currency
The Ross Sea Discovery
cost
From AUD $14480
departure
12 January 2011
duration
30 Days
locations
Tasman Sea, Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, Southern Ocean, Cape Adare, Ross Ice Shelf, Balleny Islands, Hobart
30 day adventure departing from Auckland!
(Rates dependant on cabin class and departure date)
Day 1: Dunedin
Arrive at the City of Dunedin and the Port of Otago. We have chosen
this southern port of New Zealand to depart on the Centennial
Expedition because it was from here that the Terra Nova departed
for Antarctica on 29th November 1910. The highlight of the evening
will the Centennial Expedition Dinner with guest speakers and
invited members of the public.
Day 2: Port of Dunedin
After breakfast, board a coach to transfer to Dunedin’s Port of
Otago where the Spirit of Enderby awaits. Settle into your cabin,
then join expedition staff for an orientation to the vessel.
Day 3: Snares Islands
North East Island is the largest of the Snares, the first group of
Sub-Antarctic Islands that we visit. This one island is home to more
nesting seabirds than in all of the British Isles. We arrive early in
the morning, and as landings are not permitted we will cruise along
the sheltered eastern side by Zodiac. Snares Crested Penguins
are plentiful around the coast, as are the Cape Petrel and Buller’s
Albatross that nest here later in the season. Cruising in the sheltered
bays, we should see the endemic Tomtit and Fernbird. And since
an estimated 60 million Antarctic Terns, White-fronted Terns and
Red-billed Gulls nest among the Snares, we are quite likely to spot a
few. Mottled Petrel, Diving Petrel and Broad-billed Prion are all also
in the vicinity.
Days 4 – 5: Auckland Islands
The Auckland Islands, one of the largest of the Subantarctic
groups of islands, have a most colourful history of discovery and
attempted settlement. During our stay we will visit Carnley Harbour
and spend a day ashore on Enderby Island. Forested by gnarled
and windswept Rata, Enderby is perhaps the most beautiful of all
the Sub-Antarctic islands. It has a low plateau of scrubland and
cushion bog. We will enjoy the extensive Bulbinella rossii fields, the
regenerating patches of Anisotome latifolia and the red and white
gentians. The island enjoys a much milder climate than most Sub-
Antarctic Islands because of its location. It is also home to the rare
Hooker’s Sea Lion, which breed each year on the beach at Sandy
Bay.
In the forest behind the beach we find Bellbirds, Red-crowned
Parakeets and the friendly Tomtits. Yellow-eyed Penguins also
nest in the forest and under the tangled divaricated shrub Myrsine
divaricata. You can see them as they travel backwards and forwards
across the beach to their nests, especially in the evenings. On the
more open country beyond the Rata forest we find nesting Royal
Albatross and the endemic Auckland Island Dotterel. There is also
a good chance of seeing the endemic flightless Teal at Derrycastle
Reef as we explore this island.
In Carnley Harbour, energetic adventurers can climb up to the
Southwest Cape Shy Mollymawk or Albatross Colony. It is a
reasonably difficult scramble, but worth the effort. The views are
spectacular and the colony provides great photo opportunities, as
do the Wandering Albatross sometimes seen nesting in the tussock
beyond the Mollymawk colony. For those who don’t make the climb,
there will be a Zodiac excursion to explore parts of this magnificent
harbour. We depart the Auckland Islands mid-afternoon and head
southwest towards Macquarie Island
Day 6: At sea
At sea, learn more about the biology and history of the Subantarctic
Islands and the Southern Ocean through a series of lectures
supported by videos. The Subantarctic Convergence Zone is
traditionally very close to the area through which we sail, so we
should expect the birdlife to reflect this as we approach Macquarie
Island. We will be at sea all day, so it is another opportunity to spot
pelagic species including the Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross,
Shy (White-capped) Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Greyheaded
Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, White-chinned Petrel,
Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Cape Petrel, Diving Petrel,
Grey-backed and Black-bellied Storm Petrels.
