24 Dec 2014

Challenges at the Snares

The sun rose amongst clouds of Sooty Shearwaters as we approached the Snares at 0530. Conditions were not ideal for the loading and navigation of Zodiacs as the wind and sea had been building from the north for a few hours. We steamed around to investigate South Bay as a possible cruising site, but a westerly swell made it challenging also. After breakfast we launched five Zodiacs and the adventure began for many, simply descending the gangway for the first time. All managed to board safely and we headed out to experience what some have described as one of the best Zodiac cruises anywhere in the world. Cathedral like caves and tunnels, kelp lined coves where New Zealand Fur seals display and Snares-crested Penguins play. With albatross overhead and Tomtits or Fern Birds zipping about, heads were spinning. The wind continued to increase and with a turn of the tide the seas were building. Having reached the famed ‘Penguin Slope’ we headed back towards the ship, but after unloading two Zodiacs it became all too challenging, so the remainder extended their cruise while the ship repositioned to South Bay where all were recovered smoothly.  Lunch as we headed south to the Auckland Islands included plenty of excited chatter and big smiles all round. After an exhilarating morning Hourglass and Dusky Dolphins set the tone for much of the afternoon!