08 Jan 2024

A day of exploration on Campbell Island

We awoke as our Captain brought Heritage Adventurer around to the north of Campbell Island and down the east coast. This allowed us an early morning cruise along North Cape and Bull Rock. The mist lifted to showcase the incredible sight of thousands of nesting Campbell and Grey-headed Albatross in tiers on the cliffside, and flying around Heritage Adventurer.

After this delightful start to the day, we entered Perseverance Harbour to explore the wildlife haven of Campbell Island. The Northwest Bay circuit walkers left first, followed by the Mount Honey walkers, then the all-day Col Lyall Boardwalk group, and finally, those who had chosen the morning Zodiac cruise followed by the afternoon on the Boardwalk.
The morning provided some squally showers, but the afternoon cleared for a typical Subantarctic day. The conditions were sometimes testing, a testament to the remote wilderness of this isolated paradise.

Although the winds were strong, we had plenty to see. Each group had memorable experiences with the Southern Royal Albatross - some nesting, some gamming and some appearing out of the mist overhead. The lush Megaherbs were spectacular everywhere. The variety and abundance of the flowers, and the sheer size of the areas were outstanding. We may have missed out on the views from the top of the Island, but the views of the flora more than compensated.

We all returned to the comforts of Heritage Adventurer after a challenging day, but also proud of our achievements and thrilled to have experienced all the Campbell Island had to offer.

Images © F. Wardle