Isolated, windswept, beautiful and fragile, New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands are unique and irreplaceable, a privileged visit. Described by the United Nations Environment Program as “The most diverse and extensive of all sub-Antarctic archipelagos”, all five island groups - the Bounty Islands, the Antipodes Islands, the Snares Islands, the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island - were honoured with World Heritage status in 1998. These locations are a birders and photographers paradise.The New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands are blessed with the most significant populations of many species, such as the Southern Royal Albatross, the Yellow-Eyed Penguin and the New Zealand Sea Lion. They are particularly notable for the large number and variety of pelagic seabirds and penguins that nest there. There are 126 bird species in total, including 40 seabirds, five of which breed nowhere else in the world. The five island groups that make up the sub-Antarctic islands are located in the Southern Ocean, south to south-east of New Zealand. Spanning six degrees of latitude, from 47 to 52 degrees south, the five island groups occupy the stormy latitudes of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties, known also as the Albatross Latitudes. Much like Orion’s Antarctic explorations, itineraries, landings and access to these areas will be influenced by permits and prevailing weather conditions.
Protected by the Southern Ocean, secluded and seldom visited, the Australian and New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands, recognised by UNESCO as one of the worlds’ precious regions of unique biodiversity, will be visited by Orion.
These remote Nature Reserves enjoy World Heritage status, recognised for their volcanic and glacial geological formations and extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna - much of which is endangered or recovering since being discovered and later plundered in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s by sealers and whalers.
Home to over half of the world’s seabirds, some of which exist nowhere else, this wildlife paradise contains 40% of the world’s albatross species and 50% of the world’s penguin species including the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, plus hundreds of thousands of other endemic birds - petrels, prions and cormorants.
At Snares Island there is every expectation that guests will see Sooty Shearwaters, the endemic Snares Crested Penguins, Snares Fernbird and Tomtits. On Enderby Island expect to see pipits, parakeets and plovers, Hooker’s Sea Lions, and perhaps even the Auckland Island Flightless Teal and Sub-Antarctic Snipe. Campbell Island, home to the Southern Royal Albatrosses, has the highest diversity of breeding albatrosses of any island in the world.
And then there are plant species that have to be seen to be believed, including 5 meter high tree daisies on Snares, giants compared to their relatives in more temperate climates. With convenient embarkation in Bluff (Invercargill, NZ) or Hobart, Orion will head south to visit (depending on voyage) Macquarie, Campbell, Stewart, Snares and Auckland Islands as well as spending time exploring New Zealand’s beautiful Fiordlands (including Milford and Doubtful Sounds).
Christmas in Fiordland 2010 Departure - December 21 World Heritage listed Fiordland is considered one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. From the natural beauty of Milford Sound to the spectacular Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, you will experience the best that this sought after destination has to offer. This 7 night voyage offers spectacular cruising though pristine wilderness in the very heart of Fiordland National Park, the largest in New Zealand and one of the largest in the world.
New Zealand Expedition Sampler 2011 Departure - February 25 Take a weekend break onboard Orion to the historic township of Russell, a peacefull retreat with old world charm. We will also spend time out in the islands themselves anchored in Te Rawhiti Inlet for beach and water activities. Embarking and disembarking Auckland, this is the perfect way to sample New Zealand and Orion.
Adventures of Lord Howe & Aotearoa 2011 Departure – September 26 This 11 night voyage features a myriad of islands, beautiful bays and beaches, remnant and active volcanoes, exquisite wine country, calm harbours and exploration in vibrant Auckland. Explore onboard Orion from Brisbane visiting World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid, the stunning Bay of Islands, White Island and Marlborough Sounds enroute to Wellington.
Exploration of the Antipodes - Voyage of Discovery 2011 Departure - October 24 The Antipodes Subantarctic Islands tundra is a tundra ecoregion that includes five island groups in the Southern Ocean: the Bounty Islands, Auckland Islands, Antipodes Islands and Campbell Island groups of New Zealand, and Macquarie Island of Australia.
The islands comprising this ecoregion share a long history of isolation, both from other landmasses and each other. The isolation, combined with harsh climates characterised by low temperatures, strong winds and few hours of sunlight in winter, have resulted in the evolution of many endemic plants and animals.
This expedition to the Sub-Antarctic islands is designed for nature lovers and photographers alike. The remnants of the old whaling station on Macquarie Island, the high cliffs and numerous caves and arches formed by marine erosion on Campbell Island present dramatic contrast to the prolific bird life, penguins, seals, sea lions and flora in this remote sanctuary.