Days 7 – 8: Macquarie Island
Macquarie Island, Australia’s prized Subantarctic possession, is a
small but impressive sliver of land supporting one of the highest
concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere. Millions
of penguins of four different species - King, Rockhopper, Gentoo
and the endemic Royal – breed here. We plan to spend two days
observing the best wildlife areas on the Island and visiting the
Australian scientific base where Tasmanian Park Rangers will take
us on a tour of the station and nearby areas.
The King Penguin rookery at Lusitania Bay is spectacular. A
welcoming committee will likely porpoise around our Zodiacs as a
quarter of a million King Penguins stand at attention on shore. In
the centre of the rookery, rusting condensers are grim reminders of
a time when scores of penguins were slaughtered for their oil. Now
their offspring have reclaimed this territory. At Sandy Bay, a Royal
Penguin rookery teems with feisty little birds trotting back and forth,
golden head plumes bobbing as they march to and from the shore.
All 3 million of the world’s Royal Penguins breed on Macquarie
Island.
Large groups of Elephant Seals slumber on the sandy beaches and
in the tussock grass further inland. These giant, blubbery creatures
barely acknowledge our presence, lying in groups of intertwined
bodies, undergoing their annual moult. Younger bulls spar in the
shallow water, preparing for their mature years when they will
look after their own harems. Other wildlife includes Fur Seals, four
species of nesting Albatross – Wandering, Black-browed, Greyheaded
and Light-mantled Sooty – as well as many other species of
bird. Macquarie Island is the single richest concentration of wildlife
on our voyage, so we will aim to fit in as much as possible.
Days 9 – 12: At sea
Soaring Albatrosses and Petrels circle the vessel as we steam ever
southward through the Southern Ocean. Lectures now concentrate
on our next destination – the Antarctic’s Ross Sea region. We
will pay attention to water temperatures so that we know when
we cross the Antarctic Convergence into the cold but extremely
productive Antarctic waters. Drifting icebergs carry vivid colours and
come in extraordinary shapes. Each is a unique, natural sculpture.
The Captain will manoeuvre the ship in close for your first ice
photography and announce a special celebration as we pass the
Antarctic Circle and into Antarctica’s realm of 24-hour daylight!
Days 13 – 21: Antarctica’s Ross Sea region
During our time in the Ross Sea region, we will visit the highlights of
Antarctica’s most historic region. Due to the unpredictable nature of
ice and weather conditions, a day-by-day itinerary is not possible.
The Captain and Expedition Leader will assess daily conditions
Days 22 – 26: At sea
Enroute to Campbell Island, take part in a series of lectures
designed to prepare you for our visit to Campbell Island. Pelagic
species abound here as they did enroute to Macquarie Island from
the Auckland Islands. Above all, take the time to rest and enjoy
shipboard life after the excitement of the Antarctic.
Day 27 – 28: Campbell Island
Campbell Island is a place of rugged scenery, unique flora and
abundant wildlife. At Perseverance Harbour, we will find a nowabandoned
New Zealand meteorological station as well as
Campbell Island Shags, penguins, Fur Seals and rare Hooker’s
Sea Lions. The highlight of our visit is a walk to the hilltop breeding
sites of Southern Royal Albatross, over six thousand pairs of which
breed on Campbell Island. These magnificent birds, close relations
to and the same size as the Wandering Albatross, have the largest
wingspan in the world and are very approachable, making superb
photographic subjects. The wildflowers should also be in full flower:
they have made a dramatic recovery since the removal of sheep.
Day 29 : At sea
Relax and reflect on what will have been an amazing experience.
Enroute to Bluff, lecturers will take the opportunity to recap the
highlights of the Expedition. We will enjoy a farewell dinner tonight
as we sail the last few miles of our journey.
