Antarctica

Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: Subantarctic Islands

8 Days aboard Heritage Adventurer. From AUD $8,400pp.
Details

Overview

You won't find them mentioned in a travel brochure on your high street; you won't find them in most guidebooks, you probably don't know anyone that has ever been there and they don't even appear on some maps of New Zealand's South Pacific - these are the ‘forgotten islands'.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Enjoy plenty of opportunities for photo-taking, surrounded by beautiful scenery
  • Meeting with wildlife and an arrange of species, flora and fauna
  • Many mini excursions to be undertaken during the expedition
  • Explore on foot to the nesting site of the Southern Royal Albatross

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Queenstown
  • Day 2: Port of Bluff
  • Day 3: At Sea
  • Day 4: Campbell Island
  • Day 5: Auckland Islands – Carnley Harbour
  • Day 6: Auckland Islands - Enderby Island
  • Day 7: The Snares - North East Island
  • Day 8: Stewart Island/Invercargill/Queenstown

Travelling with Eclipse

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Day 1: Queenstown

Guests should make their way to the designated hotel where we will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening there will be an informal get-together at the hotel for dinner; an excellent opportunity to meet fellow adventurers on your voyage and some of our expedition team.

Dinner included.

Day 2: Port of Bluff

Today we enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant and have the morning free to explore Queenstown before returning to the hotel for lunch and departing for the Port of Bluff to embark your ship. You will have time to settle into your cabin and familarise yourself with the ship; we will also take the opportunity to conduct a number of safety briefings. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as we set our course to Campbell Island and our adventure begins. We will sail past Ruapuke Island, formerly a local Maori stronghold supporting a population of over 200 people. We will also be able to see Stewart Island. Despite appearing quite small on most maps it is really quite large and has a 700 kilometre coastline. Seabirds that we may encounter at this early point in the voyage include: albatross, petrels, cormorants, gulls and Little Blue Penguins.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: At Sea

As we make our way through the Southern Ocean we take the opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna as we prepare for our arrival at Campbell 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, Campbell Island Albatross, Northern and Southern Giant Petrel, Sooty Shearwater and Little Shearwater. There should be plenty of petrels and again the hard to identify prion species. We can expect some of the best pelagic birding on this leg of the journey from Bluff to Campbell Island with great views during the crossing.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Campbell Island

We have a full day to explore Campbell Island, New Zealand’s southernmost Subantarctic territory. Its history is as rich and varied as the other islands we visit. Discovered in 1810, it was soon occupied by sealers who introduced rats and cats. Farming followed from 1895 to 1934 when it was abandoned. Coastwatchers were stationed on the island during the war and at the end of the war the station was taken over by the New Zealand Metrological service. They maintained a manned weather/ research station there until 1995. In the early 1970s the removal of farm animals commenced and all were eventually removed by 1990. The vegetation recovered quickly and the cats died out naturally. In a very ambitious (and never before attempted on such a large scale) eradication programme the New Zealand Department of Conservation successfully removed the rats. With the island declared predator free, the way was clear to reintroduce the endangered Campbell Island Flightless Teal, which had been rediscovered on an offshore island in 1975. Snipe, which were formerly unknown from the island but were discovered on another offshore island, recolonised the islands themselves. The vegetation which the great English botanist Sir Joseph Hooker described in 1841 as having a “Flora display second to none outside the tropics” is flourishing and is nothing short of spectacular. We will offer a number of options which will enable you to explore the island including an extended walk to Northwest Bay. There will also be an easier walk to the Col Lyall Saddle. All of these options will allow you the opportunity and time to enjoy the Southern Royal Albatross which nest here in large numbers. We also visit areas of the island which contain outstanding examples of the megaherbs for which the island is renowned.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Auckland Islands - Carnley Harbour

In the south of the archipelago there is a very large sheltered harbour rich in human history including shipwrecks, treasure hunters, Coastwatchers and, of course, scientific parties. We plan to arrive mid-morning entering the harbour through the eastern entrance which is guarded on both sides by dramatic cliffs and climb there will be an opportunity to Zodiac cruise along the coast of Adams Island, Western Harbour and Victoria Passage. Other options include the Tagua Bay Coastwatcher’s hut and lookout which was occupied during the Second World War. We could visit Epigwatt and the remains of the ‘Grafton’ which was wrecked here in 1864. All five men aboard survived and lived here for 18 months before sailing their modified dinghy to New Zealand to get help. Two of the survivors wrote books about their ordeal, their first-hand accounts tell us a lot about their time here. Later this evening we will sail up the eastern coast, making our way to Port Ross in preparation for our landing at Enderby Island.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6: Auckland Islands - Enderby Island

