Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: NZ Subantarctic
Southern Ocean
These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are some of the most wildlife rich islands. This voyage is timed to coincide with the flowering of the megaherbs which paint the landscape vivid colours. 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'
- New Zealand's best sub-Antarctic islands
- Countless rare bird species, albatross, penguins, as well as cetaceans, seals and a host of other wildlife
- Perfect for bird enthusiasts, penguin fanatics and those interested in island endemics
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and with the highest conservation status
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.
Stewart's Take
The sub-Antarctic is home to a vast array of albatross, penguins, seals and more!
Overview
These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are some of the most wildlife rich islands. This voyage is timed to coincide with the flowering of the megaherbs which paint the landscape vivid colours. 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'.Scrolling is disabled on map, please click to enable.
Luxury Expedition Vessel: Heritage Adventurer

The purpose built polar expedition vessel Heritage Adventurer
provides a most capable, safe, and exclusive expedition cruise
experience. Designed for comfort, there are public spaces ideally
suited for each and every need. Two separate bar and lounge areas
featuring 180 degree views and a wonderfully stocked library provide
ideal places to relax or catch up on some reading. Heritage Adventurer
has the highest ice class (Lloyds 1AS). Equipped with propellers of
stainless steel, high density steel plating and small frame spacing on
her hull, Heritage Adventurer continues into the ice, when others
simply cannot. The ship is very stable and her stability and strength
are features greatly appreciated in ice laden large waters. Unmatched
stability, coupled with superior speed allows for more time at your
destination and more flexibility with itinerary planning – a critical
factor in polar waters where ice and weather conditions sometimes
dictate daily plans. All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from
deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6
offering expansive panoramic windows. Cabins all have lower berths
that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on
our guests needs.

Tour Dossier
Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: NZ Subantarctic

An 8 day expedition to remote Campbell Island, Auckland Islands & the Snares Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with unique birdlife and mammals
File Creation date: 2023-03-27 - for updated information and dates and prices see the following page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/forgotten-islands-of-the-south-pacific-nz-subanta_388

Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: NZ Subantarctic
Duration: 8 days
Location: Southern Ocean
Available: December-January
Start: Invercargill, New Zealand
Finish: Invercargill, New Zealand

Highlights
- New Zealand's best sub-Antarctic islands
- Countless rare bird species, albatross, penguins, as well as cetaceans, seals and a host of other wildlife
- Perfect for bird enthusiasts, penguin fanatics and those interested in island endemics
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and with the highest conservation status

Itinerary
These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are some of the most wildlife rich islands. This voyage is timed to coincide with the flowering of the megaherbs which paint the landscape vivid colours. 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'





Ship Information
Luxury Expedition Vessel: Heritage Adventurer

The purpose built polar expedition vessel Heritage Adventurer
provides a most capable, safe, and exclusive expedition cruise
experience. Designed for comfort, there are public spaces ideally
suited for each and every need. Two separate bar and lounge areas
featuring 180 degree views and a wonderfully stocked library provide
ideal places to relax or catch up on some reading. Heritage Adventurer
has the highest ice class (Lloyds 1AS). Equipped with propellers of
stainless steel, high density steel plating and small frame spacing on
her hull, Heritage Adventurer continues into the ice, when others
simply cannot. The ship is very stable and her stability and strength
are features greatly appreciated in ice laden large waters. Unmatched
stability, coupled with superior speed allows for more time at your
destination and more flexibility with itinerary planning – a critical
factor in polar waters where ice and weather conditions sometimes
dictate daily plans. All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from
deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6
offering expansive panoramic windows. Cabins all have lower berths
that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on
our guests needs.

Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: NZ Subantarctic
For the latest, up-to-date departure dates and prices please refer to the tour page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/forgotten-islands-of-the-south-pacific-nz-subanta_388
Included
Pre/Post cruise transfers, pre-cruse hotel night, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all expedition shore excursions.Excluded
All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance. Sub-Antarctic island landing fees.
General Terms and Conditions
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