Day 30: Invercargill
After breakfast and customs formalities we will disembark at the
Port of Bluff, Invercargill. We will then transfer you by coach to
central Invercargill hotels or to the Invercargill Airport. (Please make
bookings for travel out of Christchurch after midday)
Day 1: Dunedin
Arrive at the City of Dunedin and the Port of Otago. We have chosen
this southern port of New Zealand to depart on the Centennial
Expedition because it was from here that the Terra Nova departed
for Antarctica on 29th November 1910. The highlight of the evening
will the Centennial Expedition Dinner with guest speakers and
invited members of the public.
Day 2: Port of Dunedin
After breakfast, board a coach to transfer to Dunedin’s Port of
Otago where the Spirit of Enderby awaits. Settle into your cabin,
then join expedition staff for an orientation to the vessel.
Day 3: Snares Islands
North East Island is the largest of the Snares, the first group of
Sub-Antarctic Islands that we visit. This one island is home to more
nesting seabirds than in all of the British Isles. We arrive early in
the morning, and as landings are not permitted we will cruise along
the sheltered eastern side by Zodiac. Snares Crested Penguins
are plentiful around the coast, as are the Cape Petrel and Buller’s
Albatross that nest here later in the season. Cruising in the sheltered
bays, we should see the endemic Tomtit and Fernbird. And since
an estimated 60 million Antarctic Terns, White-fronted Terns and
Red-billed Gulls nest among the Snares, we are quite likely to spot a
few. Mottled Petrel, Diving Petrel and Broad-billed Prion are all also
in the vicinity.
Days 4 – 5: Auckland Islands
The Auckland Islands, one of the largest of the Subantarctic
groups of islands, have a most colourful history of discovery and
attempted settlement. During our stay we will visit Carnley Harbour
and spend a day ashore on Enderby Island. Forested by gnarled
and windswept Rata, Enderby is perhaps the most beautiful of all
the Sub-Antarctic islands. It has a low plateau of scrubland and
cushion bog. We will enjoy the extensive Bulbinella rossii fields, the
regenerating patches of Anisotome latifolia and the red and white
gentians. The island enjoys a much milder climate than most Sub-
Antarctic Islands because of its location. It is also home to the rare
Hooker’s Sea Lion, which breed each year on the beach at Sandy
Bay.
In the forest behind the beach we find Bellbirds, Red-crowned
Parakeets and the friendly Tomtits. Yellow-eyed Penguins also
nest in the forest and under the tangled divaricated shrub Myrsine
divaricata. You can see them as they travel backwards and forwards
across the beach to their nests, especially in the evenings. On the
more open country beyond the Rata forest we find nesting Royal
Albatross and the endemic Auckland Island Dotterel. There is also
a good chance of seeing the endemic flightless Teal at Derrycastle
Reef as we explore this island.
In Carnley Harbour, energetic adventurers can climb up to the
Southwest Cape Shy Mollymawk or Albatross Colony. It is a
reasonably difficult scramble, but worth the effort. The views are
spectacular and the colony provides great photo opportunities, as
do the Wandering Albatross sometimes seen nesting in the tussock
beyond the Mollymawk colony. For those who don’t make the climb,
there will be a Zodiac excursion to explore parts of this magnificent
harbour. We depart the Auckland Islands mid-afternoon and head
southwest towards Macquarie Island
Day 6: At sea
At sea, learn more about the biology and history of the Subantarctic
Islands and the Southern Ocean through a series of lectures
supported by videos. The Subantarctic Convergence Zone is
traditionally very close to the area through which we sail, so we
should expect the birdlife to reflect this as we approach Macquarie
Island. We will be at sea all day, so it is another opportunity to spot
pelagic species including the Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross,
Shy (White-capped) Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Greyheaded
Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, White-chinned Petrel,
Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Cape Petrel, Diving Petrel,
Grey-backed and Black-bellied Storm Petrels.
