08 Dec 2016

Exploring Enderby Island on a Bluebird Day

Leaving Dunedin on the 5th of December under a cloudless sky with a nice northerly breeze blowing us south was a treat. What an amazing start to our ‘Galapagos of the Southern Ocean’ Expedition where we plan to visit the Snares, Campbell, Macquaire and Auckland Islands.  There is a wide range of interests onboard including photographers, birders and general wildlife lovers but all united in their desire to see and experience these amazing Islands. 

Arriving at the Snares the next day the sun was still shining but a large confused swell was coming in from the West and NW. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough lee to put zodiacs in the water but the Captain took the ship in very close for some awesome views of the island and the Snares Crested Penguins. Rafts of the Snares Crested Penguins bade as farewell from the water and thousands of shearwaters circled overhead as we set course for the Auckland Islands. 

A bluebird day with little wind greeted us at the Auckland Islands and it was with great anticipation that we boarded zodiacs for our day on Enderby Island. Hooker Sea Lions announced our arrival at the beach, Yellow eyed penguins eyed us from different vantage points and most people got to see the endemic birdlife that is found on this amazing sub-Antarctic island. With rosy cheeks, big smiles and memory cards full we headed back to the Professor Khromov for a well earned dinner from our amazing chefs.

Winds funnelling down the Western Harbour made the SW Cape unpleasant and so we headed to Tagua Bay for a walk up to the old coastwatchers hut and viewpoint. The beauty of the Rata forest was noted by all with many people on hands and knees getting photos of the smallest plants and mosses growing there. Our botanists onboard had smiles from ear to ear as brief sunny patches passed overhead. Back onboard we tucked into our lunch with gusto knowing that we were heading out of Carnley Harbour to Macquarie Island and will be at sea for the next day and a half.