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. Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Exploration Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purposebuilt for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.
Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. She held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages. Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure.

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: 2023-10-02 - 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. Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Exploration Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purposebuilt for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.
Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. She held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages. Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure.

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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