06 Dec 2019

Enderby Island Exploration

After two days cruising through the Southern Ocean on Akademik Shokalskiy, we woke to calm seas and the shelter provided by the Auckland Islands. Landing on Enderby Island, we understood immediately why this is known as one of the most beautiful Subantarctic Islands with its many plant species in full bloom, especially the Bulbinella Rossi with its golden flower heads.

Splitting into two groups, some of us completed a long walk around two thirds of the island, as we walked we discovered the true diversity of flora present from rata forests, tussocks, large areas of moss and the impressive waist-high megaherbs. We also had great success in sighting wildlife unique to this area including the endemic Auckland Island Snipe and Teal, Sooty Albatross (with several nesting on the rock cliffs), New Zealand Bird of the Year the Yellow-eyed Penguin/Hoiho and Pipits (to name just a few).

We were also entertained by the many Hooker's/New Zealand Sea Lions that could be found scattered around the island and often hidden behind the vegetation, to the surprise of the next person to walk by. A true highlight was seeing the first sea lion pup of the season, which was born on Sandy Bay a few minutes prior to our arrival. After a full day it was time to head back to the ship for dinner, though not before watching the antics of the Yellow-eyed Penguins coming and going from the ocean along the 'penguin highway'.

Image © from file L.Gwynn, Heritage Expeditions