South to Antarctica

Day 1. Travel to the city of Invercargill, New Zealand's southern most city, with a population of 54,000. Invercargill is also one of New Zealand's most hospitable cities and you will enjoy your time here. On arrival please transfer to the Kelvin Hotel, in the central city. (Dinner, bed and breakfast are included). During dinner at the hotel tonight you will meet other expedition members and some of the staff.

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 for your opportunity 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 Snares Island.

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 nest here later in the season).

Days 4 - 5. The Auckland Islands, one of the largest Sub Antarctic Islands also has a most colourful history of discovery and attempted settlement. During our stay we will visit Carnley Harbour and spend a day ashore on Enderby Island.

Enderby Island is perhaps the most beautiful of all the Sub Antarctic Islands. Forested by gnarled and windswept rata, it has a low plateau of scrubland and cushion bog. We will enjoy the extensive Bulbinella rossii fields, the regenerating patches of Anisotome latifolia and the red and white gentians. The island enjoys a much milder climate than most Sub Antarctic Islands because of its location. It is home to the rare Hookers sealion which breed each year on Sandy Bay beach.

In the forest behind the beach we find Bellbirds, Red-crowned Parakeets and the friendly Tomtits. Yellow-eyed Penguins also nest in the forest and under the tangled divaricate shrub Myrsine divaricata. They can be seen as they travel backwards and forwards across the beach to their nests, especially in the evenings.

On the more open country beyond the Rata forest we will find Royal Albatross nesting and the endemic Auckland Island Dotterel. There is a good chance that we will see the endemic flightless Teal at Derrycastle Reef as we explore this island. It is a day with fabulous photographic opportunities.

In Carnley Harbour we will offer the energetic the opportunity to climb up to the SW Cape Shy Mollymawk or Albatross Colony. It is a reasonably difficult scramble but worth the effort - the views are spectacular and the colony is readily accessible allowing great photo opportunities. Wandering Albatross can sometimes be seen nesting in the tussock beyond the Mollymawk Colony. For those who don't climb, there will be a zodiac excursion to explore parts of this magnificent harbour. 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, Royal Albatross, Shy (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. Macquarie Island, Australia's prized Sub Antarctic possession, is a small but impressive sliver of land supporting one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the southern hemisphere. Millions of penguins of 4 different species - King, Rockhopper, Gentoo and the endemic Royal breed here. We plan to spend two days observing the best wildlife areas on the island and visit the Australian scientific base where Tasmanian Park Rangers take us on a tour of the station and nearby areas.

The King Penguin rookery at Lusitania Bay is spectacular. A welcoming committee porpoises around our zodiacs as a quarter of a million King Penguins stand at attention on shore. In the centre of the rookery, rusting condensers are grim reminders of a time when many penguins were slaughtered for their oil. Now, their forgiving offspring have reclaimed this territory. At Sandy Bay, a Royal Penguin rookery teems with feisty little birds trotting back and forth, golden head plumes bobbing as they march to and from the shore. All 3 million Royal Penguins in the world breed on Macquarie Island.

Large groups of Elephant Seals slumber on the sandy beaches and in the tussock grass further inland. These giant, blubbery creatures barely acknowledge our presence, lying in groups of intertwined bodies undergoing their annual moult.

Younger bulls spar in the shallow water preparing for their mature years when they will look after their own harem. Other wildlife includes Fur Seals, four species of nesting albatross - Wandering, Black Browed, Grey Headed and Light -mantled Sooty as well as many other species of birds. Macquarie Island is certainly the richest single wildlife area on our voyage and we aim to fit in as much as possible. It will be a superb experience.

Days 9 - 12. Soaring Albatrosses and Petrels circle the vessel as we move ever southward through the Southern Ocean. Our lecture programme will continue. Sea water temperatures will be monitored, so we know when we cross the Antarctic Convergence into the cold but extremely productive Antarctic waters. Drifting icebergs are sighted, with vivid colours and extraordinary shapes. Each is an unique example of natural sculpture. The Captain will manoeuvre the ship close in for your first ice photography. There will be special celebrations as we pass the Antarctic Circle and into Antarctica's realm of 24-hour daylight!

Days 13 - 22. ANTARCTICA'S ROSS SEA REGION
During our time in the Ross Sea region we visit the highlights of Antarctica's most historic region. Due to the unpredictable nature of ice and weather conditions, a day by day itinerary is not possible, however the Captain and Expedition Leader assess daily conditions and take advantage of every opportunity to make landings or zodiac sightseeing tours. Our program will emphasise wildlife viewing, key scientific bases and historic sites, as well as the spectacular scenery of the coastal terrain, glaciers and icebergs in the Ross Sea. Zodiacs and/or our amphibious all terrain vehicles will be used for landings and sightseeing on a regular basis.
Whilst specific landings cannot be guaranteed, we hope to visit the following, as well as explore for new, perhaps previously unvisited areas:

CAPE ADARE
Cape Adare’s bold headland and the Downshire Cliffs greet us as we approach (subject to local ice conditions) Cape Adare, at the tip of the Ross Sea, the site of the largest Adelie penguin rookery in Antarctica. Blanketing the large flat spit which forms the Cape is the huge rookery which now, at the height of summer, numbers up to one million birds - an absolutely staggering sight. You will never forget your first experiences in a ceaselessly active and noisy penguin city, where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors. Our naturalists point out various aspects of their lifestyle and by sitting down quietly, one may observe the often comical behaviour of the penguins, courtship displays, feeding ever-hungry chicks, territorial disputes and stealing of nest material. The curious penguins will often approach us very closely, presenting superb photographic opportunities.

