15 Dec 2022

Monumental moments at the Chatham Islands

As Heritage Adventurer approached the Chatham Archipelago our eyes drew naturally towards the tall, almost monumental island aptly named The Pyramid/Tarakoikoia. The ragged shark's tooth-shaped island was teeming with nesting endemic Chatham Island Albatross - the only place in the world these striking birds breed - as many more wheeled in the sky above. While circumnavigating the island both clockwise and anti-clockwise we enjoyed incredible views of this unlikely life-filled outpost.

Continuing to South East Island we anchored and proceeded to launch the Zodiacs. As we were running earlier than expected, Cheli our Expedition Leader created a Zodiac group for 'the Keeners', or guests who wanted to have a quick lunch and get a head start at exploring the island. This was a great opportunity for the birders among us to search for Shore Plover, Chatham Island Black Robin/Karure, Chatham Island Shag, and other species along the way.

Three hours later we had successfully completed our circumnavigation of South East Island and were treated to some very unique observations: seeing baby fur seal pups less than a couple of days old suckling milk from their mother and a rare sighting of a Chatham Island Blue Penguin/Korora. What a highlight to end the day with!