Download - Audley Travel

Adolescent elephant seal, Macquarie Island Captain Scott’s hut, Ross Island Red-crowned parakeet, Enderby IslandZodiac on Fournier Bay, AntarcticaMacquarie Island, Southern AtlanticSub-Antarctic IslandsOff the southern coasts of New Zealand andAustralia lie the sub-Antarctic Islands, remotespecks of land that are only ever visited by ahandful of explorers, government scientists and afew expedition cruises. The islands are tiny havensfor some of the most abundant and uniquewildlife on the planet and lie in the cool temperateor sub-Antarctic zone to the south and east ofNew Zealand.Visiting any of the six groups of sub-AntarcticIslands is a unique experience. All the islands arenature reserves and have dense concentrations ofindigenous flora and fauna. As such, the BountyIslands, the Antipodes, Snares, the AucklandIslands, Campbell Island and Macquarie Island areafforded the highest protection and althoughtourism is allowed, it is only under a speciallicence, and numbers are restricted to minimiseimpact. The islands are a birdwatchers dream,with fulmars, petrels and prions in abundance,eight breeding penguin species and a vast albatrosspopulation. In addition you are sure to see largeseal and sea lion colonies and, on some islands,carpets of wild flowers.The AntarcticIt is possible to cruise beyond the far-flungsub-Antarctic Islands, through the vast emptinessof the Southern Ocean and the Ross Sea, to thegreat white continent of Antarctica itself. This partof Antarctica was the starting point for many ofthe pioneering explorers of the 20th century andremnants of their efforts can still be seen. Perhapsthe most famous is Captain Scott’s hut whichstands on Ross Island and has been beautifullypreserved amongst the snow and ice. Voyagershere will see huge populations of sea birds as wellas Adélie and king penguins and Weddell seals.Expedition cruisingThe only practical way to explore the remotesub-Antarctic Islands and Antarctica is byexpedition ship. These comfortable vessels areusually ice-strengthened and cater for a smallcomplement of passengers in simple butcomfortable cabins. The crew are experts intheir respective fields, with botanists and marinebiologists leading small passenger groups ashoreon wildlife and discovery days ensuring anycruise in this remote region will be anunforgettable experience.We also have a dedicated Polar ExpeditionCruising brochure available. Please ask us fora copy.Adélie penguins, AntarcticaThe Spirit of EnderbyThe Spirit of Enderby is a fully ice-strengthenedexpedition vessel built in 1984 for polar andoceanographic research. She carries just 50passengers and provides comfortableaccommodation in twin cabins approximatelyhalf of which have private facilities. All cabins haveoutside windows or portholes and ample storagespace. On-board there is a combined bar, libraryand lounge area, and a dedicated lecture room.Today, the Spirit of Enderby enables smallgroup expeditions to visit Antarctica and thesub-Antarctic Islands. Each expedition ismeticulously planned and led by experienced,knowledgeable and passionate naturalists, ensuringpassengers maximise every opportunity while atthe same time minimising the impact of your visit.The real focus and emphasis of every expeditionis getting you ashore in Zodiacs as often aspossible for as long as possible, in maximumsafety and comfort.The Spirit of Enderbywww.audleytravel.com/newzealand l 01993 838 820 l South Island 63