Australia: 1800
107
715NZ: 0800 945
3327
Search for Trips
Click to make an enquiry
Request further details or information.Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific
These Subantarctic Islands are recognized as one of the worlds’ great biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and a region of tremendous floral diversity. Remote, isolated, protected by the Southern Ocean and seldom visited; they are home to many of the world’s albatross and penguin species. These islands are also the only location in which ‘mega herbs’ grow. When the great English botanist Joseph Hooker found them in flower, he described them as “second to none outside of the tropics”. Discovered by Europeans only in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the islands were quickly occupied by sealing and whaling gangs that plundered the seal populations and introduced pigs, goats, cattle, cats and rats. Today conservation efforts are focused on eliminating these non-native animals and returning the islands to their natural state. This annual expedition provides a rare insight into a priceless ecosystem found nowhere else in the world. It includes the Snares, Auckland and Campbell Islands, with ample time to explore and enjoy them in a way no other expedition can.
Departures
Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific
07 March, 2013 to 17 March, 2013
07 March, 2013 to 17 March, 2013
Click to make a booking request
This will allow you to make an enquiry or check availability.
Main Deck Triple
$3500.00 USD pp
Main deck triple cabin: This cabin has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Main Deck
$3900.00 USD pp
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Superior
$4500.00 USD pp
Cabins have one bunk (an upper and lower – two), wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Superior Plus
$4900.00 USD pp
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Mini Suite
$5200.00 USD pp
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.
Heritage Suite
$5300.00 USD pp
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed, single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers, and fridge. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows with great views.
Additional charges:
Government Landing Fees
$200.00 USD pp
Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific itinerary:
Day 1: Depart Invercargill
The Captain and Expedition Crew welcome you on board the Spirit of Enderby before we set sail and our adventure begins.
Day 2: Snares Islands
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. We 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 and 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 we go in search of the Wandering Albatross and a colony of Shy Mollymawk. We 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 we 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.
Days 5 and 6: Campbell Island
Our 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, we 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. We can explore an abandoned Meteorological Station or climb to Col Lyall ridge and the breeding grounds of the Southern Royal Albatross. And we 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 we plough our way across the South Pacific, there will be many opportunities to spot pelagic species. We 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
Our adventure ends with safe harbour at the Port of Bluff, famous for its delicate oysters. We bid farewell to our fellow voyagers, to enjoy a transfer to Invercargill city or to the airport.
Spirit of Enderby
The 'Spirit of Enderby' is perfect for Expedition Travel. The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort.
It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodation (refurbished in New Zealand Nov '04). The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs.
Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Capitan and crew.
The 'Spirit of Enderby' measures 72 metres in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two 1,560 horse power diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots. What makes this Expedition Vessel absolutely unique is the equipment we carry including:
a) our fleet of RIB’s, (rigid inflatable boats) sometimes referred to as zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places.
b) Our specially designed and built Hovercraft (2) give us unprecedented over ice capability in Antarctica allowing us to land in places that are inaccessible to other ships.
The name 'Spirit of Enderby' honours the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800’s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Subantarctic Island in the world.
Technical description:
- Classification: Russian register KM ice class
- Year built: 1984
- Accommodation: 50 berths expedition
- Shipyard: Finland
- Main engines: power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw)
- Register: Russia
- Maximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines),
- Cruising speed: 10 knots(one engine)
- Bunker capacity: 320 tons
