09 Oct 2019

Beyond Fiordland with Forest & Bird

Heritage Expeditions is proud to continue its longstanding partnerships with both Forest & Bird and the Department of Conservation on our December legacy voyage 'Beyond Fiordland: New Zealand's Wildest Islands'.

Forest & Bird Members Save 5%

Travel with Forest & Bird's Canterbury West Coast Regional Manager Nicky Snoyink and a Department of Conservation Ranger as we explore the untamed wilderness of Fiordland's ice-carved mountains, forests and fiords; encounter threatened native species flourishing on Stewart Island's Ulva Island and discover the remote, rugged beauty of New Zealand's Subantarctic The Snares, Campbell and Auckland Islands sailing on this tribute voyage to our early days of expedition cruising.

Enjoy insights and lectures on the region's wildlife, ecosystems and conservation efforts from our special guests with Forest & Bird members receiving a special members' 5% discount. In addition, a donation from your fare will contribute to both Forest & Bird and the Department of Conservation's crucial, on-going preservation and protection of the precious regions we visit, while those interested will have the opportunity to experience the latest conservation efforts firsthand.

"I feel so privileged to have the chance to visit New Zealand's Subantarctic islands," says Nicky. Whether it's the astonishing megaherb fields, the uninterrupted natural drama of sea lions and penguins, or the sheer majesty of the Southern Royal Albatross, the wildlife experiences this expedition offers is astounding.

But look deeper and there is also a conservation story to be told, and that's my job on board. Some of the species we will be seeing are under the threat of extinction. I will be talking about the perils these natural systems face and the work being done, both to protect them and to restore nature.

The Auckland Islands are the world stronghold for New Zealand/Hooker's Sea Lions and Hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguins). The first of my talks explains why these species are in such deep trouble and what can be done - including what you can do - to defend them and help them recover. Believe me, after you've seen them, you will want to!

We will have the chance to contrast predator-free Enderby and Campbell Islands, teeming with life, with the main Auckland Island, still beset with invasive animals that were introduced to the islands and which have wreaked havoc on nature, and I will explain New Zealand's proud history of eradicating invasive predators from islands, the plans for Auckland Island and our country's plan to be introduced predator-free by 2050. The last presentation I will give, if time allows (and you haven't had enough by then), puts our sub-Antarctic expedition together in the context of the overall conservation challenges and opportunities facing Aotearoa and the world."

Beyond Fiordland: New Zealand's Wildest Islands
Dates: 13 - 23 December 2019
Ship: Spirit of Enderby (Professor Khromov)