Western Pacific Odyssey including Bonin Islands
Extraordinary voyage for the keenest of birders | 30 Days
This is a ‘must do’ for any birder as you’ll see many of the world’s rarest pelagic seabirds. The cetacean list is outstanding too.
Departing Tauranga we sail for the Hauraki Gulf where native species include the recently discovered New Zealand storm petrel.
Then northward to Norfolk Island and New Caledonia where we search for the amazing Kagu at the Rivière Bleue National Park. We then spend five exciting days birding on several of the Solomon Islands before cruising across the cetacean-rich New Britain Trench. As we sail along the coasts of Bougainville and New Ireland, we look for the Heinroth’s Shearwater and the recently rediscovered Beck’s petrel. Next stop is Truk Island, Micronesia, before we set a course for the Bonin Islands, south of Japan. Our route takes us to Chichijima, Haha-jima and Torishima Islands and on to Miyakejima, concluding at Yokohama.
With you will be some of the best pelagic birding guides in the world who have extensive experience of the seabirds of the West Pacific. Birding starts at dawn and finishes at sundown and the reading of the bird list and discussion each evening is fascinating.
Ships: Heritage Adventurer
When: 10 March – 8 April 2025
Guide price: From £13,365 per person based on twin cabin (private facilities)
Map
Travel Tips
Comments
Fiona’s travel tips
TOP TIP: You don’t have to be an experienced birder to join this voyage – just having an interest in birds and wanting to further your knowledge will be a good start.
WHY NOT: Combine your voyage with a fabulous trip around New Zealand – we have plenty of suggestions!
LET US KNOW: If you would like to book a stop-over en route to New Zealand. All itineraries pre- and post- voyage can be tailor-made and we have extensive experience in the Far East and Australia. Singapore is a logical start to your stop-over as many flights to New Zealand stop here.
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Far Frontiers Travel
Our sister company, Far Frontiers Travel, specialises in tailor-making bespoke travel to Central Asia, China and Mongolia, the Far East, Indian Subcontinent and the Himalayas, Indochina, Myanmar, Middle East, North Africa and Europe, Russia and South America.
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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
“The holiday was great and met all my expectations – all the connections worked like clockwork. The cruise was fantastic and we landed on all except the South Orkneys which were ice bound. Food was very good and plenty of it – Iguazu was really good and connections etc worked well – the room was fantastic with Falls view as specified – at the end of the day it was good to relax by the pool and enjoy the Bacardi and coke as you do. Thanks for organising the trip it was one in a lifetime.”
Allen Cooper, The Falklands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, Antarctic Peninsula discovery cruise
“As you know, I have waited 60 years for this and the whole Plancius experience on the exact centenary of Scott’s last expedition was just magical. Absolutely brilliant.”
John Sharples, Antarctic Peninsula
“In December 2012 I was able to fulfil my dream of setting foot on Antarctica despite my age (83 and eight months) and disability. Thanks to Fiona’s meticulous planning and the resulting support of guides and the Plancius crew at every step en-route and on the boat, I was able to travel there and back alone, and to enjoy shore landings and zodiac rides. A truly stunning experience. I realise how blessed I was to have so much encouragement and help both from Fiona and the expedition team.”
Dr Grete Gross, Antarctic Peninsula voyage
“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
“Most helpful, informative, and friendly service at all stages. Absolutely spectacular trip which exceeded my already high expectations. Brilliant value for money, notwithstanding the high cost. It says it all that I was looking at your brochure for a future trip, as soon as I got back!”
Judith Philip, Antarctic Peninsula