Days 7 – 8: Macquarie Island
Macquarie Island, Australia’s prized Subantarctic possession, is a
small but impressive sliver of land supporting one of the highest
concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere. Millions
of penguins of four different species - King, Rockhopper, Gentoo
and the endemic Royal – breed here. We plan to spend two days
observing the best wildlife areas on the Island and visiting the
Australian scientific base where Tasmanian Park Rangers will take
us on a tour of the station and nearby areas.
The King Penguin rookery at Lusitania Bay is spectacular. A
welcoming committee will likely porpoise around our Zodiacs as a
quarter of a million King Penguins stand at attention on shore. In
the centre of the rookery, rusting condensers are grim reminders of
a time when scores of penguins were slaughtered for their oil. Now
their offspring have reclaimed this territory. At Sandy Bay, a Royal
Penguin rookery teems with feisty little birds trotting back and forth,
golden head plumes bobbing as they march to and from the shore.
All 3 million of the world’s Royal Penguins breed on Macquarie
Island.
Large groups of Elephant Seals slumber on the sandy beaches and
in the tussock grass further inland. These giant, blubbery creatures
barely acknowledge our presence, lying in groups of intertwined
bodies, undergoing their annual moult. Younger bulls spar in the
shallow water, preparing for their mature years when they will
look after their own harems. Other wildlife includes Fur Seals, four
species of nesting Albatross – Wandering, Black-browed, Greyheaded
and Light-mantled Sooty – as well as many other species of
bird. Macquarie Island is the single richest concentration of wildlife
on our voyage, so we will aim to fit in as much as possible.
Days 9 – 12: At sea
Soaring Albatrosses and Petrels circle the vessel as we steam ever
southward through the Southern Ocean. Lectures now concentrate
on our next destination – the Antarctic’s Ross Sea region. We
will pay attention to water temperatures so that we know when
we cross the Antarctic Convergence into the cold but extremely
productive Antarctic waters. Drifting icebergs carry vivid colours and
come in extraordinary shapes. Each is a unique, natural sculpture.
The Captain will manoeuvre the ship in close for your first ice
photography and announce a special celebration as we pass the
Antarctic Circle and into Antarctica’s realm of 24-hour daylight!
Days 13 – 21: Antarctica’s Ross Sea region
During our time in the Ross Sea region, we will visit the highlights of
Antarctica’s most historic region. Due to the unpredictable nature of
ice and weather conditions, a day-by-day itinerary is not possible.
The Captain and Expedition Leader will assess daily conditions
Days 22 – 26: At sea
Enroute to Campbell Island, take part in a series of lectures
designed to prepare you for our visit to Campbell Island. Pelagic
species abound here as they did enroute to Macquarie Island from
the Auckland Islands. Above all, take the time to rest and enjoy
shipboard life after the excitement of the Antarctic.
Day 27 – 28: Campbell Island
Campbell Island is a place of rugged scenery, unique flora and
abundant wildlife. At Perseverance Harbour, we will find a nowabandoned
New Zealand meteorological station as well as
Campbell Island Shags, penguins, Fur Seals and rare Hooker’s
Sea Lions. The highlight of our visit is a walk to the hilltop breeding
sites of Southern Royal Albatross, over six thousand pairs of which
breed on Campbell Island. These magnificent birds, close relations
to and the same size as the Wandering Albatross, have the largest
wingspan in the world and are very approachable, making superb
photographic subjects. The wildflowers should also be in full flower:
they have made a dramatic recovery since the removal of sheep.
Day 29 : At sea
Relax and reflect on what will have been an amazing experience.
Enroute to Bluff, lecturers will take the opportunity to recap the
highlights of the Expedition. We will enjoy a farewell dinner tonight
as we sail the last few miles of our journey.
Day 30: Invercargill
After breakfast and customs formalities we will disembark at the
Port of Bluff, Invercargill. We will then transfer you by coach to
central Invercargill hotels or to the Invercargill Airport. (Please make
bookings for travel out of Christchurch after midday)
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