07 Mar 2016

Campbell Island Activities

There was an early start today for the 14 people who set out into the brisk breeze on the 16km Northwest Bay walk beneath blue skies. The contrast in weather had us all smiling as winds were forecast to drop to 5-10kts in the afternoon. The rest of the group set off on another Zodiac adventure and landings that included interactions with the New Zealand Sea Lions, more Campbell Island Teal sightings and a hunt for the grave of a sailor from the French Venus expedition over 150 years ago. Basic location information was provided for this search by our Department of Conservation representative who had spent a year here back in the 90’s.To our delight we found the grave set back from the white pebble beach in a beautiful little cove on a headland in the sun. The intricate and ornate wrought iron cross which was made on board by his shipmates was a true work of art. This was a moving discovery for me personally as in 19 years of visiting Campbell Island I had never seen this before.

In the afternoon we took the board walk to the Col-Lyall saddle. There we had close views of the majestic nesting Royal Albatross, many on chicks that they seemed happy to show us. On the way Snipe and Yellow-eyed Penguins were seen and the diversity, strength and colours of the changing undergrowth, grasses and occasional flowers again told us we were in a very special place. Later in the day the albatross began to perform. Standing in groups of three or four they called to the sky with wings outstretched and interacted as if we were not there while other birds swooped just metres above our heads. It developed into one of the best displays I have seen in years and it went on for hours. The North West Bay walkers returned with stories of Elephant Seals, Snipe and albatross but immediately set off again up to Col-Lyall saddle so they would not miss the fun. It was a busy day with Sea Lions surfing in the wake of the Zodiacs and sightings of some huge jelly fish. We are now racing ahead of the next front and the 35kt winds that are coming.