Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands


enquire now From NZD $18,110 pp twinshare
Terms & Conditions apply

3-19 Dec 2022 & 5-21 Dec 2023

Listen to the names: Snares, Bounty, Antipodes, Auckland, Campbell, Macquarie and Chatham Islands. They are music to the ears of nature lovers, adventurers and birders alike. Apart from the Chathams, these islands are probably more isolated now than they were when they were discovered in the late 1700s and early 1800s and were regularly visited by sealers, whalers and government steamers searching for castaway sailors. Opportunities to visit these islands are rare. This expedition is one of rare opportunities to explore all of these islands.

The islands occupy the tempestuous latitudes of the Roaring Forties and the Furious Fifties, but they are also known as the Albatross Latitudes and with good reason. Ten of the world’s albatross species breed in the region; five of them nowhere else. In fact, this region hosts the most diverse collection of seabirds in the world. More than 40 species breed here – that is at least 11 per cent of the entire world’s seabird species.

With the exception of the Chathams, the islands are all designated UNESCO World Heritage sites and are afforded the highest conservation status and protection by the Australian and New Zealand governments, so passage to their shores is not granted lightly. There are also islands that we visit within the Chatham Islands’ Archipelago with similar status and protection.

As one of the greatest natural history voyages on the planet this expedition has huge appeal to pelagic enthusiasts, penguin fanatics, those interested in island endemics and photographers. People interested in islands and island ecology, botany, geology and photographers and those with an adventurous spirit have enjoyed this trip immensely, as have those interested in the history of southern ocean discovery and exploration.

This is one of HEX’s ‘signature expeditions’ which has operated annually for more than 20 years, so you will benefit from the knowledge and expertise gained over that time.

Main Deck Triple NZD$19,171
Superior Triple NZD$20,027
Superior Cabin Deck 4 NZD$22,328
Superior Cabin Deck 5 NZD$23,340
Main Deck Single NZD$27,025, Superior Single NZD$28,217
Worsley Suite NZD$27,770, Heritage Suites NZD$43,107

Day 1: Queenstown
Day 2: Port of Bluff
Day 3: The Snares – North East Island
Day 4: Auckland Islands – Enderby Island
Day 5: At Sea
Days 6 to 7: Macquarie Island
Day 8: At Sea
Day 9: Campbell Island – Perseverance Harbour
Day 10: At Sea
Day 11: Antipodes Islands
Day 12: Bounty Islands
Day 13: Pyramid Rock and South East Island
Day 14: Chatham Islands – Waitangi
Days 15 to 16: At Sea
Day 17: Invercargill/Queenstown

During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. Landings at the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand are by permit only as administered by the Government of New Zealand. No landings are permitted at The Snares, Antipodes or Bounties.

Additional fees : Landing Fees  NZD$1191 pp

Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin cateogy
• Pre/Post cruise transfers
• Experienced expedition leader and team
• All meals while on board
• All expedition shore excusions
• Suites include complimentary mini bar, in-room dining and a US$100 pp spa gift voucher

Exclusions
• International and Domestic flights, both commercial and charter
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Beverages on board
• Gratuities
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry