26 Feb 2025

An Epic Finale at the Auckland Islands

This morning, in typical Subantarctic weather of showers and low clouds, we took an atmospheric Zodiac cruise in Carnley Harbour, a huge sheltered inlet at the Auckland Islands. Some islands in this group, like Adams Islands, have no introduced predators or other pests. On these pristine shores, we found a lush undergrowth of Megaherbs growing under the forest canopy while a beautiful chorus of Tūīs and Bellbirds echoed from the trees.

Back on board, we cruised up the east coast the clouds lifted, the sun burst out, and a Southern Right Whale surfaced around Heritage Adventurer. What a wonderful moment!
This afternoon, the blue skies, sunshine and calm conditions were perfect for a Zodiac cruise around Musgrave Inlet, a rocky bay full of wildlife. On the shore, we observed Southern Rockhopper Penguins, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross chicks and a mother New Zealand Fur Seal with a pup, while New Zealand Sea Lions played all around the Zodiacs. We explored deep caves in the cliffs and peered through gin-clear waters at massive growths of kelp. This was a new and magical experience and the final climax of our expedition.
 
As we set sail for New Zealand, all our minds were full of the many wonderful memories from our spectacular voyage to Antarctica and back In The Wake Of Scott And Shackleton.

Images © S. Bradley, Heritage Expeditions