Birding Down Under

Day 1. Arrive at the city of Invercargill, New Zealand's southern most city. Established by Scottish settlers with its wealth in the rich farmland – sheep and diary farms predominate. On arrival please make your own arrangements to transfer to the Kelvin Hotel in the central city. A detailed programme will be available to you when you check in at reception. Dinner is at the hotel which is an opportunity to meet fellow expeditioners.

Day 2. Breakfast at your leisure in the dining room at the hotel. Your programme will advise a time for bags out and then we will be transferred to the Southland Museum to view the special Sub Antarctic display in the Museum before being transferred by coach to the Port of Bluff (27 km south of Invercargill) to board the Spirit of Enderby. Depart for the Snares Islands.

Day 3. The Snares is the first of the Sub Antarctic Islands that we will be visiting. It is an amazing island - more birds nest on this small island than there are seabirds around the entire British Isles. We will arrive early morning, landings are not permitted so we zodiac cruise the sheltered eastern side. Cruising in the sheltered bays we should see the endemic Snares Crested Penguins, Tomtit and Fernbird. Cape Pigeons, Antarctic Terns, White-fronted Terns and Red-billed Gulls are around the coastline. There is an estimated 6 million Sooty Shearwaters nesting on the Snares Islands. Bullers Albatross breed here from early January onwards.

Day 4. Arrive at Enderby Island, a great island to bird in the Auckland Island group. We make a landing at Sandy Bay, the main breeding ground for the Hookers Sealion with observations of 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, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross. We will spend some time searching for the Sub Antarctic Snipe which we have a very good chance of seeing. Other more common species we will see include Goldfinch, Song Thrush, Blackbird, European Starling, Red-bill Gull, Redpoll. On Derrycastle Reef there is a good chance to see Bar-tailed Godwit, Turnstone and perhaps other migratory waders.

Day 5. This morning we will cruise to Carnley Harbour in the south of the main Auckland Islands. There will be an opportunity for the energetic participants to climb to the Southwest Cape Shy Albatross colony. Gibson’s Wandering Albatross nest above the colony amongst the tussock, we should get good views of these birds as they will be nesting at this time. Those remaining on board will explore the coastal forest with a chance to see New Zealand Falcon and enjoy close encounters with other bush birds. We depart the Auckland Islands in the mid afternoon and head south west to Macquarie Island.

Day 6. At sea we will have a series of lectures supported by videos of the biology and history of the Sub Antarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean. The Sub Antarctic Convergence Zone is traditionally very close to the area we are sailing through
so we should expect the birdlife to reflect this as we get closer to Macquarie Island. We will be at sea all day, another opportunity to see pelagic species, including Wandering Albatross Species, Royal Albatross, Shy and White-capped Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Grey Headed Albatross, Black Browed Albatross, White Chinned Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White- headed Petrel, Cape Petrel, Diving Petrel, Grey Backed and Black Bellied Storm Petrel.

Days 7 & 8. Arrive at Macquarie Island which is the only place to see the Royal Penguin and there is an abundance of these. King Penguins are also found in large numbers. Two other penguin species breed on Macquarie Island - the Gentoo and the Rockhopper. Along the coast we will see the Imperial (Macquarie) Shag. Redpolls can be seen as can the European Starling along the cliff edges. We plan landings at both the ANARE base and at Sandy Bay. We will also zodiac cruise Lusitania Bay, where there is a huge King Penguin colony. We continue our exploration of Macquarie Island and then depart for Campbell Island on the afternoon of our second day.

Day 9. At sea en-route to Campbell Island, we will see a similar range of species as we saw en-route to Macquarie Island from the Auckland Islands.

Day 10. Arriving early in the morning we will spend the day exploring the island by foot from Perseverance Harbour. Campbell Island is a magnificent island. Rats have recently been successfully removed with encouraging increases in small bird numbers being observed, most notably the Pipit. There is some great birding and photographic opportunities on this island especially 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 the New Zealand Pipit. The regeneration of the megaherbs since the removal of the sheep in the 1970's/80's is a spectacle to behold.

