This is without doubt one of the most inspiring and informative journeys into the Southern Ocean ecosystem that one can make. 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 afforded the highest conservation status and protection by the Australian and New Zealand governments and passage to their shores is not granted lightly. We offer you the chance to explore, photograph and understand these wonderful places and to do so in expert company, a family business that actively supports conservation in the region.
The name we have given to this voyage ‘Galapagos of the Southern Ocean' reflects the astounding natural biodiversity and the importance of these islands as a wildlife refuge. They lie in a cool temperate zone with a unique climate and are home to albatross, seals, terns, penguins and many, many more species besides. Island-hopping through the Macquarie, Snares and Auckland Island groups we may have the chance to walk the rata forests and cushion bogs, hear the ceaseless chattering of song birds and see the alien-looking wild flowers that have adapted to this strange environment. It is a journey that will forever change your appreciation of the Southern Ocean and its wildlife.
Tour Dates
Day 1: Dunedin
Day 2: Port of Otago
Day 3: The Snares - North East Island
Day 4: Auckland Islands - Enderby Island
Day 5: Auckland Islands - Carnley Harbour
Day 6: At Sea
As we make our way through an area known as the roaring ‘40s we will have a series of video-supported informal lectures on the biology and history of the Subantarctic Islands and the tumultuous Southern Ocean. Learn more about the flora and fauna as we prepare for our arrival at Macquaire Island.
En route to Macquarie Island, we can observe pelagic species at our ease. Great birding opportunities 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.
Day 7 to 8: Macquarie Island
Day 9: At Sea
The Subantarctic Convergence Zone is traditionally very close to the area through which we sail today. This invisible line at the confluence of warmer and cooler waters can create an abundance of birdlife including five or six kinds of albatross and petrel. Join us on the Bridge, where we keep a keen lookout for them and for whales.
Relax in the ship’s bar and catch up with some reading in the library. If you have brought your laptop with you there will be time to download and edit photos.
Today there will be a lecture on Campbell Island as we prepare for our arrival tomorrow.
Days 10 to 11: Campbell Island - Perserverance Harbour
Day 12: At Sea
Day 13: 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. Our adventure ends but memories will last long beyond this.
To allow time for disembarkation procedures we do not recommend booking flights from Invercargill before midday.
Itinerary Map
Map of Proposed Travel
* Itinerary may be subject to change
| Per Person USD Rates 2013-2014 |
Main Deck Triple
|
Main Deck Twin
|
Superior
|
Superior Plus
|
Mini Suite
|
Heritage Suite
|
Gov't Landing Fees
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,500 | $11,550 | $12,900 | $14,000 | $14,500 | $15,000 | $650 | |
| $5,600 | $6,600 | $7,200 | $7,700 | $8,200 | $8,800 | $650 | |
| $3,800 | $4,500 | $5,000 | $5,500 | $5,800 | $6,000 | $300 | |
| $3,800 | $4,500 | $5,000 | $5,500 | $5,800 | $6,000 | $300 | |
| $5,600 | $6,600 | $7,200 | $7,700 | $8,200 | $8,800 | $650 | |
| $18,700 | $20,500 | $23,000 | $25,000 | $26,000 | $28,000 | $750 | |
| $18,700 | $20,500 | $23,000 | $25,000 | $26,000 | $28,000 | $750 |
Prices do not include Airfare or Government Landing Fees. Single Supplement rates are available at 1.8x the shared rate except for Suites which are 2x the shared rate. Please note that $75,000 Emergency Evacuation Insurance is required on all trips.
All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
| Per Person USD Rates 2014-2015 |
Main Deck Triple
|
Main Deck Twin
|
Superior
|
Superior Plus
|
Mini Suite
|
Heritage Suite
|
Gov't Landing Fees
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note: 2 Days shorter than itinerary listed | $10,000 | $11,000 | $12,400 | $13,500 | $14,000 | $15,000 | |
|
Note: 2 Days shorter than itinerary listed | $10,000 | $11,000 | $12,400 | $13,500 | $14,000 | $15,000 | |
|
Note: Starts and ends in Invercargill | $6,300 | $7,300 | $7,900 | $8,400 | $8,900 | $9,500 | |
|
Note: Starts and ends in Invercargill | $6,000 | $7,000 | $7,600 | $8,100 | $8,600 | $9,200 | |
| $4,100 | $4,800 | $5,300 | $5,800 | $6,100 | $6,300 | ||
| $19,500 | $21,300 | $23,800 | $25,800 | $26,800 | $28,800 | ||
|
Ends in Christchurch | $19,500 | $21,300 | $23,800 | $25,800 | $26,800 | $28,800 |
Prices do not include Airfare or Government Landing Fees. Single Supplement rates are available at 1.8x the shared rate except for Suites which are 2x the shared rate. Please note that $75,000 Emergency Evacuation Insurance is required on all trips.
All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
