07 Dec 2023
Zodiac cruising in the remote Snares Islands
After boarding in Bluff yesterday and settling into our new home away from home, Heritage Adventurer, our Birding Down Under adventure was ready to begin. Up first The Snares Islands, a group of small pristine rocky islands located about 100 kilometres southwest of Stewart Island.
As landings are not allowed, it was our first opportunity for a Zodiac cruise. The excitement was high as we journeyed towards this hotspot of wildlife. Sheltered in the protected bays the conditions were perfect, with the wind calm and sun shining through.
The Snares Islands didn't disappoint! Cruising around these remote islands, we observed bustling Snares Crested Penguins and New Zealand/Hooker's Fur Seals - both groups were very busy coming and going from the shore, with the seals especially playful. Zodiac cruising around The Snares Islands, we also observed the Snares Island Tomtit, New Zealand Fernbird, Cape Petrel, Red-billed Gull, Snares Snipe, Leopard Seal, Buller's Albatross and Fulmars.
These captivating scenes played out against the backdrop of the towering caves and inlets in the folded granite rocks and the expansive Olearia Hectorii/Hector's Tree Daisy canopy.
What an amazing adventure to start our expedition!
Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions
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