Day 11. At sea en-route to the Antipodes. It is a day for the pelagic birding. Species commonly seen in this area include Wandering Albatross species, Southern Royal Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Campbell Island Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Salvins Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Northern and Southern Giant Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, Little Shearwater. This region of the Southern Ocean is one of the few places where the Fairy Prion, Fulmar Prion and Antarctic Prion occur together providing a good opportunity for comparison. Other species to be on the look out for include Soft-plumaged Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Grey-faced Petrel, White Chinned Petrel, Grey Backed Storm Petrel, Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Black-bellied Storm Petrel and Common Diving Petrel.

Day 12. Antipodes Island is one of the most isolated, least known and rugged of the New Zealand Sub Antarctic Islands. Landings are not permitted, so we plan to zodiac cruise the coastline where we have a good chance of seeing the Antipodes Island and Reischeks Parakeet which is a strong subspecies. We will also see the Antipodes subspecies of the NZ Pipit. We enjoy good views of both Erect Crested and Rockhopper Penguins breeding the coastline. There are usually a good number of Antarctic Terns and Kelp Gull.

Day 13. Arrive at the Bounty Islands, inhospitable granite knobs lashed by the southern ocean, early morning to zodiac cruise. Erect Crested Penguin, Fulmar Prions and the endemic Bounty Island Shag will feature on our bird lists for this morning. We depart for the Chatham Islands. This afternoon we should see Wandering Albatross species, Northern Royal Albatross, White Capped Albatross, Salvins Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Cape Petrel, Antarctic Fulmar, Mottled Petrel, Soft Plumaged Petrel, Broad Billed Prion, Fulmar Prion, White Chinned Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, Little Shearwater, Grey Backed, Black Bellied Petrel and Wilson’s Storm Petrel. There is a possibility we could see the Chatham Island Petrel and we will be keeping a close watch for the Magenta Petrel. We depart for the Chatham Islands.

Day 14. This morning we continue toward the Chatham Archipelago. This will be another good opportunity for pelagic birding. We will be especially interested in looking out for the Chatham Island Petrel (it has been seen on this leg of the voyage before) and also the very rare Chatham Island Taiko or Magenta Petrel. This afternoon we will arrive at the spectacular Pyramid Rock - which is the only breeding place of the Chatham Island Albatross.

Day 15. At South East Island (Rangatira), one of the world’s greatest nature reserves, we will zodiac cruise (landings are not permitted) and should obtain good views of the very rare Shore Plover and the Chatham Island Oystercatcher. We should also see the Pitt Island Shag, Tui, Tomtit and Red Crowned Parakeet. This afternoon we will cruise pass Mangere and Little Mangere Island from where the endemic Black Robin was rescued in the 1970’s when the total population was only 6 birds. We will relate the story of how the Black Robin was rescued. This evening we sail across Pitt Strait to the main Chatham Islands and pass the Tuku valley where the Magenta Petrel breeds.

Day 16. This morning we will land at Waitangi the main settlement on the Chatham Islands. Near the landing we should see the endemic Chatham Island Shag. Local buses and Landrovers will transport us down the South Coast to the Tuku Reserve. Here on private land, and guided by the local people we will enjoy a bush walk in the hope of seeing the Chatham Island Warbler and Chatham Island Pigeon. Much of the main Chatham Islands has been developed for farming and many introduced European birds can be seen in this area. We return to the Spirit of Enderby early afternoon and depart for Dunedin.

Days 17 & 18. En-route to Dunedin we will cross what is known as the Chatham Rise. It is a relatively shallow area of water, compared with the rest of the surrounding ocean, it is also one of the best places for pelagic watching with an overlap of both northern or more temperate species and those birds from southern latitudes. We can expect to see Wandering Albatross species, Royal Albatross species, Black-browed Albatross, White-capped Albatross, Salvins Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Cape Petrel, Westland Black Petrel, White Chinned Petrel, Great-winged Petrel, Cooks Petrel, Flesh Footed Shearwater, Bullers Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Little Shearwater, Fairy Prion, Broad-billed Prion, Grey-backed Storm Petrel, White-faced Storm Petrel, Diving Petrel. There could well be other species so it is a good time to be on the bridge.

Day 19. We will arrive in Dunedin and after completing formalities passengers will be able to disembark. There will be a central city and airport drop off.

Grade A
General good health necessary.
No specific fitness requirements.

Clients must be in good general health to join our expeditions. The
expedition is ship-based, and physically not very demanding. Although we
spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard
the ship if you like. To join the voyage, you must be able to get up and
down steps between the different ship levels and up and down the gangway
to board the zodiacs for the excursions ashore.

Rodney Russ - Expedition Leader
Rodney trained with and worked for the New Zealand Wildlife Service (now Department of Conservation) as a "Protected Species Officer" - responsible for the management and conservation of rare and endangered bird species. His work took him the length and breath of New Zealand and to the Sub Antarctic Islands. He left the department to further his studies at the University of Otago - where he completed a double degree in New Zealand and Pacific History and theology.

He became more passionate about the need to share the natural world with people, emphasising the need for advocacy in a successful conservation strategy.

The company has put a lot of energy and effort back into conservation work in New Zealand. In the last five years the company has invested over US$100,000 dollars in support and cash for the Fiordland Crested Penguin - a project which was instigated by Rodney. Wandering Albatross research work in the Sub Antarctic has received considerable support.

In addition to New Zealand Expeditions Rodney has led expeditions to the Pacific and Asia and more recently to South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula. His goal in everything that he does is to provide opportunities which enhances the travellers experience and understanding of the natural world.

Our Expeditions are also led by some of the most experienced Southern Ocean naturalists, who have devoted a lifetime to research in this region.

On board the ship: The ship is heated throughout with the normal temperature 17-25C. In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales" comes over the load speaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm on board the ship - and cold out on deck. There may be an occasion, ie: Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or a spontaneously Posh Night where you may require clothing that is a little more formal.

Tips to stay comfortable & warm in cold weather:

Avoid overdressing to reduce perspiration.

Wear water repellent outer garments that will keep you dry on the outside and still breathe enough so that moisture from you body can escape.

Body heat is most likely to be lost from parts that have a lot of surface area in comparison to total mass - namely, the hands and feet. Keep them warm and dry. For hands, mittens are better than gloves.

If the rest of your body is covered, as much as 90% of heat can come from your head, so be sure to wear a hat, beanie or balaclava. These items can be pulled down to protect your ears, forehead, neck and chin. The neck also needs protection with a woollen or synthetic scarf that can be wrapped around the face, when travelling against the wind.

Dress comfortable, loose layers. For anyone out in the cold, it is far better to wear layers of relatively light, loose clothing than one thick, heavy item. Between each layer there is a film of trapped air which, when heated by your body, acts as an excellent insulator. Keep from overheating.

Wool and silk are superior to cotton because they can trap warm air. Synthetic fabrics that spring back into shape after compression are also good. When damp or wet, polyester down is better insulator than goose or duck down. Polar fleece is popular and recommended.

Essential Items

Warm Trousers

Waterproof trousers

Thermal Underwear

Sweaters/Jerseys

Turtlenecks

Mittens and Gloves

Woollen Hat or Balaclava

Warm Socks

Rubber Boots (Gumboots or Wellingtons as we commonly call them)

Waterproof & Windproof Jacket

Backpack

Sunglasses

A pair of Binoculars - highly recommended.

Optional items:

Sandals or similar (slip on sandals) are very useful to wear around the ship

Earplugs may be useful if sharing a cabin with a snorer.

Our Expedition Vessel 'Spirit of Enberby' (Professor Khromov) is one of the best run ships of it kind. On board the atmosphere is peaceful and warm, more akin to a private yacht than a cruise ship.

With just 48 passengers a very tangible camaraderie is created amongst passengers and crew. The ship is under the command of an experienced team of Russian Officers, with New Zealand and Australian hotel and expedition staff.

Built in 1984, the Spirit of Enberby measures 72 metres in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two, 1,156 horse power, diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots. The vessel is fitted with stabilisers, making travel much more comfortable.

Excellent accommodation is provided in twin share cabins, approximately half of which have private facilities and the remainder shared facilities. On board is a bar, library and lounge.

We encourage you to spend time on the bridge to witness our experienced captain and officers in action, recognised as experts in polar navigation. Our team of expert staff are always on hand to assist with every need and question. Throughout the voyage we maintain a lookout for seabirds, dolphins or whales and keep an expedition log, a bound copy of which will be sent to everybody at the conclusion of the expedition.

The key to these expeditions is the fleet of semi rigid inflatable Naiad (Greek for water nymph) craft, also known as zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places, where few others have ever been.

Dining is informal and relaxed, and the cuisine outstanding. Award winning chefs prepare delicious meals and are able to cater for any special dietary requirements. A selection of fine New Zealand and Australian wines is available.

Heritage Suite: has a large lounge area, a separate bedroom with double bed, a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers, fridge. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. There are large forward and side facing windows with great views.

Mini Suite: has a small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower. toilet and washbasin. This suite has windows.

Superior Plus: Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Superior: Cabins have one bunk, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Main deck: Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.

Main deck triple: This cabin has one bunk and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.

What type of ship to shore communication facilities does the ship have?
a) Phone: Telephone calls can be made from the ship by the Inmarsat system or the Iridium phone.
b) Fax: Fax messages can be sent from the ship to any fax number anywhere in the world. Charges for outgoing faxes will appear on your ships account.
c) Emails: Emails can be sent to the ships email address. To send messages to this address the sender must be registered with Xantic ( www.xantic.net). There will be a charge for all redirected email messages and this will show on the relevant ship board account. It is possible to send emails to any address anywhere in the world from the ship and a charge will appear on your ship account for any emails sent.

What currency is accepted on board?
The U.S. dollar is the standard currency on board. We will however accept New Zealand and Australian currency at the current exchange rate.

Can you cater to specific dietary requirements?
Our chefs can prepare food according to special dietary needs providing we are notified at the time of final payment. We regret that no kosher or vegan meals can be offered.

Can I recharge my batteries and use electrical appliances on board (ie: hairdryer)?
Power on board is 220V (AC current) with outlets being recessed, round 2 pronged European type. If you plan to bring the American standard 110V equipment with flat pronged plug, you will need to bring a convertor and a round 2 pronged European type adaptor plug. Please check your equipment to be sure you bring what is necessary for your personal needs.
Special note for video equipment battery packs: Please check with a camera source and bring with you a convertor adequate for recharging your pack if your equipment is 110V and needing to be converted to the 220V on board.

How sea sick will I be?
All people wonder if they will be sea sick, the answer to this is difficult as it depends entirely on the individual. From our experience we expect a small percentage of people to get sick and then recover for the remainder of the voyage. If you think you are susceptible to sea sickness then it is a good idea to be prepared. Motion sickness tablets or Scopolamine patches (Scopoderm) can be purchased from your local chemist. Please remember if you are concerned, commence these before the voyage starts (as directed on the information for each medication) rather than after you are already sick.

Not included in expedition fee:
Airfare to and from your home to the port of departure
or arrival in New Zealand.
Items of a personal nature such as insurance, and excess baggage charge.
Passport, visa and vaccination fees.
On board the ship: beverages, communication charges, medical supplies, laundry, sea shop purchases.

Single Travellers:
Single travellers who wish to share their cabin/hotel room should so indicate on the booking form. The published per person double occupancy fare is guaranteed in this case, whether or not a cabin mate is available.

Payment: Although we advertise the price of this expedition in U.S. dollars we will be charging you in the equivalent amount of New Zealand dollars. We will be using the current exchange rate on the day of making the booking but as exchange rates are constantly changing we cannot guarantee that your credit card bill will come out to the exact US dollar price as advertised. Please also allow for currency conversion fees charged by your bank (usually between 1% and 3%).

Deposits: A deposit of 25% of the expedition fee is required upon booking to confirm participation. The balance of the fee is payable 90 days prior to departure date.

Cancellations:
Cancellations must be received in writing. For cancellations received more than 120 days before departure date, a full refund will be made less $US400.00 fee per person for administration/handling fee. For cancellations received within 120 days of your embarkation date, the full deposit is forfeited. The full expedition fee is forfeited if your notice of cancellation is received within 90 days of your departure date. On forwarding the deposit you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions found here.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that travellers purchase trip cancellation protection and/or travel insurance at the time of booking.

Price Changes
We reserve the right to alter our prices should there be substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates, cost of fuel, labour or materials.

Itinerary Changes
Due to the nature of our expeditions, weather, ice or government regulations may require changes to be made to the itineraries and/or the cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every attempt will be made to adhere to the itineraries described within the limits of safety and time. The ships captain has the last word on any decision made with regard to the vessels itinerary and it is understood that such a decision will be made in the interest of safety of the vessel and of all the passengers on board. In the event of changes, passengers have no right to any refund or other compensation. Expedition fees are based on group participation. Should you choose not to take to part in any activity or make use of services provided, no refund will be made.

Notes: This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.