemics. Landfall in the Solomon Islands is at remote Rennell Island.
We plan a total of four days with a number of landings in the Solomon Islands before sailing north across the Britain Trench, an area known to be rich in cetaceans to Micronesia. We have landings scheduled for Truk in the Caroline group before sailing to the Bonin Islands and as close as allowed to Torishima Island to hopefully see short-tailed albatross. The journey will end at Yokohama in Japan.
Western Pacific Odyssey Itinerary:
Day 1:
Embark late afternoon in Auckland, complete formalities and depart.
Day 2:
Through the Hauraki Gulf looking for recently re-discovered New Zealand Storm-Petrel, Grey Ternlet and other specialities. Evening offshore a ‘Pycroft’s Petrel’ island.
Days 3 & 4:
At sea. Expected species include White-necked , Black-winged and grey-faced petrels, Buller’s, Wedge-tailed and Flesh-footed shearwaters.
Day 5:
Norfolk Island (Australia). We plan to seek three endemics - Norfolk Island Parakeet, Norfolk Gerygone and Slender-billed White-eye with time to explore around the Island and meet with some of the local people.
Days 6 & 7:
At sea.
Days 8 :
Noumea (New Caledonia). We will explore the southern end of this tropical paradise island concentrating on Parc de la Riviere Bleue for Kagu. Other birds we will seek include New Caledonian Imperial Pigeon, N.C. (White-bellied) Goshawk, N.C.(Horned) Parakeet, N.C. Myzomela, N.C. Whistler, N.C. Crow, N.C. Cuckoo-Shrike, N.C. Grassbird (very difficult to see), N.C. Friarbird, Crow, Dark-brown and Barred Honeyeaters, Yellow-bellied Robin, Cloven-feathered Dove, Red-throated Parrotfinch and Striated Starling.
Days 9 - 11:
At sea, relax in the Pacific Ocean as we sail to the Solomon Islands.
Day 12:
Rennell (Solomon Islands). We shall seek a number of Solomon endemics including the five species restricted to Rennell, Rennell Shrikebill, Fantail, White-eye and Starling plus Bare-eyed White-eye. Our visit to Rennell includes meeting with the local people.
Day 13:
San Cristobal (Solomon Islands), a new landing looking for more endemics.
Day 14:
Honiara( Solomon Islands). A days birding excursion to Mount Austin. Island group endemics found here include Midget Flowerpecker, Ultramarine Kingfisher, S.I. Cuckoo-Shrike, Ducorp’s Cockatoo, Blyth’s Hornbill and others.
Day 15:
At sea, in 2007 this was the area for Heinroth’s shearwater, we are sure to looking for this again.
Day 16:
Ghizo and Kolombangara (Solomon Islands). We shall seek more endemics, Splendid White-eye, White-capped Monarch plus Solomon Sea Eagle and later in the day hope to see Roviana Rails as they come out before dark, the species being only first described in 1991.
Days 17-22:
At sea.
Day 23:
Chuuk (‘Truk’, Caroline Islands). Ashore we will look for Chuuk Monarch, Caroline Islands White-eye, Reed Warbler, Swiftlet and Ground Dove plus Oceanic Flycatcher.
Days 24-28:
At sea.
Day 29:
Bonin Islands (Japan) – we will seek the endemic honeyeater ashore, Laysan Albatross, Humpbacks and various dolphins in the island’s waters.
Day 30:
At sea, new seabirds should include Black-footed Albatross, Streaked Shearwater and Tristam’s Storm Petrel.
Day 31:
Torishima (Japan, landing not allowed) We will cruise off the island in the afternoon for surely one of the seabird highlights, Short-tailed Albatross.
Day 32:
A final day at sea to reflect on the amazing diversity of the places we have visited.
Day 33:
Disembark Yokohama, Japan, after breakfast. A transfer will be provided to the Yokohama Terminal for transfer by fast bus or train to Tokyo.
Landings at the Islands are by permit only as administered by the relevant Governments.
Heritage Expeditions is committed to providing the highest quality natural history expeditions and specialise in remote regions and difficult to see species. As part of our expeditions we have for many years used the practice of chumming and/or oiling to give people the opportunity to see species that they are unlikely to see otherwise or appreciate aspects of seabird ecology such as impacts from interactions with fishing vessels. Heritage Expeditions believes that chumming has an important part to play in a successful seabird watching expedition but it is a tool which is used with moderation and always for a specific purpose.
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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Western Pacific Odyssey
Voyage # 2566 17 March 2009 - 18 April 2009 |
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Western Pacific Odyssey
Voyage # 2667 13 March 2010 - 14 April 2010 |
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 | Western Pacific Odyssey - 2397 Adobe Acrobat Document: 1.02 MB, 2.5 minutes @ 56kbps |
Western Pacific Odyssey - 2497
| Western Pacific Odyssey - Bird Checklist 2008 Adobe Acrobat Document: 169 KB, 25 seconds @ 56kbps |
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 Spirit of Enderby ©
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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
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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:
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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.
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