Ross Ice Shelf and Cape Adare, Emperor Penguins, Shackleton and Scott's Hut, Macquarie Island and Campbell Island.
Description
The ultimate Antarctic voyage, this expedition includes the Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand, as well as Macquarie Island, McMurdo Sound, and the Ross Ice Shelf. You will spend 10 days in the Ross Sea, with plenty of time ashore to soak up the scenery, wildlife-including the famed Emperor Penguin - and the history. Explore the seldom visited Possession Islands and Ross Island, and examine the eerily preserved artifacts of Scott's Discovery hut. Please note, the January departures will likely encounter quite a bit more ice, giving greater opportunity for spotting Emperor Penguins; whereas less sea ice in February will allow greater chance of visiting the historical huts.
Itinerary
Day 1: Invercargill
Travel to the city of Invercargill, New Zealand's most hospitable cities. On arrival, please transfer to the Kelvin Hotel (dinner, bed, and breakfast are included). During dinner at the hotel tonight, you will meet other expedition members.
Day 2: Port of Bluff / Embark
Enjoy a visit to the museum to view the Sub Antarctic display before transferring to the Port of Bluff, where you will board your ship. Settle into your cabin and join your Expedition Staff and the Captain for a welcome on board.
Day 3: Snares - North East Island
The Snares is the first of the Sub Antarctic Islands that you will be visiting. It is an amazing island rich with seabirds around coast. You will arrive early morning; landings are not permitted so you will zodiac to the sheltered eastern side. The birds you'll be seeing while cruising the sheltered bays: Snares Crested Penguins, Tomtits, Fernbirds, Cape Pigeons, Antarctic Terns, White-fronted Terns and Red-billed Gulls. There is an estimated 6 million Sooty Shearwaters nesting on the Snares Islands. Bullers Albatross breed here from early January onwards.
Days 4-5: Auckland Islands
The Auckland Islands is one of the largest Sub Antarctic Islands. During your stay, you will visit Carnley Harbour and spend a day ashore on beautiful Enderby Island. Forested by gnarled and windswept rata, it has a low plateau of scrubland and cushion bog, and is home to the rare Hookers sea lion. In the forest behind the beach you find Bellbirds, Red-crowned parakeets and the friendly Tomtits. Beyond the Rata forest you will find Royal albatross nesting and the endemic Auckland Island dotterel. There is a good chance that you will see the endemic Flightless Teal at Derrycastle Reef. In Carnley Harbor if conditions are suitable, you have the opportunity to climb up to the SW Cape Shy Mollymawk or Albatross Colony, which provide spectacular views for great photo opportunities. For those who don't climb, there will be a zodiac excursion to explore parts of this magnificent harbor.
Day 6: At Sea
At sea you will have a series of lectures of the biology and history of the Sub Antarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean. The closer you get to Macquarie Island, the more abundant the birds will become. You will be at sea all day, another opportunity to see pelagic species, including Wandering Albatross Species, Royal Albatross, Shy and White-capped Albatross, and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, among others.
Days 7-8: Macquarie Island
Macquarie Island, Australia's prized Sub Antarctic 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. Spend about two days observing the best wildlife areas on the island and visit the Australian scientific base. The King penguin rookery at Lusitania Bay is spectacular. Porpoises surround the zodiacs as a quarter of a million King penguins stand at attention on shore. Large groups of Elephant seals slumber on the sandy beaches and in the tussock grass further inland. Other wildlife includes Fur seals, four species of nesting albatross - Wandering, Black browed, Grey headed and Light mantled sooty, among other birds. Macquarie Island is certainly the richest wildlife area on your voyage -- a superb experience!
Days 9-12: At Sea
Soaring Albatrosses and Petrels circle the vessel as you move through the Southern Ocean. Your lecture program will continue. Drifting icebergs are sighted, which are unique examples of natural sculpture. The captain will maneuver the ship close in for your first ice photography. There will be special celebrations as you pass the Antarctic Circle and into Antarctica's realm of 24-hour daylight!
Day 13 -22 - Antarctica's Ross Sea Region:
Due to the unpredictable nature of ice and weather conditions, a day-by-day itinerary in the Ross Sea is not possible, but you take advantage of every opportunity to make landings. Your program emphasizes wildlife viewing, key scientific bases and historic sites, as well as the spectacular scenery.
Day 23-26 - At Sea
Taking time to rest and enjoy shipboard life in the bar or library after the excitement and long daylight hours of the Antarctic, enjoy time for lectures on your final destination and for some pelagic bird spotting.
Day 27-28 - Campbell Island
You arrive at Campbell Island, a place of rugged scenery, unique flora and abundant wildlife. At Perseverance Harbour, an occasional refuge for Southern Right Whales who come here to calve, there is a now abandoned New Zealand meteorological station. The highlight of your visit is a walk to the hilltop breeding sites of Royal albatross. These magnificent birds have the largest wingspan in the world and are very approachable, making superb photographic subjects. The wildflowers, which have made a dramatic recovery since the removal of sheep, should also be in full flower.
Day 29 - At Sea
Relax and reflect on a remarkable journey, join your experts for a recap of highlights and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.
Day 30: Invercargill - New Zealand
We disembark in the Port of Bluff and this adventure ends as we disperse to begin others. After fond farewells we transfer you to a central city point or to the airport.
To know more about the tour visit:https://www.coolantarctica.com/Travel/Trip_details/antarctica_cruise_11.php