Great Antarctic Explorer
Itinerary
Day 1
Christchurch, New Zealand
Arrive into Christchurch today and after clearing airport formalities proceed to our host hotel. We have arranged for you to spend the night at a hotel in Christchurch to rest and relax before the expedition.
Day 2
Embarkation Day
We have arranged for a group transfer to nearby Lyttelton, where you will embark the icebreaker. Scott began his final journey to Antarctica from the same port.
Day 3 - 5
Exploring Campbell and Enderby Islands
Anonymous whalers and sealers were often the first to visit subantarctic islands such as Enderby and Campbell Islands. Now protected habitats, the islands are nesting grounds for Royal Albatross, while Enderby is home to the rare Yellow-eyed Penguin. We plan to go ashore, if conditions permit.
Day 6 - 9
Sailing to the Ice Edge
As we sail southward a full program of onboard activities will be underway. In addition to Adrian’s presentations, the Expedition Team will provide insight into the natural history of Antarctica. On deck there will be photo opportunities as we sail the ice edge, searching for Antarctic wildlife. The Expedition Leader may deploy the onboard helicopters to provide spectacular aerial views of glaciers and mountains.
Day 10
Drygalski Ice Tongue
This extension of the David Glacier is named for Erich von Drygalski, a German geophysicist who pioneered the study of ice formation. He used a balloon to take aerial photographs. We’ll be using helicopters for aerial photography.
Day 11 - 12
McMurdo Station, Scott Base, Cape Evans and Cape Royds
It is a haunting experience to enter the small, dark huts left behind by the expeditions of Scott and Shackleton - some still stacked with tinned goods, along with seal blubber that was hoarded as emergency fuel. This visit may, however, be particularly poignant as you share Adrian’s Raeside first visit to the hut that played such a significant role in the life of his grandfather.
Day 13 - 14
The Dry Valleys and the Ross Ice Shelf
As you approach in helicopters from the sea, the expanse of fast ice stops abruptly, revealing a parched land with no vegetation other than lichen that grow inside rocks. It is a surreal experience to explore the Dry Valleys on foot, surrounded by odd granite formations sculpted by powerful winds.
Day 15 - 16
The Bay of Whales
Roald Amundsen, who beat Scott in their race to be the first to reach the South Pole, began his journey from a camp at the head of the Bay of Whales. We will explore the bay, which is an indention in the Ross Ice Shelf.
Day 17 - 21
The Ross Sea
While we sail the Ross Sea, you will hear more about the many discoveries of James Ross, after whom the sea and the ice shelf are named. We expect to land at Cape Adare, breeding ground of over half a million Adelie Penguins and the location of another historic hut built in 1899 by Carsten Borchgrevink, the first person to winter over in Antarctica
Day 22 - 23
Macquarie Island
Three million Royal Penguins, virtually the entire world population, live on Macquarie Island, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, named after an early governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie. Macquarie Island, or “Macca” as it is generally referred to, is a Tasmanian State Reserve managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. Australia operates a research station at the northern end of the island from which a wide range of research is carried out. King penguins and elephant seals share the islands with the Royals. We plan shore landings if conditions permit.
Day 24 - 26
North to Hobart, Australia
Our final days at sea include presentations summing up the legacy of the great explorers. On day 26 you’ll disembark in Hobart, Australia and proceed to the airport for your onward flights.
