Galapagos of the Southern Ocean
from $7500

All Prices are in USD$ per person

13 Days Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Departs Invercargill or Dunedin

Join Innovative Travel and Heritage Expeditions for a unique destination and experience in authentic small ship expedition cruising. This is without doubt one of the most inspirational and informative journeys or expeditions into the Southern Ocean ecosystem that one can make anywhere in the world. Long recognised for their rich biodiversity, the Subantarctic Islands lying to the south of New Zealand are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This places them in a select group of only 180 natural sites that have been designated as ‘the most important and significant natural habitats' on the planet. They are also afforded the highest conservation status and protection by the Australian and New Zealand governments and access to these islands is by permit only. On this expedition we offer you the unique chance to explore, photograph and understand these wonderful places in the company of some of the most knowledgeable and passionate guides.

The name ‘Galapagos of the Southern Ocean' reflects the astounding natural biodiversity and the importance of these islands as a wildlife refuge. The islands all lie in the cool temperate zone with a unique climate and are home to a vast array of wildlife including albatross, penguins, petrels, prions, shearwaters and marine mammals like sea lions, fur seals and elephant seals. The flora is equally fascinating; the majority of it being like the birds and endemic to these islands.

This renowned expedition includes four of the Subantarctic Islands, The Snares, Auckland, Macquarie and Campbell. Each one is different, and each one is unique - just like this expedition.

To view some of the highlights and experiences click on the below video.

  • Itinerary
  • Accommodation
  • Important Information

Day 1: Invercargill or Dunedin

Meet your fellow voyagers and expedition staff for an informal get-together over dinner at the hotel, where you will stay overnight.

Day 2: Port of Bluff or Otago Harbour

We transfer you to the port where staff will welcome you on board the Spirit of Enderby, and as you settle into your cabin, our adventure begins.

Day 3: The Snares – North East Island

North East Island is the largest of The Snares and staggeringly, this one island is claimed by some to be home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles together. Zodiac cruising the rugged coastline we learn how the islands got their name and encounter Snares Crested Penguins, Cape Petrel and Buller’s Albatross on the imposing cliffs. We are also likely to encounter Antarctic Terns, White-fronted Terns, Red-billed Gulls, Tomtits and Fernbirds.

Day 4: Auckland Islands – Enderby Island

Named for the same distinguished shipping family as our own vessel and one of the most beautiful islands in the group, this is a great birding location and a chance to see everything from the famous Southern Royal Albatross and Northern Giant Petrel to parakeets, Bellbirds and the endemic shag, teal and snipe. Sandy Bay is one of three breeding grounds on the Auckland Islands for the rare Hooker’s, or New Zealand, Sea Lion.

Day 5: Auckland Islands – Carnley Harbour

These islands have witnessed many a shipwreck in days gone by. Loaded in human history, they harbour tales of castaways, bullion and Coastwatchers through to today’s scientific visitors. Today we land in Carnley Harbour and, if weather and sea conditions permit, visit the Shy Mollymawk colony at South West Cape or, if weather is not suitable, we will select one of a number of other sites available to us.

Day 6: At Sea

As we make our way through an area known as the Furious Fifties in the tumultuous Southern Ocean, we will learn more about the flora and fauna as we prepare for our arrival at Macquarie Island. En route there are great birding opportunities which may include the Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Salvin’s Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Northern and Southern Giant Petrel, Sooty Shearwater and Little Shearwater. We will endeavour to spot the Fairy Prion, Fulmar Prion and Antarctic Prion – never an easy task – but we should get some great views. Other species to be on the lookout for include the Soft-plumaged Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Grey-faced Petrel, White-chinned Petrel, Grey-backed Storm-Petrel, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel and the Black-bellied Storm-Petrel.

Days 7 to 8: Macquarie Island

Described by one Australian explorer as “One of the wonder spots of the world” this is the only place in the world where the beautiful Royal Penguin breeds. Three other species of penguins, the King, Gentoo and Rockhopper also breed here. You will never forget your first experience of a noisy ‘penguin city’, where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors and where you will be immersed in a tumult of chattering, feeding chicks; territorial disputes; petty pilfering and courtship displays. This all happens amongst the hundreds of Southern Elephant Seals lolling on the beaches and dunes. On arrival we meet with scientists and Park Rangers based here who will accompany us on all our landings.

Day 9: At Sea

We head north from Macquarie Island through waters rich in seabirds towards Campbell Island. We invite you to join the captain on the bridge, to keep a keen lookout for birds and for whales. Today there will also be briefings and lectures on Campbell Island in preparation for our visit there.

Days 10 to 11: Campbell Island – Perseverance Harbour

We spend two days exploring the island by foot taking in the panorama of rocky islets and sea stacks; once the lonely preserve of settlers and seal hunters and now returned to nature. Enjoy an easy walk to the nesting site of the Southern Royal Albatross at Col Lyall or walk across the hills to Northwest Bay and see the strange and beautiful megaherbs on the hills. These huge pink and yellow wild flowers have adapted well to the harsh conditions. We also seek out other wildlife such as Campbell Island Shags, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross and, on the beaches beyond, young male sea lions testing their strength.

