Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: Subantarctic Islands

This is without doubt one of the most inspirational and informative journeys or expeditions into the Southern Ocean ecosystem that one can make anywhere in the world. Long recognised for their rich biodiversity, the Subantarctic Islands lying to the south of New Zealand are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This places them in a select group of only 180 natural sites that have been designated as ‘the most important and significant natural habitats’ on the planet. They are also afforded the highest conservation status and protection by the Australian and New Zealand governments and access to these islands is by permit only. On this expedition we offer you the unique chance to explore, photograph and understand these wonderful places in the company of some of the most knowledgeable and passionate guides.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Dunedin / Invercargill (New Zealand)

DEPARTURE DATES

30 November 2021 – 12 December 2021

18 December 2021 – 30 December 2021

DURATION

13 days/12 nights

PRICES per person

30 Nov 2021 Prices:

Main Deck Triple US$7,750
Main Deck TwinUS$8,300
Superior Twin US$8,800
Superior Plus US$9,600
Mini Suite US$9,900
Heritage Suite US$10,600

18 Dec 2021 Prices:

Main Deck Triple US$7,500
Main Deck TwinUS$8,150
Superior Twin US$8,500
Superior Plus US$9,200
Mini Suite US$9,600
Heritage Suite US$10,200

Additional fees Landing Fees (per person in USD): $800 pp

GROUP SIZE

50 Guests

INCLUDED

Hotel accommodation 1st night

Pre/Post cruise transfers

On board ship accommodation and meals

All shore excursions and activities

Port fees

NOT INCLUDED

International air-tickets and taxes

Pre and Post land arrangements

Vaccination costs

Passport or Visa fees

Travel Insurance

Items of a personal nature such as drinks and laundry

Any other meals or sightseeing not specified in the detailed itinerary

Additional information

Destination	New Zealand

Day 1

Welcome to Invercargill or Dunedin – New Zealand

Meet your fellow voyagers and expedition staff for an informal get-together over dinner at the hotel, where you will stay overnight.

Day 2

Port of Bluff or Otago Harbour

We transfer you to the port where staff will welcome you on board the Spirit of Enderby, and as you settle into your cabin, our adventure begins.

Day 3

The Snares – North East Island

North East Island is the largest of The Snares and staggeringly, this one island is claimed by some to be home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles together. Zodiac cruising the rugged coastline we learn how the islands got their name and encounter Snares Crested Penguins, Cape Petrel and Buller’s Albatross on the imposing cliffs. We are also likely to encounter Antarctic Terns, White-fronted Terns, Red-billed Gulls, Tomtits and Fernbirds.

Day 4

Auckland Islands – Enderby Island

Named for the same distinguished shipping family as our own vessel and one of the most beautiful islands in the group, this is a great birding location and a chance to see everything from the famous Southern Royal Albatross and Northern Giant Petrel to parakeets, Bellbirds and the endemic shag, teal and snipe. Sandy Bay is one of three breeding grounds on the Auckland Islands for the rare Hooker’s, or New Zealand, Sea Lion.

Day 5

Auckland Islands – Carnley Harbour

These islands have witnessed many a shipwreck in days gone by. Loaded in human history, they harbour tales of castaways, bullion and Coastwatchers through to today’s scientific visitors. Today we land in Carnley Harbour and, if weather and sea conditions permit, visit the Shy Mollymawk colony at South West Cape or, if weather is not suitable, we will select one of a number of other sites available to us.

Day 6

At Sea

As we make our way through an area known as the Furious Fifties in the tumultuous Southern Ocean, we will learn more about the flora and fauna as we prepare for our arrival at Macquarie Island. En route there are great birding opportunities which may include the Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Salvin’s Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Northern and Southern Giant Petrel, Sooty Shearwater and Little Shearwater. We will endeavour to spot the Fairy Prion, Fulmar Prion and Antarctic Prion – never an easy task – but we should get some great views. Other species to be on the lookout for include the Soft-plumaged Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Grey-faced Petrel, White-chinned Petrel, Grey-backed Storm-Petrel, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel and the Black-bellied Storm-Petrel.

7-8

Days 7-8

Macquarie Island

Described by one Australian explorer as “One of the wonder spots of the world” this is the only place in the world where the beautiful Royal Penguin breeds. Three other species of penguins, the King, Gentoo and Rockhopper also breed here. You will never forget your first experience of a noisy ‘penguin city’, where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors and where you will be immersed in a tumult of chattering, feeding chicks; territorial disputes; petty pilfering and courtship displays. This all happens amongst the hundreds of Southern Elephant Seals lolling on the beaches and dunes. On arrival we meet with scientists and Park Rangers based here who will accompany us on all our landings.

Day 9

At Sea

We head north from Macquarie Island through waters rich in seabirds towards Campbell Island. We invite you to join the captain on the bridge, to keep a keen lookout for birds and for whales. Today there will also be briefings and lectures on Campbell Island in preparation for our visit there.

10-11

Days 10-11

Campbell Island – Perseverance Harbour

We spend two days exploring the island by foot taking in the panorama of rocky islets and sea stacks; once the lonely preserve of settlers and seal hunters and now returned to nature. Enjoy an easy walk to the nesting site of the Southern Royal Albatross at Col Lyall or walk across the hills to Northwest Bay and see the strange and beautiful megaherbs on the hills. These huge pink and yellow wild flowers have adapted well to the harsh conditions. We also seek out other wildlife such as Campbell Island Shags, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross and, on the beaches beyond, young male sea lions testing their strength.

Day 12

At Sea

At sea en route to the Port of Bluff, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on an amazing experience. We will recap the highlights of our expedition and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight as we complete the last few miles of our journey.

Day 13

Arrival in Invercargill

We arrive at the Port of Bluff early in the morning. After breakfast, customs formalities and a last minute opportunity to bid farewell to your expedition team, you disembark and board our complimentary coach transfer to downtown Invercargill or Invercargill Airport. Enquire for a full itinerary and/or a Bird and Mammal List.

NOTE: Voyages depart from both Invercargill and Dunedin, please see downloadable brochures for embarkation city of your selected voyage.

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.