Paddle and explore Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, and the Snares.
Little known to all but the most avid of adventurers, these islands hold a wealth of opportunities and enriching wildlife experiences for those craving true wilderness. This eight day adventure to the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand offers a unique opportunity to explore this set of rarely visited islands. Join us in partnership with Heritage Expeditions, the experts in travel to the Subantarctic Islands, and be among the few to paddle and explore the shores of the Auckland Islands, Campbell Island and the Snares in the company of our knowledgeable and passionate guides.
Explore rarely seen sights
Imagine exploring islands that very few people have ever seen! The voyage aboard the stylish and spacious Heritage Adventurer will take in the rarely visited Auckland Islands, The Snares and Campbell Island. These Subantarctic Islands are listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, abundant in wildlife and stunning flora.
For the flowering of the megaherbs
The voyage will coincide with the flowering of the Megaherbs, creating bright and colourful scenery, ideal for photography. In the 1840’s the English botanist Sir Joseph Hooker described it as ‘second to none outside the tropics’.
Stupendous SubAntarctic Islands
Cruising on the Zodiacs or paddling in a kayak, each day will be unique as you immerse yourself in the wild landscapes of the Subantarctic Islands, spotting penguins, seals, albatross, petrels and different bird species. Join us on an incredible adventure!
Join us for an incredible voyage immersing yourself in the Subantarctic Islands’ unique beauty and wildlife.
Grade
Easy – Moderate
This trip is suitable for active individuals with a thirst for adventure. The kayaking option suits paddlers with some kayak experience.
Dates
2026
27 Dec-3 Jan 2027
2027
26 Dec-2 Jan 2028
Cost
2026
From AU$9170.00* per person.
Additional kayaking supplement AU$1315.00 per person.
2027
From AU$9800.00* per person.
Additional kayaking supplement AU$1415.00 per person.
*Final price will depend on cabin chosen.
Costs are in Australian dollars.
Includes
Pre/Post cruise transfers, one night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (inc. dinner/breakfast), all on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and all shore excursions and activities (excluding kayaking) and a programme of lectures by noted naturalists.
If you choose the kayaking option and pay the kayaking surcharge, this will include the use of a drysuit, all your paddling and kayak equipment and the services of a professional sea kayak guide throughout the duration of the voyage.
Excludes
Any flights unless listed in the itinerary, single supplements, visa, passport and vaccination charges. Any pre and post trip hotels and meals not included in the voyage itinerary. Optional excursions not included in voyage itinerary. Laundry, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wifi charges and tips.
Day 1
Meet at the group hotel in Invercargill, New Zealand, for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 2
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before free time this morning to explore Invercargill. Embark Heritage Adventurer from the Port of Bluff and settle into your cabin. Set course for Campbell Island with views of Ruapuke and Stewart Islands en route.
Day 3
As we journey through the Southern Ocean, we learn about the flora and fauna of Campbell Island from the onboard team of expert botanists, historians and naturalists. Birdlife we may observe from the Heritage Adventurer include different species of albatross- the Wandering, Royal, Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Salvin’s and Campbell, along with Giant petrel and shearwaters.
Day 4
We have a full day to explore Campbell Island, New Zealand’s southernmost Subantarctic territory. Kayakers may paddle the calm and protected coves of Perseverance Harbour, along a forested coastline surrounded by mountains. Experience kayaking with curious sea lions and scan the skies above for Southern Royal albatross. We explore the island by foot to view the flourishing flora ,including megaherbs which the island is renowned.
Day 5
Heading north to the Auckland Islands, we explore Carnley Harbour which is rich in human history, shipwrecks and scientific discovery. If the weather is fine there will be an option for the more energetic to climb to the South West Cape and visit the White-capped albatross colony. Later this evening, we sail up the eastern coast and make our way to Port Ross in preparation for our landing at Enderby Island.
Day 6
Enderby is the most northern island in the Auckland Islands archipelago and is an outstanding wildlife and birding location. Paddlers take to the water to kayak along kelp forests of the fringing reef and past lichen covered basalt column cliffs. Spot Auckland Island teals, Hoiho penguins and Hookers sea lions and watch Southern Royal albatross soar overhead.
Day 7
Today we arrive into The Snares, named due to once being a hazard for sailing ships. Landings are not permitted as the islands are honey-combed with seabird burrows. However, we can kayak or ride in the Zodiacs to view the wildlife. Watch the antics of Snares Crested penguins and NZ fur seals in the water and on the rocky shorelines. Paddle and zodiac along cliffs of nesting Buller’s albatross and through bull kelp, flowing in the swell.
Day 8
We spend the morning exploring Stewarts and Ulva Islands. Ulva Island has been predator free since 1997 and its’ birdsong and wildlife is some of the best in New Zealand.
After saying farewells to the crew, staff and fellow expeditioners, the voyage ends with a transfer to Invercargill or Queenstown.
What you’ll see
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