Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: Subantarctic Islands
DAYS 8 / SHIP Heritage Adventurer
DEPARTURES 20 Dec 2023 / 28 Dec 2024
PLACES VISITED The Snares / Campbell Island / Auckland Islands
PRICES FROM $5,475 USD (More Rates)
You won't find them mentioned in a travel brochure on your high street; you won't find them in most guidebooks, you probably don't know anyone that has ever been there and they don't even appear on some maps of New Zealand's South Pacific - these are the ‘forgotten islands'. Despite their low profile, they are among the most remarkable wildlife reserves in the Southern Ocean, designated UNESCO World Heritage sites and afforded the highest protection of any nature reserves in New Zealand. Remote, uninhabited and on no regular shipping route, access is further restricted by a strict Management Plan which limits the number of people allowed ashore each year.
Departing the Port of Bluff, Invercargill, the first of these islands we visit are The Snares. No landings are permitted because the islands are honey-combed with seabird burrows. Of particular interest are the Snares Crested Penguin, Fernbird and Tomtit - all of which are endemic. We should see them all as we enjoy the dramatic coastline and tree daisy forest from our Zodiac cruise.
In the Auckland Islands, the largest of the island groups, we will have the chance to spend the day ashore on Enderby Island, arguably the most amazing Subantarctic Island. Here you can hike through the windswept Rata forests, and along the exposed coastal cliffs. The wildlife is never far away and its lack of fear means close encounters, great for photography and observations. In Carnley Harbour in the south of the Auckland Islands there are a number of fascinating sites, including a Shy Albatross colony, abandoned Coastwatcher's huts, a shipwreck and castaway depots that we can visit. The weather will dictate what we do.
Campbell Island, the southernmost island of this expedition, is an example of what can be achieved in restoring islands. In recent years sheep, cattle, cats and rats have all been eliminated and the island is rapidly recovering. The great English botanist Sir Joseph Hooker, a friend of Charles Darwin, visited Campbell Island in the 1840s and described the flowering fields of ‘megaherbs' to be "second to none outside of the tropics". We can say the same now, because of the removal of these introduced animals. This island is also the home of the majestic Southern Royal Albatross, the endemic Campbell Island Flightless Teal and Snipe.
These islands represent a priceless ecosystem. Joining this expedition redefines natural history travel and will leave you wishing you could have spent more time there. Our 28 December 2022 departure offers the opportunity to join an optional, professionally-led small kayaking group. Kayaking around the Subantarctic Islands offers a wide array of habitats and sea kayaking opportunities from sandy bays and sea caves to rugged, wildlife filled cliffs and backdrops of extraordinary floral displays.
You won't find them mentioned in a travel brochure on your high street; you won't find them in most guidebooks, you probably don't know anyone that has ever been there and they don't even appear on some maps of New Zealand's South Pacific - these are the ‘forgotten islands'. Despite their low profile, they are among the most remarkable wildlife reserves in the Southern Ocean, designated UNESCO World Heritage sites and afforded the highest protection of any nature reserves in New Zealand. Remote, uninhabited and on no regular shipping route, access is further restricted by a strict Management Plan which limits the number of people allowed ashore each year.
Departing the Port of Bluff, Invercargill, the first of these islands we visit are The Snares. No landings are permitted because the islands are honey-combed with seabird burrows. Of particular interest are the Snares Crested Penguin, Fernbird and Tomtit - all of which are endemic. We should see them all as we enjoy the dramatic coastline and tree daisy forest from our Zodiac cruise.
In the Auckland Islands, the largest of the island groups, we will have the chance to spend the day ashore on Enderby Island, arguably the most amazing Subantarctic Island. Here you can hike through the windswept Rata forests, and along the exposed coastal cliffs. The wildlife is never far away and its lack of fear means close encounters, great for photography and observations. In Carnley Harbour in the south of the Auckland Islands there are a number of fascinating sites, including a Shy Albatross colony, abandoned Coastwatcher's huts, a shipwreck and castaway depots that we can visit. The weather will dictate what we do.
Campbell Island, the southernmost island of this expedition, is an example of what can be achieved in restoring islands. In recent years sheep, cattle, cats and rats have all been eliminated and the island is rapidly recovering. The great English botanist Sir Joseph Hooker, a friend of Charles Darwin, visited Campbell Island in the 1840s and described the flowering fields of ‘megaherbs' to be "second to none outside of the tropics". We can say the same now, because of the removal of these introduced animals. This island is also the home of the majestic Southern Royal Albatross, the endemic Campbell Island Flightless Teal and Snipe.
These islands represent a priceless ecosystem. Joining this expedition redefines natural history travel and will leave you wishing you could have spent more time there. Our 28 December 2022 departure offers the opportunity to join an optional, professionally-led small kayaking group. Kayaking around the Subantarctic Islands offers a wide array of habitats and sea kayaking opportunities from sandy bays and sea caves to rugged, wildlife filled cliffs and backdrops of extraordinary floral displays.
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Expedition Brochure
Our ship: Heritage Adventurer
Pricing
Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific - 20 Dec 2023 to 27 Dec 2023 - Heritage Adventurer
- Includes:
Pre/post cruise transfers, one night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast), all on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and all expedition shore excursions. Programme of lectures by noted naturalists.
- Excludes:
Kayaking, all items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.
Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific - 28 Dec 2024 to 4 Jan 2025 - Heritage Adventurer
- Includes:
Pre/post cruise transfers, one night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast), all on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and all expedition shore excursions. Programme of lectures by noted naturalists.
- Excludes:
Kayaking, all items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.
GEORGE
MARGARET, NEW ZEALAND (PAST EXPEDITIONER)
SANDRA
SELWYN
MARY
STEVE, USA (PAST EXPEDITIONER)
LIONEL
LIONEL BENJAMIN
STEPHANIE
DOT
CHRIS
DIANA
JILL
DIANNA & TREVOR
THELMA
ALAN LORKING
MICHAEL POTTS
JANE BATTERSBY
JACKIE KNOTTS
ANNE-SOPHIE PAGE
L TYLER