01 Feb 2025

An incredible voyage comes to an end on Enderby Island

The final destination on our incredible In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton voyage saw us arrive at Enderby Island. Landing at the sheltered Sandy Bay, a group headed ashore for the circuit hike around the island, followed by a few that had opted for the all-day boardwalk and northern cliffs option.

The Kayakers were first on the water exploring deep in sea caves, sitting still with Yellow-eyed Penguin/Hoiho swimming under and around kayaks and weaving through bull kelp. Next, we paddled over to Rose Island, with beautiful and immense bird songs coming out of the island's forest.

As the morning progressed, we headed on a shoreline Zodiac cruise of Enderby Island. We enjoyed fantastic observations of a Light-mantled Albatross chick, Hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguins), Auckland Island Shags, Auckland Island Teals, New Zealand Sea Lions and New Zealand Fur Seals. Thus, even on our last excursion day, we saw many new species, including the endangered, Yellow-eyed Penguin! The geology of the coastline and its thick kelp beds and lush overhanging flora provided a spectacular backdrop to all this wildlife.

Following lunch aboard, those who had cruised in the morning went ashore to enjoy breathtaking views over the New Zealand Sea Lion colony on the beach and the multitude of pups hiding amongst Hebe bushes. There was plenty of time ashore to admire the A-frame castaway called Stella Hut before proceeding along the boardwalk to the northern cliffs in bright sunshine, spotting Southern Royal Albatross on the way.

At the northern cliffs, there was a beautiful area to take in the ruggedness of this coastline and the views to the north. Most opted to explore along the cliffs a little further observing another Light-mantled Albatross chick on a nest whilst enjoying the birds soaring along the cliff-tops. The Enderby circuit walkers also saw Hoiho/ Yellow-eyed Penguin, New Zealand Fur Seals and Sea Lions, navigating through chest-high tussock and megaherb fields, and taking in the beauty of the flowering Rātā forest.

Back on board, Heritage Adventurer repositioned to the Enderby Settlement of Hardwicke on mainland Auckland Island. We were privileged to be led through the dense Southern Rātā forest to the Victoria Tree and the cemetery. The cemetery was home to some of the settlers, alongside the men from the many shipwrecks that occurred throughout the history of the Auckland Islands in the Grand Age of Sailing. 

Later in the evening, as we made our way northwards to Bluff, we were blessed yet again to see Southern Lights to the south (and even a large meteor for some), marking a special ending to our excursion days on an incredible voyage!

Images © C. Finch A. Given & D. Howes, Heritage Expeditions