Subantarctic Islands – Birding down Under
Comprehensive Subantarctic Islands exploration – visit seven different locations | 22 Days
Explore the ‘Albatross Latitudes’ and the most remote Subantarctic islands including Snares, Bounty, Antipodes, Auckland, Campbell, Macquarie and Chatham islands on this comprehensive expedition out of New Zealand, perfect for those interested in birds, history and wildlife.
The Subantarctic Islands are tiny havens for some of the most abundant and unique wildlife on the planet. They lie in the cool temperate or Subantarctic Zone to the south and east of New Zealand in the great southern ocean that encircles Antarctica. This is a windswept and at times forbidding swathe of sea, surprising in its fecundity.
Flora and fauna are densely concentrated in the Subantarctic Islands: the number of indigenous plants and seabirds found in the Subantarctic Islands is far greater than that found on similar groups in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
It is little wonder that these islands of the Subantarctic are all Nature Reserves and World Heritage sites. As such, the New Zealand and Australian Governments that administer them afford the Subantarctic Islands the highest protection. Tourism is allowed, but only under special license, and numbers are restricted to minimise impact and to ensure a world class wilderness and wildlife experience. The Subantarctic Islands not only play an important role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem – they also have a rich human history. From their discovery 200 years ago, they were exposed to an era of exploitation. In time we began to understand their true worth and treasure them for their intrinsic value as wild and beautiful places. Visiting them is a pleasure and a privilege. You will not be disappointed.
This expedition has huge appeal to pelagic enthusiasts, penguin fanatics and those interested in island endemics though you don’t have to be a keen birder to enjoy this voyage. People interested in islands and island ecology, botany, geology and an increasing number of photographers have enjoyed this trip immensely, as have those interested in the history of southern ocean discovery and exploration.
This is a true ‘signature expedition’ which has operated annually for more than 20 years, so you will benefit from the knowledge and expertise gained over that time.
Ship: Heritage Adventurer
When: 3 – 24 December 2025, 29 November – 20 December 2026
Guide price: From £15,625 per person based on twin cabin (private facilities)
Options: Heritage Adventurer has a shorter Subantarctic Islands – Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific voyage to Campbell Island, Auckland Islands and The Snares. Enjoy a Christmas to remember 18 – 30 December 2025 and 24 December 2026 – 5 January 2027 with prices starting at £6,995 per person twin cabin (private facilities) with early booking offer
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Fiona’s travel tips
MUST READ: Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing; A First-Rate tragedy: Robert Falcon Scott & the Race to the South Pole by Diana Preston and Mawson’s Will by Lennard Bickel.
TOP TIP: If you are considering one of the Ross Sea voyages out of New Zealand, why not make the most of your visit and ask us about tailor-making a holiday there to fit round your voyage?
DID YOU KNOW: A 10 metre long colossal squid weighing 495 kg was captured in the Ross Sea in February 2007?
LET US KNOW: If you have a former connection with any of the polar regions we visit by ship. Perhaps you or a relative lived on one of the bases, or were a member of a past expedition? We can offer you the chance to share your experiences, diaries or photographs with others on your voyage. In the past we’ve even got the ship to make unscheduled visits to tie in with such an event.
LOCAL WEATHER: Sea conditions on this voyage can be rough – you may experience the roaring forties en route so its worth taking good sea sickness precautions – patches behind the ear work well. Remember that access to Scott and Shackleton’s Huts depends on ice conditions which vary from year to year. Visits are not guaranteed though many of our clients have enjoyed successful voyages.
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Clients’ comments
“The successful conclusion of my two month tour of some of the more remote Pacific Islands, having proceeded seamlessly and without incident, is a great tribute to your unfailing helpfulness, patience and acuity. Many thanks.”
Martin Dawson, Island Odyssey, Pitcairn Islands and the South Pacific
“Our trip was simply incredible. I’ve run out of superlatives! We made it to Scott’s, Shackleton’s and Borchgrevinck’s huts and we saw emperor penguins, minke, humpback, fin and blue whales, Weddell and crabeater seals and had a close encounter with a feeding leopard seal. We both especially loved the albatross, they’re fantastic to watch! The Subantarctic Islands – Macquarie and Campbell islands in particular – were amazing for wildlife and scenery, the highlight being the king penguins and elephant seals at Sandy Bay. We even had a display of the Aurora Australis on our journey home!”
Chris and Karen Robb, Ross Sea in the wake of Scott and Shackleton
“The service provided by Arcturus was excellent. All arrangements went smoothly and efficiently. It was a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime trip, beyond imagination. Highlights were the penguins, the ice scenery including the Ross Ice Shelf and the historic sites, in particular Scott’s Hut at Cape Evans. The group of passengers was a real mix of personalities and nationalities. We made some good friends. To cap it all, we had three members of the Planet Earth/BBC Natural History team on board, including the Executive Director Alistair Fothergill. They were very friendly, plus it gave us the use of a third helicopter which they had arranged. I won one of the photo competitions organized by the expedition staff.”
David and Mandy Grierson, Antarctica, the Ross Sea
“We had a fabulous holiday, the scenery and wildlife were fantastic. I think I can now recognise all the different penguin and seal species! The ship and the crew were very good, no problems. Thank you for organising the holiday for us, and I’d have no hesitation in recommending you for any future trips.”
Mr and Mrs Glen Anderson, Antarctic voyage
“My favourite time was at Scott’s Terra Nova Hut. The ship was extremely comfortable and well appointed. The expedition team and crew were all very professional, friendly and helpful.”
Gerry Pearce, Orion’s Ross Sea voyage to Scott’s Hut
“This was truly a trip of a lifetime; wonderful land and seascapes, masses of penguins, albatross, and other species of birds and accessing Scott’s Hut – which was the highlight for many. Regretfully, despite hours of effort, in bitter conditions, we were only able to land three people at Shackleton’s Hut at Cape Royds. Next year! Orion and her crew were fabulous, and the food outstanding – I put on five kilos in three weeks!”
Fergus O’Gorman, group leader, Orion’s Ross Sea voyage to Scott’s Hutt
“It was a fascinating voyage with lasting impressions. The wildlife both on the Falklands and on Antarctica is incredibly rich. The organisation on board the ship was very good. Among the talks given by the scientific crew I enjoyed the witty talks by Robert Headland the most. The familiar atmosphere in the lodges on Sea Lion Island and on Carcass Island was very nice indeed. Last but not least I should like to thank you for the impeccable organisation on your part.”
Mr Hubert Kalf, Epic Antarctica icebreaker voyage