Subantarctic Discovery on the Douglas Mawson

• Explore the seldom-visited islands of the antipodean subantarctic, a sanctuary for millions of breeding albatross, penguins and seals.
• Discover the delicate subantarctic ecosystem of Campbell Island (Motu Ihupuku), where royal albatross nest amidst fields of flowering megaherb.
• Skirt rowdy beaches crowded with harems of New Zealand (Hooker’s) sea lions to reach rātā forests where rare yellow-eyed penguins can be found.

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the rugged and pristine landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian and New Zealand Subantarctic Islands. Immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of this remote region, where endemic wildlife thrives. On Stewart and Ulva Islands, encounter the iconic brown kiwi (southern tokoeka) and the curious, flightless weka. Marvel at the vibrant crimson blossoms of the flowering rātā, often referred to as the 'southern Christmas tree.'

Explore the awe-inspiring Fiordland Sounds, where deep, dramatic fjords offer a breathtaking landscape, and take a Zodiac cruise along the jagged coast of the Snares Islands, home to the rare Snares crested penguin and Buller’s albatross. As we journey north, we may visit the mystical Campbell Island, where tranquil boardwalks guide you through fields of flowering megaherbs to the nesting grounds of the majestic southern royal albatross.

On the Auckland Islands, wander beneath towering rātā trees, spot the endemic mollymawks, and listen to the rich history of sealers, settlers, and explorers who once roamed these shores.