Galapagos Of The Southern Ocean

Aboard Spirit of Enderby

13 daysDecember 2012

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 World Heritage sites, afforded the highest conservation status and protection by both the Australian and New Zealand governments.

The name of this expedition conveys a sense of the astounding natural biodiversity and the importance of these islands as wildlife refuges. They lie in the cool temperate or Subantarctic zone and are home to some of the most abundant and diverse wildlife on the planet. These islands not only play an important role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem – they also have a rich human history. Our journey takes us as far south as Macquarie Island, described as ‘one of the wonder spots of the globe’ as well as Campbell Island, the Auckland Islands and the Snares. It is a journey that will forever change your appreciation of the Southern Ocean and its wildlife.

Day 1

HOBART

Meet other adventurers and trip staff at the Central City Hotel. A detailed programme will be available to you when you check in at reception. There will be an informal get-together at the hotel for dinner this evening.

Day 2

PORT OF HOBART

Take breakfast at your leisure in the hotel dining room, then explore Hobart until boarding the Coach transport which will take you to the Port and you will board the Spirit of Enderby. Settle into your cabin and then join expedition staff and the Captain for orientation and a welcome on board.

Day 3-5

AT SEA

Enroute to Macquarie Island, we can observe pelagic species at our ease. Birds we may spot 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. Other species to be on the look-out for include the Soft-plumaged Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Grey-faced Petrel, Whitechinned Petrel, Grey-backed Storm Petrel, Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Black-bellied Storm Petrel and Common Diving Petrel.

Days 6-7

MACQUARIE ISLAND

Macquarie Island is the only place to see the Royal Penguin, which is abundant here. King Penguins are also found in large numbers and two other species of penguin breed here – the Gentoo and the Rockhopper. Landings are planned for both the ANARE base and Sandy Bay. We will also cruise by a huge King Penguin colony in Lusitania Bay by Zodiac. Once we have concluded our exploration of Macquarie Island, we depart for Campbell Island.

Day 8

At Sea

At sea we will have a series of video-supported lectures on the biology and history of the Subantarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean. The Subantarctic Convergence Zone is traditionally very close to the area through which we sail, and we can expect the birdlife to reflect this as we get closer to Campbell Island.

Days 9

CAMPBELL ISLAND

We arrive at Campbell Island in the morning and spend the day exploring the island on foot from Perseverance Harbour. Campbell Island is truly magnificent. Rats have recently been successfully removed, producing an encouraging increase in small bird numbers, most notably the New Zealand Pipit. There are some great birding and photographic opportunities on this island, especially the Southern Royal Albatross and the early flowering mega herbs. During the day ashore we should see the Southern Royal Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Campbell Island Shag, Southern Skua, Red-billed Gull, Black-backed Gull, Antarctic Tern, Redpoll, Dunnock and New Zealand Pipit. The regeneration of the mega herbs since the removal of the sheep in the 1970s and ‘80s is a spectacle to behold.

Days 10

AUCKLAND ISLAND, CARNLEY HARBOUR

The Snares are the closest Subantarctic Islands to New Zealand that we visit, specifically the largest island in this small island group – North East Island. It is an amazing place – more birds nest on this one island than there are seabirds in all of the British Isles. We will arrive early in the morning and cruise by Zodiac (there are no landings permitted) along the sheltered eastern side. Cruising in sheltered bays, we should see the endemic Snares Crested Penguin, tomtits and Fernbirds. Cape Pigeons, Antarctic Terns, White-fronted Terns and Red-billed Gulls also abound. There are an estimated six million Sooty Shearwaters nesting in the Snares Islands. Buller’s Albatross breed here from early January onwards.

Days 11

AUCKLAND ISLAND, ENDERBY ISLAND

Enderby Island forms part of the Auckland Island group and it’s a great place to view birds and wildlife. Our plan is to land at Sandy Bay, the main breeding ground for the New Zealand (Hooker’s) Sea Lion. We’ll also have a chance to observe the following species: Southern Royal Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Auckland Island Shag, Auckland Island Teal, Auckland Island Banded Dotterel, Auckland Island Tomtit, Bellbird, Pipit, Red-crowned Parakeet, Yellow-eyed Penguin and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross. We also have a very good chance of seeing the Sub-Antarctic Snipe. Other more common species we will see include the Goldfinch, Song Thrush, Blackbird, European Starling, Red-billed Gull and Redpoll. On Derrycastle Reef there is a good chance of seeing the Bar-tailed Godwit, Turnstone and perhaps other migratory waders.

Days 12

SNARES ISLAND

Days 13

PORT OF BLUFF

We arrive at the Port of Bluff early in the morning. After breakfast and customs formalities, we will disembark. Transfer by coach to downtown Invercargill or to Invercargill Airport. (Please make your reservations for travel out of Invercargill after midday.)