|
|
Subantarctic Islands: Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific
offered by supplier M19682 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 8
- 9
day(s)
Group Size: 15
- 50
people
Destination(s):
New Zealand
Specialty Categories:
Wildlife Viewing
Ecotourism
Season: December - January
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 3212 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 5141 US Dollar (USD)
|
|
Remote, isolated, protected by the Southern Ocean and seldom visited, these Subantarctic Islands are recognized as one of the worlds’ great biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and a region for floral diversity. They are home to many of the world’s albatross and penguin species. Joseph Hooker, the great English botanist, described the flowering of the “mega herbs” which grow only on these islands as 'second to none outside of the tropics'. Only discovered by Europeans in the late 1700s and early 1800s they were quickly occupied by sealing and whaling gangs which plundered the seal populations and modified the islands with introductions of pigs, goats, cattle, cats and rats. Today conservation efforts are focused on eliminating these introduced animals returning the islands to their natural state. This annual expedition provides a rare insight into a priceless and unique ecosystem found nowhere else in the world. Includes the Snares, Auckland and Campbell Islands with ample time to explore and enjoy them in a way offered by no other expedition.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: We will transfer you from Invercargill to the Port of Bluff (27km south of Invercargill) by coach to embark ‘Spirit of Enderby’. On board you will be shown to your cabin and there will be formal introductions to the staff and ship, followed by safety briefings before we depart to Campbell Island.
Day 2: We will have a series of illustrated lectures of the biology and history of the Subantarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean. Our day at sea will also be a great opportunity to see pelagic species, including species that breed on these islands like the Wandering Albatross, Southern Royal Albatross, White-capped Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, White-chinned Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Cape Petrel, Diving Petrel, Grey-backed and Black-bellied Storm Petrel.
Days 3 & 4: We arrive early morning and anchor in Perseverance Harbour. The island was farmed from the 1890s to early 1930s but the regeneration of the flora, especially the mega herbs since the removal of the feral sheep and rats, can only be described as spectacular. Our visit should coincide with the peak of the flowering of the Pleurophyllum, a Subantarctic endemic. The abandoned Meteorological Station at the head of the harbour makes a great starting point for our exploration of the island. There will be a range of walks offered, all accompanied by guides. You could walk to Col Lyall Saddle, where all three species of Pleurophyllum daisies can be seen along the way. Southern Royal Albatross nest here amongst the flowers and tussocks and there will be an opportunity to observe and photograph these. Alternatively, walk to remote North West Bay across the tussock tops and mega herb fields to a sandy beach where New Zealand Sealions and Yellow-eyed Penguins can be seen. Mt Honey, the highest peak on the Island at 507 metres, is an easy scramble which is rewarded by magnificent views over almost the entire island. From the summit you can continue down to SE Harbour making an enjoyable full day walk.
Days 5 – 7: This is the largest of the islands in this region. It is made up of two large extinct volcanoes with world class harbours in the north and south of the Island. The western coastline has been sculptured into formidable cliffs by the prevailing westerly weather, while the eastern coastline has been carved out by glaciers into some of the most picturesque fiords. We will anchor in Carnley Harbour and offer you range of activities depending on the weather and sea conditions. A climb to SW Cape is rewarded with magnificent views of a Shy Albatross colony. A quiet amble through the forest on the Musgrave Peninsula takes you to the remains of the World War Two Coast Watcher's huts. For the energetic, a hike onto the “tops” is hard work but is rewarded with great views and many new plant species.
If the weather and sea conditions continue to be suitable we will explore some of the Eastern fiords by zodiac, we may also hike into a small glacial lake through the rata forest that dominates these sheltered fiords. The highlight of our visit to the Auckland Islands must be the day ashore on Enderby Island in Port Ross. It is home to the rare Hookers (New Zealand) Sealion which breed on Sandy Bay beach. We will see the unique mega herbs of this island, including the extensive fields of Bulbinella rossii, the regenerating patches of Anisotome latifolia and the red and white gentians. Royal Albatross nest amongst a hummocked sward of Oreobolus pectinatus comb sedge and gentians. In the forest we will find Bellbirds, Red-crowned Parakeets and the friendly Tomtits. Yellow-eyed Penguins also nest here under the tangled divaricating shrub Myrsine divaricata. There is a good chance that we will see the endemic Auckland Island Flightless Teal as we explore the island.
Day 8: We plan to arrive early morning at the largest of the Snares Islands. It is a nature reserve of international importance. Landing is not allowed, but if weather and sea conditions are suitable we will use the zodiacs to cruise the rugged coastline to see the unique Olearia and Brachyglottis forest and some of the unique wildlife including the endemic Snares Crested Penguin, Tomtit and Fernbird. On the cliffs we will see the Buller’s Albatross, which only nests here and at the Solander Islands.
Day 9: On arrival at the Port of Bluff we say our farewells after which you will be transferred by coach to either the Invercargill city or airport.
Note: Landings at the Subantarctic Islands are by permit only as administered by the Government of New Zealand. No landings are permitted at Snares Is. Circumstances may be encountered during our voyage which will make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. These circumstances include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed during the voyage.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 8 Nights on board Spirit of Enderby
- Transfers in Invercargill from Hotel to Ship and ship to city or airport
– All meals on board
– An experienced Expedition Leader and knowledgeable naturalist guides
– An extensive lecture programme
- Port taxes
- Detailed post-expedition log book.
Price Excludes:
- Airfare to or from Invercargill
– Any airport tax and arrival/departure taxes
– Travel and cancellation insurance
– The customary gratuity to the ship's crew
– Any personal expenses such as bar and shop charges.
Additional costs: US$200 landing fees.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Nature & Wildlife
Wildlife Viewing
Ecotourism
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
|
|
|
, ext: 19682