Surrounded by a sea of penguins we find Borchgrevink's Hut, the oldest in Antarctica, built during the first expedition to winter over on the Antarctic continent in 1899. It is a fascinating relic of the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration and we are able to inspect the interior - containing artefacts of the early explorers. One thousand feet up in the hills behind Cape Adare is the oldest grave in Antarctica, that of 22 year old Nicolai Hansen, a member of Borghgrevink's expedition.

CAPE HALLETT
The enormous Admiralty Range heralds our arrival at Cape Hallett, near the head of the Ross Sea. The scenery here is wild and spectacular. Mountains rear up from the sea to over 4,000 metres. Giant glaciers course their way down from the interior to discharge their icy load. We land next to an abandoned American-New Zealand base, home to large numbers of Adelie Penguins and Weddell Seals.

TERRA NOVA BAY
Surrounded by the spectacular Society Ranges is Baia Terr Nova, an Italian summer research station, one of the most modern and attractive in Antarctica. The scientists and support staff here are always most hospitable and show us around their lonely but beautiful home. The Italians conduct many streams of scientific research and also claim to have the best 'caffe' expresso in Antarctica!

FRANKLIN ISLAND
This rugged island, deep in the Ross Sea, is gouged by numerous glaciers and is home to a large Adelie penguin population and other nesting seabirds. We attempt a zodiac landing near a rookery as well as explore the coastline. If a landing is achieved there will be an opportunity for those who are feeling fit to climb to the summit of the island.

ROSS ICE SHELF
This is the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, and the world's largest body of floating ice. Just 800 miles from the South Pole, this daunting spectacle prevented many early Antarctic explorers from venturing further south. A natural ice barrier, at times it creates hazardous weather conditions, with sheets of snow blown at gale force by the katabatic winds coming off the polar ice cap.

From Ross Island we cruise eastward along the shelf front, with its 30 metre high spectacular ice cliffs continuing to the horizon. Imposing tabular icebergs sometimes calve from the ice shelf.

ROSS ISLAND - MT EREBUS/ CAPE BIRD/ SHACKLETON'S HUT/ SCOTT'S HUT
At the base of the Ross Sea we arrive at Ross Island, dominated by the 13,000 foot high volcano, Mt Erebus. At Cape Bird the New Zealand Antarctica programme maintain a field station where scientists study many aspects of the regions Natural History including the large Adelie penguin Colony. Scientists may be at the field station when we arrive. At Cape Royds we visit Sir Ernest Shackleton's hut, built during the Nimrod polar attempt, 1907-1909. We learn much of Shackleton's amazing expeditions from our lecturers. Shackleton was possibly one of the greatest, and certainly one of the most heroic of the Antarctic explorers. Though the legendary explorers are long gone, the hut is far from deserted. Reclaimed by the original inhabitants of the area - thousands of Adelie penguins - it is the world's southern most penguin rookery.

Also on Ross Island is Cape Evans, the historic site of Captain Scott's second hut, erected in 1911 and beautifully preserved by the staff at New Zealand's Scott Base. It stands as a testimony to the rigours faced by pioneering explorers. Under the supervision of the staff, we see inside the hut and witness the living conditions almost exactly as they were when Scott, Wilson and Ponting occupied these quarters. Behind the hut Mt. Erebus looms above us with its plume of white smoke spiralling up from the boiling caverns of this still active volcano.

McMURDO SOUND - McMURDO STATION/DISCOVERY HUT/SCOTT BASE
The U.S. Antarctic Base, McMurdo Station is located at the foot of Ross Island in McMurdo Sound, which at nearly 78 S, is within 780 miles of the South Pole - nowhere else in Antarctica are you able to penetrate this far south on any vessel! McMurdo is the largest research centre in Antarctica, and the site of Scott's Discovery Expedition hut, from 1901-04. At Scott Base, the friendly New Zealanders take us on a tour including Discovery Hut and show some of their scientific work. The souvenir shop at the base has patches, tee shirts and other Antarctic memorabilia. A hike up to the memorial cross to Scott at the peak of Observation Hill offers magnificent views over the sound and the vast Ross Ice Shelf. McMurdo Sound is also home to many Killer whales (Orca), and we keep a close watch for these magnificent animals.

POSSESSION ISLANDS
These small, rugged islands lie offshore Cape Hallett and have only been rarely visited. An Adelie penguin rookery, numbering tens of thousands of birds, blankets Foyn Island. Here are further enjoyable opportunities to observe their busy activities, with the superb backdrop of the Admiralty mountains across the water. Using zodiacs we can explore the unusual rock formations and caves around the coast.

Days 23 - 26. 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. There will be a series of lectures preparing us for our visit to Campbell Island. Also a time to rest and enjoy shipboard life.

Day 27 - 28. We arrive at Campbell Island, a place of rugged scenery, unique flora and abundant wildlife. At Perseverance Harbour, there is a now abandoned New Zealand meteorological station. Around the harbour are Campbell Island shags, as well as penguins, Fur seals and rare Hookers sealions. The highlight of our visit is a walk to the hilltop breeding sites of Royal albatross. Over six thousand pairs breed on Campbell Island. These magnificent birds, close relations and the same size as the Wandering albatross, have the largest wingspan in the world and are very approachable, making superb photographic subjects. The wildflowers which have made a dramatic recovery since the removal of sheep should also be in full flower.

Day 29. At sea en-route to the Port of Bluff. A chance to relax and reflect on what will have been an amazing experience. Lecturers will take the opportunity to recap the highlights of the Expedition and we will enjoy a farewell dinner tonight as we cross the last few miles of our journey.

Day 30. We arrive at the Port of Bluff. After breakfast and customs formalities have been completed we will disembark. A coach will transfer you and your gear to the central city of Invercargill or to Invercargill Airport.

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.

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 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.