Kermadec Islands - A Land of Dreams

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Overview

These isolated islands are the summits of huge undersea volcanoes situated along the western edge of the Kermadec Trench, lonely outposts in the southwest Pacific Ocean.

The Kermadec Islands have a unique assemblage of subtropical and temperate species, testimony to the process of evolution arising from climate and isolation.  Both plant and bird communities have been heavily affected by human habitation and introduced species. However, a conservation programme is now restoring the Islands to their original splendour.

The aquatic ecosystem surrounding the Islands is protected by the extensive 748,000- hectare Kermadec Islands Marine Reserve, offering amazing dive opportunities.  Because of its distance far from the main shipping routes, the Kermadec Island group is of the more difficult places in the world to get to. This expedition provides a unique (if not the only) opportunity to explore the Islands and dive in the marine reserve.

Dates & Prices
Departures: 

  • Kermadec Islands - A Land of Dreams: 1174

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    Kermadec Islands - A Land of Dreams
    Voyage #: 
    1174
    07 April, 2011
    17 April, 2011

    Cabin options

    Additional charges

    Government Landing Fees
    $200.00 USD pp
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Itinerary

Kermadec Islands - A Land of Dreams

Day 1:  Depart Tauranga
Welcome aboard. (Time and place will be advised). Unpack in your cabin before exploring the ship and sailing about midday. After lunch a series of briefings and lectures includes a compulsory Life Boat Drill and an introduction to staff and ship.

Day 2:  At Sea
A day at sea is a chance to relax. Do some reading, come birding up on the bridge or lie in the sun on deck.  A series of lectures, videos and briefings will prepare us for our visit to the Kermadecs.

Day  3:  L’Esperance Rock and Curtis /Cheeseman Islands
In the afternoon we arrive at the southernmost island in the group:  L’Esperance Rock. Later we visit Curtis and nearby Cheeseman Island. If weather and sea conditions are suitable, we will cruise by Zodiac (no landings are permitted) and you can dive or snorkel at the latter islands.

Days 4 – 7:  Raoul Island 
We have four days scheduled for activities at Raoul Island, including diving, snorkelling and hikes ashore. The weather and sea conditions will dictate our activities to a certain extent.

The seas surrounding the Kermadecs are the only true example of sub-tropical waters in New Zealand, and are sufficiently distant from the mainland to have escaped heavy commercial fishing. The extensive Marine Reserve ensures added protection and guarantees some of the best diving in the South Pacific.

During our time at Raoul Island we will also cruise the Meyer Islets by Zodiac to spot endemic sea birds including the Kermadec Petrel, the White Napped Petrel, and the Kermadec race of the Little Shearwater.

The following are some of the walks that we can do on Raoul Island:

  • Boat Cove to the Department of Conservation Base: An eight kilometre walk along a track to the Base.
  • Green Lake Walk: Half an hour each way. Explore the thermal vents around Green Lake before returning the same way.
  • Water Supply Walk:  There are some great views across the flats to the Meyer Islets group from this walk.
  • Denham Bay Hut: Two and a half hours each way. From the hut you can access the beach or walk along the sand dunes. The remains of a ship wreck can be seen part way along the beach.
  • Mahoe Hut:  Three hours each way. This is an attractive bush walk. From Mahoe Hut you can retrace your route or drop down to Sunshine Camp , adding 1 hour, and from Sunshine Camp you can travel along the coast to Boat Cove, adding 1½ hours.

Day 8: Macauley Island
We arrive Macauley Island early in the morning. We will cruise by Zodiac and dive/snorkel if sea conditions are suitable.

Day 9 & 10: At Sea
Catch your breath after our activities at Raoul and Macauley Islands. Staff will offer lectures and further presentations on the Islands.

Day 11: Tauranga
We berth in Tauranga this morning. Enjoy breakfast on board, then transfer to central city and/or the airport.

Maps
Trip reports
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Trip log 2297.pdf
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Trip Log 2496.pdf
Ship Information

Spirit of Enderby

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Our vessel, the 'Spirit of Enderby' is perfect for Expedition Travel. The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort.

It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodation (refurbished in New Zealand Nov '04). The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs.

Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Capitan and crew.

The 'Spirit of Enderby' measures 72 metres in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two 1,560 horse power diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots. What makes this Expedition Vessel absolutely unique is the equipment we carry including:

a) our fleet of RIB’s, (rigid inflatable boats) sometimes referred to as zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places.

b) Our specially designed and built Hovercraft (2) give us unprecedented over ice capability in Antarctica allowing us to land in places that are inaccessible to other ships.

The name 'Spirit of Enderby' honours the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800’s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Subantarctic Island in the world.

 

Technical description:

  • Classification: Russian register KM ice class 
  • Year built: 1984
  • Accommodation:  50 berths expedition  
  • Shipyard: Finland
  • Main engines: power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw) 
  • Register: Russia
  • Maximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines),
  • Cruising speed: 10 knots(one engine) 
  • Bunker capacity: 320 tons

 

Deck and Cabin plan: