Expedition to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands

Dunedin is the oldest city in New Zealand and is located on the east coast of the South Island. Due to its Scottish roots, it is also called the “Edinburgh of the South”. The city was founded in 1848 and is known for its well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings. On the Otago Peninsula, there are nature reserves with rare wildlife, including royal albatrosses and yellow-eyed penguins.

Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara) is, at 270 hectares, the largest island in Paterson Inlet near Stewart Island. Since 1997, it has been predator-free and serves as a sanctuary for rare birds and plants. Weka rails, saddlebacks, yellowheads, and pied fantails are frequently seen. The island has easily walkable paths and a rare, nearly untouched podocarp forest – ideal for nature and bird lovers.

Dusky Sound is a remote fjord in Fiordland National Park in the southwest of New Zealand and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape of rocks, waterfalls, lakes, and pristine forests is spectacular. James Cook stayed here in 1773 – a memorial plaque commemorates this. You can observe rare animals such as fur seals, cormorants, and Fiordland crested penguins. Doubtful Sound, also known as the “Sound of Silence”, is a quiet, secluded fjord in Fiordland. James Cook named it “Doubtful Harbour” in 1770 as he was unsure if it could be navigated under sail. At 421 meters deep, it is one of New Zealand’s largest fjords. It consists of three arms and impresses with several waterfalls, especially around Secretary Island. The landscape can be well experienced from a boat.

Milford Sound is an impressive fjord in Fiordland National Park in the southwest of New Zealand. Formed by glaciers, it extends about 15 km inland. Steep rock cliffs rise from the water, and numerous waterfalls plunge from the mountain landscape – a natural wonder and one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations.

The Snares Islands are subantarctic islands of New Zealand and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As no mammals were ever introduced there, the wildlife is particularly protected. Many seabirds nest here, including sooty shearwaters, Snares crested penguins, and several albatross species. Fur seals and sea lions also live on the islands. Landing is prohibited, but wildlife observations from a Zodiac are possible in good weather.

Enderby is the third largest of the Auckland Islands, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1994, the native flora and fauna have been recovering here. The island is a breeding ground for yellow-eyed penguins and New Zealand sea lions. During hikes or Zodiac trips, you can observe Auckland Island teals and other rare species, among others. The Auckland Islands are New Zealand’s largest subantarctic islands with a particularly high biodiversity. Over 200 vascular plant species and numerous seabirds live here. The Musgrave Inlet on the east coast impresses with protected flora and colorful flower landscapes, ideal for nature observations by Zodiac.

Enjoy relaxation and variety during the sea passage: spa, fitness room, pool, or sunbathing depending on the weather. Participate in lectures or shows, visit the boutique or the onboard photographers. If you like being outdoors, you can observe the waves and, with luck, marine animals from the upper deck – a comfortable time out at sea.

Macquarie Island, a natural wonder with great biodiversity, is a breeding ground for over 3.5 million seabirds, including four penguin species: king, royal, gentoo, and rockhopper penguins. Fur seals and many elephant seals also live here. Since 1948, there has been an ANARE research station on the island. In good weather, a landing for wildlife observation is possible.

Enjoy relaxation and variety during the sea passage: spa, fitness room, pool, or sunbathing depending on the weather. Participate in lectures or shows, visit the boutique or the onboard photographers. If you like being outdoors, you can observe the waves and, with luck, marine animals from the upper deck – a comfortable time out at sea.

Campbell Island, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with its unique flora, especially large heather plants adapted to the harsh climate. Six albatross species live here, as well as rare birds such as the flightless Campbell Island teal and the Campbell Island snipe. Hikes at Col Lyall Saddle or Zodiac trips to Perseverance Harbour offer opportunities for wildlife observation.

Enjoy relaxation and variety during the sea passage: spa, fitness room, pool, or sunbathing depending on the weather. Participate in lectures or shows, visit the boutique or the onboard photographers. If you like being outdoors, you can observe the waves and, with luck, marine animals from the upper deck – a comfortable time out at sea.

The Antipodes Islands are subantarctic volcanic islands over 800 km southeast of New Zealand. They consist of the main island Antipodes, Bollons Island, and smaller islands. Two parakeet species live here, many seabirds such as storm petrels and the large Antipodean wandering albatross, as well as erect-crested and rockhopper penguins. The islands are not accessible; wildlife observations are made from a Zodiac.

Take advantage of numerous leisure opportunities on board: Relax in the spa, work out in the fitness room, or enjoy the pool and sunbathing. Participate in lectures, shows, or shopping in the boutique. On the upper deck, experience the sea and, with luck, observe marine animals – a relaxed and comfortable time out at sea.

Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest city on the east coast of the South Island, is also called the “Edinburgh of the South” due to its Scottish heritage. Founded in 1848, the city impresses with well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings against the backdrop of Silver Peak. On the Otago Peninsula, there are nature reserves with unique wildlife, including the only mainland royal albatross colony and rare yellow-eyed penguins.