Day 12: At Sea

At sea en route to the Port of Bluff, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on an amazing experience. We will recap the highlights of our expedition over a farewell dinner tonight as we complete the last few miles of our journey.

Day 13: Invercargill

We arrive at the Port of Bluff early in the morning. After breakfast, customs formalities and a last minute opportunity to bid farewell to your expedition team, you disembark and board our complimentary coach transfer to downtown Invercargill or Invercargill Airport. Enquire for a full itinerary and/or a Bird and Mammal List. NOTE: Voyages depart from both Invercargill and Dunedin, please see downloadable brochures for embarkation city of your selected voyage.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Pre/Post cruise transfersOne night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)All on board ship accommodationAll meals onboard the shipAll expedition shore excursions as mentioned in the itinerary

TOUR EXCLUSIONS

Landing fees of USD$800 per person

All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Ship : Spirit of Enderby

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 1800s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Subantarctic Island in the world.

Technical description:

Classification: Russian register KM ice classYear built: 1984Accommodation: 50 berthsShipyard: FinlandMain engines: power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw)Register: RussiaMaximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines),Cruising speed: 10 knots(one engine)Bunker capacity: 320 tons

PAYMENTS: A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required at the time of booking. The balance of the tour price is required 100 days prior to your travel date. If you book inside this period, full payment will be required at the time of booking. Payment can be made by bank transfer. If you cancel between 185 and 100 days prior to your travel date 30% of your tour cost will be charged. If you cancel within 100 days prior to your tour departure you will be charged 100% of your tour cost.

Innovative Travel recommends purchasing travel insurance.

For full terms and conditions refer to the Heritage Expeditions 2020-2021 Conservation and Adventure Expedition Cruising Brochure

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Full Terms and conditions are listed on the Innovative Travel website. When a booking is made it is accepted that these are agreed to. They include the following: Itineraries are correct when initially published, however are subject to change due to circumstances outside our control.

Flights are the responsibility of the passenger and Innovative Travel takes no responsibility for costs involved for any changes to flights that might be required due to necessary amendments in itineraries.

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Special Category / 12 November 2020 / Main Deck Triple Bunk Shared facilities - Per Person
$7500
  • Special Category
  • 12 November 2020
  • Main Deck Triple Bunk Shared facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 30 November 2020 / Main Deck Triple Bunk Shared facilities - Per Person
$7750
  • Special Category
  • 30 November 2020
  • Main Deck Triple Bunk Shared facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 11 December 2020 / Main Deck Triple Bunk Shared facilities - Per Person
$7500
  • Special Category
  • 11 December 2020
  • Main Deck Triple Bunk Shared facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 12 November 2020 / Main Deck Twin Shared Facilities - Per Person
$8150
  • Special Category
  • 12 November 2020
  • Main Deck Twin Shared Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 30 November 2020 / Main Deck Twin Shared Facilities - Per Person
$8300
  • Special Category
  • 30 November 2020
  • Main Deck Twin Shared Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 11 December 2020 / Main Deck Twin Shared Facilities - Per Person
$8150
  • Special Category
  • 11 December 2020
  • Main Deck Twin Shared Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 12 November 2020 / Superior Bunk Private Facilities - Per Person
$8500
  • Special Category
  • 12 November 2020
  • Superior Bunk Private Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 30 November 2020 / Superior Bunk Private Facilities - Per Person
$8800
  • Special Category
  • 30 November 2020
  • Superior Bunk Private Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 11 December 2020 / Superior Bunk Private Facilities - Per Person
$8500
  • Special Category
  • 11 December 2020
  • Superior Bunk Private Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 12 November 2020 / Superior Plus Twin Private Facilities - Per Person
$9200
  • Special Category
  • 12 November 2020
  • Superior Plus Twin Private Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 30 November 2020 / Superior Plus Twin Private Facilities - Per Person
$9600
  • Special Category
  • 30 November 2020
  • Superior Plus Twin Private Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 11 December 2020 / Superior Plus Twin Private Facilities - Per Person
$9200
  • Special Category
  • 11 December 2020
  • Superior Plus Twin Private Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 12 November 2020 / Mini Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
$9600
  • Special Category
  • 12 November 2020
  • Mini Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 30 November 2020 / Mini Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
$9900
  • Special Category
  • 30 November 2020
  • Mini Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 11 December 2020 / Mini Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
$9600
  • Special Category
  • 11 December 2020
  • Mini Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 12 November 2020 / Heritage Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
$10200
  • Special Category
  • 12 November 2020
  • Heritage Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 30 November 2020 / Heritage Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
$10600
  • Special Category
  • 30 November 2020
  • Heritage Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
Special Category / 11 December 2020 / Heritage Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
$10200
  • Special Category
  • 11 December 2020
  • Heritage Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
Class
  • Special Category
Travel Date
  • 12 November 2020
  • 30 November 2020
  • 11 December 2020
Room Type
  • Main Deck Triple Bunk Shared facilities - Per Person
  • Main Deck Twin Shared Facilities - Per Person
  • Superior Bunk Private Facilities - Per Person
  • Superior Plus Twin Private Facilities - Per Person
  • Mini Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person
  • Heritage Suite Double Private Facilities - Per Person

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