Southwest Pacific Odyssey
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| Length | 31 days | ||||||||||||
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| Grade |
A (you need to be in reasonably good health)
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| Start | Tauranga, New Zealand | ||||||||||||
| Finish | Yokohama, Japan | ||||||||||||
| Departs | 2011: 19th April - 19th May 2011 (V1176) | ||||||||||||
| Prices | Period 1 May 10 - 31 May 11 | ||||||||||||
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| Extra Costs | Government Landing Fee US$500pp |
Maximum 48
Back to topItinerary
Day 1
Embark Spirit of Enderby in Tauranga.
Day 2
During our transit of the Hauraki Gulf we will watch for species common and uncommon within this area including grey ternlets and New Zealand storm petrel.
Days 3 - 4
Enroute to Norfolk Island birds watching for petrels and albatross of the region.
Day 5
On landing at Norfolk Island we visit the Botanical Gardens to spot two endemics, the Norfolk gerygone and the Norfolk Island parakeet.
Day 6
North of Norfolk we cross a large underwater sea mount, a productive area for Tahiti, Kermadec and grey-faced petrels and hopefully our first Polynesian storm petrels.
Days 7 - 8
Arrive at New Caledonia with time to explore the Port of Noumea. The morning takes us in search of Kagu and Crow honey eater. Other birds we will seek include crested parakeet, cloven feathered dove, yellow-bellied robin, New Caledonian (Goliath) imperial pigeon, southern strikebill and horned parakeet.
Day 9-11
Leisurely days at sea with a daylight pelagic watch for both birds and cetaceans.
Day 12
Arrive at Rennell Island and ashore look for the Rennell starling, Rennell shrikebill, bare-eyed white-eye, Rennell fantail and Rennell white-eye. Other species include the Imperial pigeon, silver-capped fruit dove, singing parrots, Melanesian flycatcher, cardinal myzomela, Finches pygmy parrot and island thrush.
Day 13
At Makira Island we will seek the endemic sooty myzomela, San Cristobal melidectes, white-collared monarch, mottled flowerpeckers, White headed fruit dove and rufous fantail. Other species could include rainbow lorikeets, red-knobbed and imperial pigeon, San Cristobal singing and metallic starling, brahminy kite, pied goshawk, pacifc baza, cardinal myzomela. We enjoy the hospitality of the people in nearby Anuta Village before departing for Honiara.
Day 14
Our early morning excursion to nearby Mount Austin will give us a opportunities for yellow-eyed, white-bellied and Solomons cuckoo strike, cicadabird, brown-winged and singing starling, yellow-faced myna, chestnut bellied and black and white monarch, steely blue fly catcher, mottled flowerpiercer, olive-backed sunbird and the black faced myzomela.
Day 15
Making our way to Kolombangara for arrival in the early afternoon. We hope to see white-capped monarch, Solomon white-eye, yellow-vented myzomela and hopefully the Roviana rail. Other species could include Blyth’s hornbill, superb fruit dove, red-knobbed imperial pigeon, steely blue fly catcher, Melanesian and yellow-eyed cuckoo strike, metallic and singing starling and the Solomon sea eagle.
Day 16
We will spend as much time as possible over a deep water canyon on the southwest side of Bougainville – from experience it is a very productive area. Hopefully the Heinroth’s shearwater and Beck’s petrel will make themselves visible in this area.
Day 17
We spend the day off the coast of New Ireland, our target today is Beck’s petrel.
Days 18 -19
At sea and during this time we will cross the equator. Our daylight pelagic watch for birds and mammals will continue. Species to watch for include Bulwer’s petrels, wedge-tailed shearwaters and white tailed tropic bird, white and sooty terns and frigate birds.
Days 20 - 21
Arrive at Chuuk (‘Truk’), Caroline Islands, and after clearing Customs the remainder of the day is yours to explore. You can enjoy some birding this evening, it is also a great place for snorkelling and diving. A visit to areas of Weno Island. Species include myzomelas, reed warbler, swiftlet and ground dove.
Days 22 - 26
At sea. Plenty of birds to look for including storm-petrel, Bonin and bulwer's petrel and shearwaters as we cross over 1200 nautical miles of ocean towards the Bonin Islands. Or, simply relax and enjoy the tropics.
Day 27
At the Bonin Islands we complete customs formalities for entry to Japan and continue sailing northwards. Catching sight of a humpback whale would be a bonus and is well worth watching for.
Day 28
At sea, the food-rich waters attract a variety of birdlife.
Day 29
Arrive at Torishima Island, landings are not allowed so we plan to cruise close inshore for one of the seabird highlights of the trip, the short-tailed or Steller’s albatross.
Day 30
Today we visit Miyake–Jima where forest walks give chances to see a number of species including the endemic Izu thrush, Ijima’s leaf warbler, Japanese wood pigeon, Japanese robin and pygmy woodpecker.
Day 31
Arrive at Yokohama for disembarkation.
Grading & Fitness
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.
Guides & Safety
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 breadth 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 enhance 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.
What to take
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:
Essential Items
Optional items:
Transport
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.
Food
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.
Back to topAccommodation
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.
Questions
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.
Additional Costs
Not included in expedition fee:
Airfare to and from your home to the port of departure
or arrival in New Zealand/Japan.
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.
Booking Conditions
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.
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