Discover amazing endemic wildlife, meet the locals and experience conservation in action as we journey through the incredibly-diverse archipelagos of the Chatham, Antipodes and Bounty Islands. Visiting the Chatham Islands is not difficult, but this expedition is unique and rare, as it includes the seldom visited (and almost impossible to get to) outlying islands. Our journey is also guided by a team of Chatham Island experts whose knowledge will add another dimension to your experience. This expedition also includes designated UNESCO World Heritage sites The Antipodes and Bounty Islands.
Highlights
Discover the rich history of Maunganui’s old stone cottages
Looking for the rare, endemic Forbes’ Parakeet at Mangere Island
Explore Pitt Island, the jewel in the Chatham Islands’ crown
Visit South East Island, one of the world’s greatest nature reserves
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Make your way to the Ascot Park Hotel where we will transfer you to the ship. Settle into your cabin and join the captain on the bridge, or fellow travelers on deck, as we set sail for the Antipodes Islands.
Today is a day for pelagic birding. Species commonly seen include Wandering Albatross, Southern Royal Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Campbell Island Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Salvin’s Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Northern and Southern Giant Petrel, and the Sooty Shearwater and Little Shearwater. This is one of the few places where Fairy Prion, Fulmar Prion, and Antarctic Prion occur together; while other species include Soft-plumaged Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Grey-faced Petrel, White-chinned Petrel, Grey-backed Storm-petrel, Wilson’s Storm-petrel, Black-bellied Storm-petrel, and the Common Diving-petrel.
The Antipodes Islands are the most isolated and perhaps least known of New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands. Antipodes Island has benefited from one of the world’s most successful island eradications dubbed the ‘Million Dollar Mouse’ which saw the island declared ‘mouse-free’ in 2018. The island’s unique plants and wildlife now thrive following the removal of some 200,000 mice. Landings are not permitted, so if sea conditions are suitable we plan to Zodiac cruise along the coastline looking for the Antipodes Parakeet, the largest of New Zealand’s parakeets, which has an entirely green head, the Reischek’s Parakeet, a subspecies of the Red-crowned Parakeet found in the Auckland Islands and on the Chatham Islands, as well as the Antipodes subspecies of the New Zealand Pipit. We can also expect good views of Erect-crested and Rockhopper Penguins, Antarctic Terns and Kelp Gulls.
These inhospitable granite knobs, tips of the submerged Bounty Platform, are home to thousands of Salvin’s Albatross, Erect-crested Penguins, Fulmar Prions and the endemic Bounty Island Shag – the world’s rarest – along with large numbers of New Zealand Fur Seals. At sea, there should be opportunities to see Wandering Albatross, Northern Royal Albatross, Mottled Petrel, Soft-plumaged Petrel, Broad-billed Prion, White-chinned Petrel, and Black-bellied Storm-petrel as well as Wilson’s Storm-petrel. Other possible sightings include White-capped Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Cape Petrel, Antarctic Fulmar, Sooty Shearwater, Little Shearwater, and Grey-backed Storm-petrel.
Pelagic birding opportunities as you approach the Chatham Islands’ archipelago include the Chatham Island Petrel and, in the past, we have observed the very rare Chatham Island Taiko (Magenta Petrel), one of New Zealand's most endangered species. Consisting of one large island and numerous smaller islands and rocky islets, only two islands of the Chatham Islands’ archipelago are inhabited. Working closely with the Chatham Island people our visit could include: Chatham Island The main settlement of Waitangi features a wharf normally bustling with activity where we may see the endemic Chatham Island Shag. Visiting a private reserve in Awatotara Valley there is a good chance to see the endemic Chatham Island Pigeon (once close to extinction), Chatham Island Warbler and Tui. During our time on the main island our activities may include:
· Visiting small fishing village Owenga and searching for fossilized sharks’ teeth at Blind Jim’s Creek.
· Discovering the rich history of Maunganui’s old stone cottages and seeing the dendroglyphs (tree carvings) at the JM Barker (Hapupu) National Historic Reserve.
· Viewing the island’s two endemic shags (cormorants) at Matarakau and endemic plants, including the famed Chatham Island Forget-me-not, at Kaingaroa
· A visit to the uniquely designed Kōpinga Marae, built as a tribute to the Moriori ancestors.
Mangere and Little Mangere Islands Mangere Island are one of only two sites in the world where Black Robin is found. Hear how this endemic species was rescued from the brink of extinction in the 1970s from a population of just six birds. As you Zodiac cruise the islands you will be looking for the rare, endemic Forbes’ Parakeet or Chatham Parakeet at Mangere Island. Pitt Island The jewel in the Chatham Islands’ crown, our visit may include Flowerpot or Glory Bay where we will hear stories of life on the island and be on the lookout for impressively horned New Zealand Pitt Island Sheep. Pyramid Rock Viewing the basalt outcrop of Pyramid Rock – the only breeding place of the Chatham Island Albatross – great views of birds can be had. South East Island One of the world’s greatest nature reserves, we plan a Zodiac cruise where we can expect to see the world’s rarest wader the endemic New Zealand Shore Plover, Chatham Island Oystercatcher, and Pitt Island Shag.
Cross the Chatham Rise where nutrient-rich waters allow for overlap between northern pelagic and southern latitude birds including Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, Salvin’s Albatross, Cape Petrel, Westland Black Petrel, and Cook’s Petrel. We can also expect to see shearwater and prion species off New Zealand.
Day 10: Christchurch | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After a final breakfast, say your farewells and board complimentary transfers to either a central city drop off or Christchurch airport.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,350
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Main Deck Triple
One cabin located on the Main Deck, with two lower bunk beds, one upper bunk bed, outside porthole, wash basin, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and shared bathrooms on same deck.
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Main deck
Thirteen cabins located on the Main Deck, with two lower bunk beds, outside porthole, wash basin, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and shared bathrooms on same deck.
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Superior
Four cabins located on the Middle Deck,with one lower and one upper bunk, side-facing windows, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
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Superior Plus
Eight cabins located on the Upper and Middle Decks,with two lower bunk beds, side-facing windows, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space. and private bath facilities.
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Mini Suite
Two cabins located on the Upper Deck, with one double bed in separate room, side-facing windows, separate lounge area with a single bed, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
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Heritage Suite
One cabin located on the Upper Deck, with one double bed in separate room, forward- and side-facing windows, separate lounge area with a single pull-out bed, desk and table area, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
Notes
- Travel Insurance is mandatory for all passengers aboard the Spirit of Enderby.
- Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 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
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Pre- & Post- Cruise Transfers
Complimentary boot rental is available. However, due to the limited supply of boots available aboard the ship, it is recommended that you bring your own rubber boots for best fit and availability. Youth size boots are not available.
House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl.
dinner/breakfast)
All expedition shore excursions
Programme of lectures by noted naturalists
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 124 reviews
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Clara bent over backwards to accommodate all my needs and concerns, and is still helping me with more scheduling of different parts of my trip