27 Dec 2024

A treasure trove of wildlife on Enderby Island

Picture postcard days like today are gold. We arrived at the beautiful Sandy Bay on Enderby Island, with barely a cloud in the sky or ripple on the water. New Zealand Sea Lions commandeered the beach, the males closely guarding their harems of females, young pups on the move, and female adults literally in the process of giving birth. We enjoyed a Zodiac cruise to nearby Rose Island, which enticed us with its red canopy of Rātā in flower. Throughout the day, we observed New Zealand Falcons alongside Bellbirds, Tūīs, Yellow-eyed Penguin/Hoiho and Auckland Island Shags. 

Those on the longer hikes around Enderby Island added the Rose-crowned Parakeet to their list of sightings. The hikes were a chance to take in spectacular views, enjoy meadows of megaherbs, and see Southern Royal Albatross in their natural habitat.

Images © E. Bell, Heritage Expeditions