New Zealand's Subantarctic & Chatham Islands Cruise

Auckland - Lyttelton | 15 days/14 nights | Departs 08 Feb 2021 aboard Le Lapérouse

From NZ$19,645pp share twin in a Prestige Stateroom (deck 4)
*Higher cabin grades are available, contact Our Specialists for availability & pricing

Discover the wild and untouched beauty of New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands and Chatham Islands on this exceptional 15-day expedition on board Le Lapérouse. Often described as the “Galápagos of the Southern Ocean”, the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand are among some of the best preserved and protected environments on the planet, where you can experience scenery and wildlife like nowhere else on earth.
These remote island outposts are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a myriad of wildlife with many species endemic to the region and even to individual islands, including the Royal Albatross and various penguin species. The Chatham islands will add even more breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters to your itinerary. The 80 million years’ old archipelago is made of 10 islands boasting various endemic species of birds and plants you will be able to discover alongside your team of passionate expedition experts.

Cruise Inclusions:
All onboard meals
Open Bar (except Premium alcohol - available on request)
Shore excursions
Onboard entertainment
Captain's farewell cocktail party
WiFi
Port charges & safety charges

Expedition Highlights:

Discover the remote Chatham Islands archipelago
Opportunities for guided walks on the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Explore the coastal environments and view the prolific wildlife of The Snares from our fleet of Zodiacs.®
Wildlife: colonies of fur seals, elephant seals along with king, royal & yellow-eyed penguins. A wide variety of birds including Gibson’s albatross, giant petrels, Auckland shags & Campbell Island teals.
Landscapes: beaches of black sand, hidden inlets and undulating meadows.
Zodiac® outings & shore visits with your expedition team.


New Zealand's Subantarctic & Chatham Islands Itinerary

Day 1. Auckland. Embarkation
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest, most populated and busiest city, known for its abundant nature and magnificent black-sand beaches. A blend of Maori, European and Asian cultures give the city a vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2-3. At Sea

Day 4-5. Chatham Islands, New Zealand
The Chatham Islands are renowned for their stunning scenery, intriguing history, geology, flora, and fauna. The ancient 80 million year old archipelago consists of about ten islands within an approximate 60-kilometre radius, the largest of which are Chatham Island and Pitt Island. Much of the natural character of the Chatham Islands is protected in a network of areas set aside for conservation. Discover Rangatira Island, with several endemic species of birds and plants, and a sanctuary for endangered invertebrates.

Day 6. Bounty Islands
The Bounty Islands are a scattering of 20 igneous islets and rocks lying 700 km south-east of New Zealand. The Bounty Islands can be smelt and heard from far away, as every available rock is covered in New Zealand fur seals and seabirds. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the prolific wildlife from our fleet of Zodiacs^®.

Day 7. Antipodes Islands
The volcanic islands of the Antipodes Island group lie 860 km to the southeast of New Zealand. The group consists of one main island, Antipodes Island, with Bollons Island to the north, and numerous small islets and stacks. The islands are home to a wide variety of sea and land bird species including two species of parakeet.

Day 8. At Sea

Day 9. Campbell Island
Campbell Island is known for its megaherbs, herbaceous, perennial wildflowers characterised by their great size, huge leaves and very colourful flowers. Campbell Island is also home to six species of albatross, and several critically endangered endemic birds including the Campbell Island teal and snipe. You will have the opportunity to undertake a guided walk on the Col Lyell Saddle boardwalk as well as undertake a Zodiac^® tour around the coastline of Perseverance Harbour.

Day 9. Ulva Island, Stewart Island, New Zealand
The island has never been logged and was declared pest free in 1997, becoming one of the few predator-free sanctuaries in New Zealand. The island is now a haven for many species of birds and plants that are rare, or have died out on the mainland of New Zealand. Bird species regularly encountered include: the flightless Stewart Island Weka, South Island saddleback, yellowhead and Stewart Island robin. Ulva Island is not only a bird enthusiast’s paradise, it is also one of the few offshore islands with a largely undisturbed podocarp forest. Well-maintained tracks offer easy walking for most people providing a unique opportunity to see rare birds and plants at close quarters in a safe environment.

Day 10. Musgrave Inlet, Auckland Islands
Musgrave Inlet is a picturesque bay on the eastern side of Auckland Island. Its sheer cliffs have protected the endemic flora from the introduced species, providing one of the best floral displays in the entire island group. Landing in Musgrave Inlet is prohibited. If time and weather permits, you will have the opportunity to view the spectacular flora and fauna from our fleet of Zodiacs^®.

Day 11. Enderby Island, Auckland Islands
Enderby Island is situated off the north eastern tip of Auckland Island and is the second largest Island in the group. You will head ashore and have the opportunity to undertake a guided walk on the Northern Cliffs track as well as spend time viewing the New Zealand Sea Lion colony. There will also be an opportunity to undertake a Zodiac^® tour around the coastline of Enderby Island in search of the Auckland Island Teal and other endemic species.

Day 12. The Snares Islands
The Snares Islands boasts more nesting seabirds than the entire realm of the British Isles. Over 2 million Sooty Shearwaters breed here in the summer months. There are also approximately 1,000 New Zealand fur seals and 500 New Zealand Sea Lions. Landing on the Snares is prohibited. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environment and view the wildlife from our fleet of Zodiac^®.

Day 13. Ulva Island (Stewart Island), New Zealand
Ulva Island is a haven for many species of birds and plants that are rare or have died out on the mainland of New Zealand. Bird species regularly encountered include; the flightless Stewart Island Weka, South Island saddleback, yellowhead and Stewart Island robin. Ulva Island is not only a bird enthusiast’s paradise, it is also one of the few offshore islands with a largely undisturbed podocarp forest. Well-maintained tracks offer easy walking for most people, providing a unique opportunity to see rare birds and plants at close quarters in a safe environment.

Day 14. At Sea

Day 15. Lyttelton, Disembarkation
Lyttelton is a colourful town, home to a community of nearly 3,000 people, brimming with bohemian artists, cafés, quirky shops and restaurants. This small town has re-invented itself as one of the most creative communities in the Christchurch region. Le Lapérouse will be alongside the wharf and disembarkation will commence after breakfast.

Ponant Conditions
This offer is based on availability and may be withdrawn at any time, without prior notice.  This offer is subject to availability, cannot be applied retroactively and may be altered or withdrawn without prior notice based on the cruise availability.

Our Cruise Conditions:
Our World Booking conditions apply please ensure these have been viewed and understood. www.ourpacific.co.nz/our-pacific/our-booking-conditions.aspx.