Sub Antarctic Islands

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. A coach will transfer you from Invercargill to the Port of Bluff (27km south of Invercargill) to embark our vessel Spirit of Enderby . The coach will depart the Kelvin Hotel, Kelvin Street, Invercargill at a time to be advised. (Departure times from Bluff are dependent on tide and at the time of preparing this we are waiting on advice from the Harbour Master). From the Port of Bluff we sail down the short channel and into Foveaux Strait and then set a course direct to Campbell Island. There will be introductions and briefings this afternoon.

Day 2. A day at sea to enjoy the rhythms of the Southern Ocean, experience the wildlife and also share time with our lecturers learning about the areas you are to visit. We will be at sea all day, a great opportunity to see pelagic species, including Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, 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 3 & 4. Arrive Campbell Island early morning. This island provides some great birding and an opportunity to get some really good photographs, especially of the Southern royal albatross. The regeneration of the megaherbs since the removal of the feral sheep in the 1970's and 80's is a spectacle to behold and increasing each year as the rats have also been successfully removed. On arrival we will anchor below the abandoned Meteorological Station and walk to Col-Lyall Saddle. All three species of Pleurophyllum daisies, can be seen along the way. The short flowering season will be near its best. Southern royal albatross nest amongst these flowers and tussocks and there will be an opportunity to observe and photograph these.
Make sure you make time to look for some of the smaller plants, the Myosotis capitata with its small but deep purple flowers and the Hebe benthamii which has perhaps the deepest flower colour in the genus.
From Col Lyall there is a short walk to the summit ridge from where you can get some spectacular views over NW Bay. On our second day ashore at Campbell Island there will be an opportunity to revisit the Col Lyall Saddle or walk to remote Northwest Bay which is a relatively easy walk across tussock tops and the megaherb fields or climb to Mt Honey, Campbell Island's highest peak.

Day 5 & 6. Arrive Auckland Islands and visit Carnley Harbour, the large southern harbour area. Our visit here will include the opportunity to climb to South West Cape and to shy (white capped) albatross colony or to explore the historic Coastwatchers Hut and Lookout at Tagua Bay.
The highlight of our visit to the Auckland Islands is the day ashore on Enderby Island in Port Ross, a magnificent island crammed with natural history wonders. It is home to the rare Hookers (New Zealand) Sealion which breed each year on Sandy Bay beach. The island is forested by gnarled and windswept rata, and has a plateau of scrubland and cushion bog. We will see and experience the unique megaherbs of this island, including the extensive fields of Bulbinella rossii, the regenerating patches of Anisotome latifolia and the red and white gentians. Royal albatross nest amongst a hummocked sward of Oreobolus pectinatus comb sedge and gentians. In the forest we will find bellbirds, red crowned parakeets and the friendly tomtits. Yellow-eyed penguins also nest here under the tangled divaricating shrub Myrsine divaricata. There is a good chance that we will see the endemic Auckland Island flightless teal at Derrycastle Reef as we explore this island.

Day 7. We plan to arrive to Snares Island early morning. It is a nature reserve of international importance. Landing is not allowed, but we will use our zodiacs to cruise the rugged coastline to see the unique Olearia and Brachyglottis forest and some of the unique wildlife including the endemic Snares Crested Penguins, Tomtit and Fernbird. On the cliffs we will see the Buller's Albatross, which only nests here and at the Solander Islands.

Day 8. On arrival at the Port of Bluff on the last day of the expedition there will be breakfast on board the ship after which we will provide transport to Invercargill city or 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.

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.