Home to nearly half the world’s penguin and albatross species, the sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand are spectacular birding paradises hidden in the remote reaches of the Southern Ocean. Millions of penguins populate these islands—on tiny Macquarie Island alone are more than 850,000 pairs of royal penguins, found nowhere else in the world—and the biodiversity includes endangered yellow-eyed penguins, endemic species of albatross, and amazing flora. Aboard the 50-guest Spirit of Enderby, an ice-strengthened ship, we have the rare privilege of exploring these dramatic islands, one of the wildest, least visited, and most intriguing parts of our planet.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Note: The December 30 departure begins and ends in Invercargill, with a pre-expedition overnight in Invercargill.

Days 1-2
Dunedin, New Zealand / Port of Otago

Arrive in Dunedin, and the next day, embark aboard the Spirit of Enderby at the Port of Otago.

Days 3-5
The Snares / Auckland Islands

In “the Snares,” our Zodiacs bring us along sheltered bays to see endemics including Snares crested penguin and Buller’s albatross. Six million sooty shearwaters nest here. Everything from penguins to parakeets can be seen on the Aucklands, the remains of two eroded volcanoes. On Enderby Island, we visit the world’s main breeding ground for Hooker’s sea lion and look for bellbird, red-crowned parakeet, yellow-eyed penguin, and possibly sub-Antarctic snipe.

Days 6-9
At Sea / Macquarie Island / At Sea

After a day at sea, we explore Macquarie Island World Heritage Area—54° 38' degrees south! It is the only place to see royal penguin (Eudyptes schlegeli), found in the hundreds of thousands here. They share this extraordinary sub-Antarctic wildlife refuge with stately king penguins as well as gentoo and rockhopper, as we discover on our landings at Sandy Bay and the Australian scientific station. Day 9 is at sea.

Days 10-11
Campbell Island

On magnificent Campbell Island Nature Preserve, a World Heritage Site 400 miles south of New Zealand, introduced species have been removed successfully, resulting in a phenomenal renaissance of birdlife and endemic flora including early-flowering megaherbs, creating a wildflower spectacle to behold. Birdlife includes Campbell Island shag, southern skua, Antarctic tern, rare New Zealand pipit, and the beautiful light-mantled sooty albatross.

Days 12-13
At Sea / Port of Bluff / Invercargill

Arrive in Port of Bluff on Day 13 and depart from Invercargill, New Zealand.

Day 3
The Snares / North East Island

The closest Subantarctic Islands to New Zealand, they were appropriately called The Snares as they were once considered a hazard for passing ships. Comprising of two main islands and a smattering of rocky islets, they are uninhabited and highly protected. North East Island is the largest of The Snares and, staggeringly, this one island is home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles together. We will arrive early in the morning and cruise the rugged coastline by Zodiac if weather and sea conditions are suitable (landings are not permitted) along the sheltered eastern side. In sheltered bays, we should see the endemic Snares crested penguins, Snares Island tomtit and fernbirds. Cape pigeons, antarctic terns, white-fronted terns and redbilled gulls also abound. There are an estimated six million sooty shearwaters nesting on the snares and Buller’s albatross breed here from early January onwards. Cape petrel can be identified on the imposing cliffs and overhead.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate. It is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. There are shore excursions featuring short walks. Please be aware that this expedition takes place in the Southern Ocean, where seas are typically much rougher than those around the Antarctic Peninsula. Agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts. Good balance and quick reflexes are necessary when sea swells cause rolling and pitching of the ship. Landing sites vary depending on weather and sea conditions.  There is the possibility that rough seas will make some Zodiac cruises and island landings impossible.

Explanation of Trip Levels