08 Mar 2021

Penguins, Dolphins and Conservation History in Dusky Sound

Lifting anchor in the early hours, Spirit of Enderby was alongside Breaksea Island at first light. Everyone enjoyed an eventful ship cruise of Acheron Passage, accompanied by a succession of Bottlenose Dolphin pods racing toward us and surfing the ship's bow wave. We were also fortunate enough to see a pair of Tawaki or Fiordland Crested Penguin and some Little Blue Penguins.

We then explored Astronomer Point and Indian Island, learning about the history of the first contact between Maori and European there, followed by an on Anchor Island; some traversing from north to south, some walking to the lake and back, while others enjoyed a Zodiac cruise of its eastern side.

The following day we relocated to the northern end of Dusky Sound for a visit to Pigeon Island, former home of pioneer conservationist Richard Henry. We also enjoyed a visit to Facile Harbour, site of the first known European shipwreck in New Zealand.

With the wind picking up in the afternoon, we kept to the shelter of Earshell Cove and The Basin, with guests opting for various walking options along the trap lines on Resolution Island. After dinner we set off in 40-knot winds for The Snares Islands.

Image from file © S.Bradley, Heritage Expeditions