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Observe beautiful fur seals

Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand

Example 16 Day Cruise aboard Caledonian Sky
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Visit the sub-Antarctic islands of Macquarie, Campbell, Auckland, and The Snares on the Caledonian Sky, among a small, exclusive number of operators that hold permits to travel to these far-flung isles. Observe several albatross species—wandering, black-browed, gray-headed, light-mantled sooty, and northern and southern royal—as well as colonies of king, royal, rockhopper, and gentoo penguins. Search the elfin forests for handsome yellow-eyed penguins, melodious bellbirds, diminutive tomtits, and colorful red-crowned parakeets. Cruise through Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful sounds, a supremely scenic land of soaring cliffs and plunging waterfalls. Step ashore on Ulva Island to view the South Island robin, South Island saddleback, yellowhead, and weka, a flightless rail.
A beautiful view of Milford Sound.A group fo people enjoying a fire on the coast of New Zealand.Windblown trees and sheepObserve beautiful fur seals
Highlights
  • Visit the islands of Macquarie, Campbell, Auckland and The Snares
  • Observe several albatross species
  • Search the elfin forests for yellow-eyed penguins, bellbirds and many more
  • Cruise through Milford a supremely scenic land of cliffs and waterfalls.
  • Step ashore on Ulva Island to view lush rainforest and diverse species
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Dunedin, New Zealand

  • 1 Dinner
Arrive in Dunedin and transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Dunedin | Embark Caledonian Sky

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, choose one of two local discovery options: Take a drive to Taiaroa Head to visit the world-famous northern royal albatross colony; then, observe and photograph yellow-eyed penguins at close range. Or, enjoy a scenic train ride on the Taieri Gorge Railway, then join a local historian for a walk through the heart of enchanting Dunedin, viewing the distinct Edwardian and Victorian architectural styles of First Church and St. Paul Cathedral. Board the Caledonian Sky this afternoon.

Day 3: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Join naturalists for lectures and on deck to look for royal, shy, and Buller’s albatross, plus a host of southern ocean petrels as we cruise to Enderby Island.

Day 4: Enderby, Auckland Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today nature walks lead you through lush vegetation and rata forests to visit nesting southern royal albatross. Station yourself near a beach covered with Hooker’s sea lions to watch yellow-eyed penguins, one of the rarest penguins in the world, as they return to their nesting sites. In the elfin forest, search for bellbirds, tomtits, and red-crowned parakeets.

Day 5: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The lecture series continues with recaps on Enderby and briefings on our next sub-Antarctic landings.

Day 6-7: Macquarie Island, Australia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend two days exploring Macquarie Island. Though tides and weather will determine our landings, we hope to visit a king penguin colony as well as colonies of royal and gentoo penguins. A variety of birds, as well as elephant and fur seals, can be found set against a background of mountains and tussock-covered headlands. Several species of albatross breed here, as well as Macquarie Island cormorants, and northern and southern giant petrels.

Day 8: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend a relaxing and educational day at sea as our lecture series continues.

Day 9: Campbell Island, New Zealand

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Campbell Island is home to a multitude of seabirds, marine mammals, and unique sub-Antarctic megaherbs. Photographic opportunities include frame-filling encounters with southern royal albatross, as well as Hooker’s sea lions. Birders search for the endemic Campbell teal and Campbell snipe; both species were previously believed to be extinct.

Day 10: The Snares Islands

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Board Zodiacs for a cruise around The Snares Islands. This nature reserve is home to millions of breeding sooty shearwaters, as well as Buller’s albatross, Cape petrels, and endemic Snares crested penguins.

Day 11: Stewart Island | Ulva Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Peaceful Stewart Island is home to fewer than 500 inhabitants. Explore the coastline before anchoring near Oban. Local guides lend insight into the island’s unique environment and Maori history. Nearby Ulva Island is a predator-free sanctuary with lush temperate rainforest. It is a wonderful place to view the South Island robin, South Island saddleback, yellowhead, and the curious weka, a flightless rail.

Day 12: Dusky & Breaksea Sounds, Fiordland National Park

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today is devoted to Fiordland National Park, a nearly uninhabited wilderness with breathtakingly beautiful fjords filled with wildlife. Part of Te Wahipounamu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fiordland National Park is famed for spectacular glacier-carved waterways and unique flora and fauna. In Dusky Sound explore by Zodiacs to discover rainforest luxuriant with tree ferns, mosses, and lichens and visit Astronomer’s Point, the site of a temporary observatory established during Captain Cook’s 1773 voyage. The forests and waterways are home to many birds—bellbirds, tuis, fantails, and the kereru, a large native wood pigeon.

Day 13: Doubtful Sound

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Keep your binoculars ready as the ship slowly cruises Doubtful Sound, inspecting the coves where rare Fiordland crested penguins are sometimes found.

Day 14: Milford Sound | Disembark | Queenstown

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Be on deck this morning to watch the panorama of Milford’s sheer cliff faces, which rise thousands of feet almost vertically from the water’s edge, as well as the crashing waters of Bowen and Stirling Falls and the stunning mile-high Mitre Peak. Disembark for a short drive to the picturesque town of Te Anau for lunch. Continue to Queenstown, with dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 15: Queenstown

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today choose one of two excursion options, designed to highlight Queenstown’s natural and cultural attributes. Journey through the dramatic Lord of the Rings landscapes of Central Otago and meet the winemakers of the world’s southernmost wine-producing region. Or, take a thrilling jet boat ride amongst stunning scenery, then ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak. Alternatively, you may choose to explore Queenstown on your own, browsing the private studios, gardens, and galleries of internationally renowned artists. Return to the hotel for a farewell dinner and overnight.

Day 16: Queenstown | Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your independent homeward flight.

Ship/Hotel

Caledonian Sky

Reception on the Caledonian Sky
Lounge on the decks of the Caledonian Sky
Relax in the lounge on the Caledonian Sky

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$15,980
Your suite on the Caledonian Sky features three portholes
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Category 1
Averaging 240 sq. ft. and have three portholes. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
Relax in your category 2 suite on the Caledonian Sky
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Category 2
Averaging 230 sq. ft. and have large picture windows. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
Your stateroom on the Caledonian Sky is large and allows great light
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Category 3
Averaging 220 sq. ft. with a picture window. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
Greet the day through your sliding glass window
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Category 4
Averaging 220 sq. ft. with direct deck access via a sliding glass door. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
Your cabin on the Caledonian Sky has a sliding glass door and two portholes
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Category 5
Averaging 240 sq. ft. and direct deck access via a sliding glass door. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
Sail in comfort aboard the Caledonian Sky
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Category 6
Averaging 215 sq. ft. and pave patio doors leading to private balconies. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.

Notes

- Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 15 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • All gratuities
  • World-class lecture and expedition team
  • Daily activity options including cultural tours, nature walks, and Zodiac cruises
  • Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
  • Gift certificates for recommended expedition gear and reading materials
  • Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Passport or Visa fees

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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