The Auckland Islands group was formed by two volcanoes which erupted some 10-25 million years ago. They have subsequently been eroded and dissected by glaciation creating the archipelago as we know it today. Enderby Island is one of the most beautiful islands in this group. This northern most island in the archipelago is an outstanding wildlife and birding location and is relatively easy to land on and walk around. The island was cleared of all introduced animals (pests) in 1994 and both birds and the vegetation, especially the herbaceous plants, are recovering both in numbers and diversity. Our plan is to land at Sandy Bay, one of three breeding areas in the Auckland Islands for the Hooker’s or New Zealand Sea Lion, a rare member of the seal family. Beachmaster bulls gather on the beach, defending their harems from younger (ambitious) males, to mate with the cows shortly after they have given birth to a single pup. Hooker’s or New Zealand Sea Lion numbers are in a slow decline, for reasons which are not obvious but most probably connected with a nearby squid fishery. During our day ashore there will be several options, some longer walks, some shorter walks and time to spend just sitting and enjoying the wildlife. The walking is relatively easy. A boardwalk traverses the island to the dramatic western cliffs, from there we follow the coast and circumnavigate the island. Birds that we are likely to encounter include the following species: Southern Royal Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Auckland Island Shag, Auckland Island Flightless Teal, Auckland Island Banded Dotterel, Auckland Island Tomtit, Bellbird, Pipit, Red-crowned Parakeet, Yellow-eyed Penguin and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross. There is also a very good chance of seeing the Subantarctic Snipe. Other more common species we will see include the Goldfinch, Song Thrush, Blackbird, European Starling, Red-billed Gull and Redpoll. On Derry Castle Reef we will look for migratory waders which could include Bar-tailed Godwit, Turnstone and possibly vagrants.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: The Snares - North East Island

The closest Subantarctic Islands to New Zealand, they were appropriately called The Snares as they were once considered a hazard for sailing ships. Comprising of two main islands and a group of five islands called the Western Chain; they are uninhabited and enjoy the highest protection as Nature Reserves. It is claimed by some that these islands are home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles together. We plan to arrive in the morning, and as landings are not permitted, we will Zodiac cruise along the sheltered eastern side of the main island if the weather and sea conditions are suitable. In the sheltered bays, we should see the endemic Snares Crested Penguin, Snares Island Tomtit and Fernbirds. There are hundreds of thousands of Sooty Shearwaters nesting on The Snares; the actual number is much debated. Buller’s Albatross breed here from early January onwards. There will be opportunities to view the forests of large tree daisy Olearia lyallii which forms a canopy over much of the island group. Tonight we enjoy a farewell and celebratory dinner with newfound friends with time to reflect on a wealth of new experiences and recap on what amazing wildlife, plant life, landscapes and history we have enjoyed.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8: Stewart Island/Invercargill/Queenstown

Spend the morning exploring Stewart and Ulva Islands. Rich in history and wildlife, Ulva Island has been predator-free since 1997 and its bird song and wildlife is some of the best in New Zealand. Say your farewells be transferred to either Invercargill or Queenstown Airport. In case of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any onward travel from Invercargill before 3pm or before 6pm from Queenstown.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 21 Dec 2025
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
21 Dec 2025 - 28 Dec 2025 AUD$8400ppExpand to view prices
Main Deck TripleAUD$8400ppContact us
Superior TripleAUD$9250ppContact us
Deck 4 SuperiorAUD$9995ppContact us
Deck 5 SuperiorAUD$10750ppContact us
Main Deck SingleAUD$12450ppContact us
Worsley SuiteAUD$12850ppContact us
Superior SingleAUD$12850ppContact us
Heritage SuiteAUD$20000ppContact us

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Main Deck Triple

Located on deck 3
22m-squared
Two porthole windows
Two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system

Main Deck Triple
Main Deck Triple
Superior Triple

Located on deck 5
22m-squared
Large panoramic windows
Two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system

Superior Triple
Superior Triple
Deck 4 Superior

Located on deck 4
Spacious 22m-squared
Large panoramic windows
King or two single beds
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system

Deck 4 Superior
Deck 4 Superior
Deck 5 Superior

Located on deck 5
Spacious 22m-squared
Large panoramic windows
King or two single beds
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system

Deck 5 Superior
Deck 5 Superior
Main Deck Single

Located on deck 3
Spacious 22m-squared
Two porthole windows
King bed
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system

Main Deck Single
Main Deck Single
Superior Single

Located on deck 5
Spacious 22m-squared
Large panoramic windows
King bed
Comfortable lounge
Writing desk
Private en-suite bathroom with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system

Superior Single
Superior Single
Worsley Suite

Located on deck 6
Spacious 22m-squared
Large panoramic windows
King or two single beds
Comfortable chaise-style lounge suite
Writing desk
Private en-suite with shower
Ample storage
Flat screen entertainment system

Worsley Suite
Worsley Suite
Heritage Suite

Located on deck 6
Expansive 44m-squared
Large double panoramic windows
King bed
Large living are with sofa
Coffee table and chairs
Grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower
Large writing desk
Floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage
Flat screen entertainment system

Heritage Suite
Heritage Suite

Heritage Adventurer Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Year built: 1991
  • Shipyard: Rauma, Finland
  • Classification: Lloyds 1AS, GL E4
  • Accommodation: 140 guests
  • Length: 124 metres
  • Beam: 18 metres
  • Draft: 4.97 metres
  • Gross tonnage: 8378gt
  • Engines: 3940 horsepower (x2)
  • Maximum speed: 15 knots
  • Cruising speed: 12 knots
  • Range: 8600 nautical miles
  • Zodiacs: 14

Whats included?

  • Pre/post cruise transfers
  • One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)
  • All on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • All expedition shore excursions
  • Programme of lectures by noted naturalists

What’s not included?

  • Kayaking
  • All items of a personal nature
  • Laundry
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • International/domestic flights
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance

Notes

Note: 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.

Price Assurance

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Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.

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Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: Subantarctic Islands

8 Days aboard Heritage Adventurer. From AUD $8,400pp.