Chatham Islands: A Land Apart
Discover amazing endemic wildlife, meet the locals and experience conservation in action as we journey through the incredibly-diverse archipelagos of the Chatham, Antipodes and Bounty Islands.
Their first inhabitants, the Moriori, called them ‘Rekhou’ (misty skies), the Europeans who rediscovered them in 1791 named them the Chatham Islands after their ship, while Maori, who didn’t settle the islands until 1835, called them ‘Wharekauri’. Today, most New Zealanders know them as the last place mentioned in their daily weather forecast, but some might also know them as the home of the endangered Black Robin.
The Chatham archipelago (made up of at least 12 islands, plus numerous islets) lies 870 kilometres east of New Zealand and runs 45 minutes ahead of the rest of the country. The history of these islands and their rich natural history is unique, and it is only recently that these precious islands have begun to be understood and appreciated.
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION |
Invercargill / Christchurch (New Zealand) |
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DEPARTURE DATES |
13 March 2021 – 22 March 2021 12 March 2022 – 21 March 2022 |
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DURATION | 10 days/9 nights | |||||||
PRICES per person |
Main Deck Triple US$5,350 Additional fees Landing Fees (per person in USD): $100 pp |
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GROUP SIZE | 50 Guests | |||||||
INCLUDED |
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NOT INCLUDED |
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Additional information
Destination | New Zealand |
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Day 1
Welcome to Invercargill – New Zealand
Day 2
At Sea
Today is a day for pelagic birding. Species commonly seen include Wandering Albatross, Southern Royal Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Campbell Island Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Salvin’s Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Northern and Southern Giant Petrel, and the Sooty Shearwater and Little Shearwater. This is one of the few places where Fairy Prion, Fulmar Prion and Antarctic Prion occur together; while other species include Soft-plumaged Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Grey-faced Petrel, White-chinned Petrel, Grey-backed Storm-petrel, Wilson’s Storm-petrel, Black-bellied Storm-petrel and the Common Diving-petrel.
Day 3
Antipodes Islands
Day 4
Bounty Islands
Days 5-8
Chatham Islands
Day 9
At Sea
Day 10
Arrival in Christchurch
After a final breakfast we will say our farewells and board complimentary transfers to either a central city drop off or Christchurch airport.
Please note: The above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. Flexibility is the key to success.
M/V Spirit Of Enderby
The Spirit of Enderby (Professor Khromov) is a fully ice-strengthened expedition vessel, built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research and is perfect for Expedition Travel.
She carries just 50 passengers and was refurbished in May 2019 to provide comfortable accommodation in twin share cabins approximately half of which have private facilities. All cabins have outside windows or portholes and ample storage space.
On board there is a recently updated combined bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room. The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs.
The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Captain and crew.
The name Spirit of Enderby honours the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Subantarctic Island in the world.
Classification | Russian register KM ice class |
Year built | 1984 |
Shipyard | Finland |
Accommodation | 50 berths |
Main engines | power 2 x 1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw) |
Register | Russia |
Maximum speed | 12 knots (2 engines) |
Cruising speed | 10 knots (1 engine) |
Bunker capacity | 320 tons |
Deck Plan
Cabins
One bunk (one upper and one lower berth) and one additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private wash basin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole. |
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private wash basin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole. |
One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin. These cabins have windows. |
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin. These cabins have windows. |
Separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin. Mini Suites have windows. |
Large lounge area, seperate bedroom with double bed and a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views. |
How to Book
To ensure your place on this exciting adventure, please contact us to reserve a place 02 6355 2022 or , then complete the Adventure Associates Booking Form and return to us with your USD per person deposit.
Deposit required per person: | 25% in US$ per person |
Balance due: | 90 days prior to departure |
If booking within 89 days of departure: | Full payment must be made. |
Reservations are established when you receive written confirmation and acceptance of the deposit and Booking Form. Travel insurance is strongly recommended at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Cancellations must be advised in writing to Adventure Associates. Cancellation charges are subject to regulations of airlines, coach and tour operators, hotels and other principals involved. If it is necessary to cancel your arrangements, the following non-refundable charges will apply.
More than 180 days prior to departure | US$ 1000 per person |
Between 179 and 91 days prior to departure | Full loss of deposit per person |
On or within 90 days prior to departure | No Refund |
If the cancellation charge is more than your advance payment you remain liable for the difference. For these and other reasons mentioned above you are strongly recommended to take out Travel Insurance. Once the tour has departed there will be no refund for any unused portions of the trip.
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