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MACQUARIE ISLAND
Galapagos of The Southern Ocean
Small ship expeditions November 2020

The Subantarctic Islands of Australia and New Zealand are recognised as one of ‘the most important and significant natural habitats’ on the planet. They have the highest World Heritage, conservation and protection status.
In 2013, the introduced pests were finally eradicated and nature reclaimed her paradise. Animals and birds are breeding in record numbers and vegetation is slowly covering ‘our’ tracks.
This new expedition takes just 50 passengers to four unique, different and special Subantarctic Islands, The Snares, Auckland, Macquarie and Campbell

The expedition leaves from New Zealand, so is subject to the Trans Tasman border being open, which is on track for September.
See more details at the bottom.

Read the full tour brochure

 

DAY 1. INVERCARGILL

Arrive in Invercargill for and have a pre-cruise night. Meet fellow adventurers on your voyage and some of our expedition team. (30Nov trip leaves from Dunedin)

DAY 2. EMBARKATION HEADING SOUTH

Embark the Spirit of Enderby.  Settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship. You’re invited to join the expedition team and captain on the bridge as we set our course to The Snares and our adventure begins.

DAY 3. THE SNARES, NORTHEAST ISLAND

The Snares are home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles. We will Zodiac cruise along the sheltered eastern side of the main island. In the sheltered bays, we should see the endemic Snares Crested Penguin, Snares Island Tomtit and Fernbirds. Petrels, Gulls, Shearwaters and Terns combine to take he combined bird count here to over 1 million.

DAYS 4-5: AUCKLAND ISLANDS
Formed by volcanoes 10-25 million years ago, the Auckland Islands is now an archipelago teeming with outstanding wildlife. Enderby Island was cleared of all introduced species in 1994, and both birds and the vegetation, are recovering both in numbers and diversity. There will be options for short and long walks, as well as time to spend just sitting and enjoying the wildlife.

Carnley Harbour is rich in human history and guarded by dramatic cliffs and tussock covered hills, we have options to hike high up the hills, Zodiac exploration and landings along the coast, or gentler walks to some of the derelict historic buildings. This afternoon we set our course for Macquarie Island.

DAY 6: AT SEA
Make our way south through the bird-rich ‘Albatross latitudes’ with multiple species of albatross as well as petrels and fulmars. We’ll have a series of informal lectures, as well as preparations for visiting Macquarie Island.

DAYS 7-8: MACQUARIE ISLAND

We will see why Sir Douglas Mawson called Macquarie Island “One of the wonder spots of the world.” during our two days exploring this amazing island, where the Australian and Pacific plates collided. Humans virtually eliminated all the native wildlife and vegetation, but through determination and dedication, the island is now predator free and thriving. We plan to land at two sites to see, observe the greatest amount of wildlife, including the Royal Penguin, which is only found here.

DAY 9: AT SEA
Northbound, hopefully with prevailing weather, we’ll have briefings and plenty of time to enjoy life on the open ocean.

DAYS 10-11: CAMPBELL ISLAND
New Zealand’s southernmost Sub Antarctic territory, was a sheep and cattle farm until abandoned in the 1930’s. In the 1970’s ambitious conservation and eradication began and the islands is a haven for birds, some of the best floral displays outside of the tropics, and mega herbs. We will offer several options to explore the island.

DAY 12: AT SEA
Relax and reflect on an amazing experience as we recap the highlights over a farewell dinner tonight.

DAY 13: INVERCARGILL
Early this morning we bid farewell to our fellow voyagers and are transferred to town or airport.

 


IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
If border closures prevent Australians from travelling to New Zealand, you can choose to receive a full refund or transfer to a future sailing date.

Departs 12 and 30 November 2020.

Prices from $AUD12,650 per person triple share, and $AUD13,650 per person twin share.
Higher categories, sole us and ‘share with a stranger’ options are available.

Group flights will be offered ex Australia as needed once border opening is confirmed.

PRICE INCLUDES:
Landing fees (USD800)
Pre/Post cruise transfers
One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)
All onboard ship accommodation with meals
All expedition shore excursions

PRICE EXCLUDES:
All items of a personal nature,
laundry, drinks, gratuities.
International/domestic flights
Visas and travel insurance.

See the full tour brochure for more details

Call us on 1300 738 168 to book

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