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.
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
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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