Sub Antarctic Islands
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| Length | 8 days | ||||||||||||
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| Grade |
A (you need to be in reasonably good health)
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| Start | Invercargill, Kelvin Hotel | ||||||||||||
| Finish | Bluff/Invercargill | ||||||||||||
| Departs | 2013: Mar 7 - Mar 17 (V1374) | ||||||||||||
| Prices | Period 1 Feb 12 - 31 Mar 13 | ||||||||||||
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| Extra Costs | Landing fees US$250 |
Does not include the Government Landing fees:
Landing fees for this expedition = US$250 per person
Single room supplement is charged at 1.8 times the published fare on all cabins except the suite which will be charged at 2.0 times the published fare.
Maximum 48
Back to topItinerary
The plant life of the Sub Antarctic region is rare and unique. Sir Joseph Hooker, botanist aboard Sir James Clark Ross's 1840 Antarctic Expedition, who later became curator of the famous Kew Gardens in England wrote about the plants on these remote islands - the most extraordinary is the Pluerophyllum meadow, a community dominated by the large leafed herbaceous composite, producing a flora display second to none outside the tropics.
This expedition which visits the Snares, Auckland's and Campbell Islands are timed to coincide with this magnificent flora display. Because of the remoteness of these islands only a few people have ever witnessed this display. This expedition is your opportunity to enjoy this display and the magnificent wildlife.
Day 1.
Depart Invercargill by coach to the Port of Bluff (27km south of Invercargill) to embark the ‘Spirit of Enderby’. Once shown to your cabin, there will be formal introductions to the staff and ship, followed by safety briefings before you set sail on this expedition.
Day 2.
Snares Island
The Buller’s Albatross nests only here and on the Solander Islands, whose Maori name translates as ‘flying wind’ and could be an apt description of the Snares. You will cruise the jagged coastline to see the daisy-like Olearia and Brachyglottis forests draping the hills, encounter the endemic Snares Crested Penguin and perhaps glimpse the Tomtit and Fernbird. Snagged with hidden reefs we learn how the islands got their name, which are home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles put together.
Days 3 & 4.
Auckland Islands
To the north and south, deep harbours birthed by long-extinct volcanoes; to the west, a coastline sculpted into formidable cliffs by the prevailing westerly winds; and to the east, a coast carved by glaciers into some of the most picturesque fiords in the world. In Port Ross, the northernmost in the archipelago we spend the day ashore on Enderby Island - a wildlife rich island that has no equal in the Southern Ocean. You will enjoy close encounters with the Royal Albatross, the endemic snipe, teal and shag and be able to spend time with the Yellow-eyed Penguin – the worlds rarest. In Carnley harbour in the south you go in search of the Wandering Albatross and a colony of Shy Mollymawk. You may explore some of the fiords by boat and perhaps hike through forests of parakeets and bellbirds to a small glacial lake. The islands are home to the rare Hooker’s Sea Lion and you will visit the unique fields of mega herbs, whose languorous names promise the exotic: the Bulbinella rossii, the Anisotome latifolia and the vivid red and white gentians.
There will be a range of walks offered, all accompanied by guides. The Col Lyall Saddle walk boasts all three species of Pleurophyllum daisies and an opportunity to view and photograph the Southern Royal Albatross nesting here amongst the flowers and tussocks. Alternatively, walk to remote North West Bay across the tussock tops and mega herb fields to a sandy beach that New Zealand Sea lions and Yellow-eyed Penguins call home. Mount Honey, the highest peak on the Island at 507 metres, is an easy scramble rewarded by magnificent views over almost the entire island. From the summit you can continue down to Southeast Harbour – in all, an enjoyable full day’s walk.
Day 5 & 6.
Campbell Island
Your visit should coincide with the flowering of the Pleurophyllum speciosum, an endemic daisy carpeting the hills and startling in size with leaves sometimes half a metre wide. Adapting unusually to survive the harsh climate, its nearest relatives can be found in the baking Canary Islands but its presence here at the edge of the world remains a mystery. Dropping anchor early, you explore the island by foot and take in the panorama of rocky islets and sea stacks; once the lonely preserve of settlers and seal hunters and now returned to nature. You can explore an abandoned Meteorological Station or climb to Col Lyall ridge and the breeding grounds of the Southern Royal Albatross. And you can walk across the hills to Northwest Bay or hike the beautifully-named Mount Honey for its dramatic views or seek out penguins, rare sea lions and the Light-mantled Sooty Albatross.
Day 7.
At sea
As you plough your way across the South Pacific, there will be many opportunities to spot pelagic species. You will be keeping a keen lookout for albatross and petrels and our expert staff will be on hand to recap the highlights and provide lectures and informal discussions on the biology and history of the region.
Day 8.
Bluff
Your adventure ends with safe harbour at the Port of Bluff, famous for its delicate oysters. You bid farewell to our fellow voyagers, to enjoy a transfer to Invercargill city or to the airport.
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 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.
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 most special dietary requirements. A selection of fine New Zealand and Australian wines is available.
Back to topAccommodation
Heritage Suite: 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: separate bedroom with a double bed, a single bed or sofa in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. This suite has windows.
Superior Plus: two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Superior: cabins have one bunk (an upper and lower berth), 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 and a wash-basin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Main Deck Triple: cabin has one bunk (an upper and a lower berth), and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a wash-basin. 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.
Items of a personal nature such as insurance, and excess baggage charge.
Passport, visa and vaccination fees.
On board the ship: beverages, telecommunication 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 $US750.00 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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