Day 1: Auckland, New Zealand
Arrive in Auckland, where we check in to our hotel.
Day 2-5: Fly to Dunedin, New Zealand / Embark Ship / New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands
Today we fly to Dunedin, known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, where we embark our ship. Settle in to life aboard and spend three incredible days discovering New Zealand's subantarctic islands.
Located south of the New Zealand mainland in the remote Southern Ocean, these wild and beautiful islands are home to abundant and unique wildlife, with many species of birds, plants and invertebrates found nowhere else in the world. The entire marine landscape here is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. We have special permission to explore these strictly regulated islands, which are protected at the highest level of conservation status by the New Zealand government, and considered "bird central" among top ornithologists around the world.
Keeping a flexible weather-dependent schedule, we plan to explore several intriguing islands. Two small rocky islands, North East and Broughton, comprise the Snares, the closest subantarctic islands to New Zealand. The islands are covered with heavy tussock grass and wind-beaten forests of tree daisies. The Snares are home to huge numbers of breeding birds: the 99 recorded species include albatrosses, Antarctic terns and Snares crested penguins. The Auckland Islands are the largest of New Zealand's subantarctic islands, with the richest flora, prolific birdlife, and an interesting human history. Conditions permitting, we cruise in Zodiacs to Enderby Island. If we are fortunate, we may see rare yellow-eyed penguins as they move to and from their nests in the forests beyond the beach.
Day 6: At Sea
As we voyage, head up to the bridge to watch for icebergs and observe expert navigation at work as our skilled captain and officers sail these historic waters. There is also time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, workout in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.
Day 7-8: Macquarie Island, Australia
Here in the waters of the remote Southern Ocean, we plan to visit Macquarie Island, the exposed crest of an undersea ridge where the Indo-Australian and Pacific tectonic plates converge. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a large variety of wildlife, including thousands of seals and millions of penguins. Four penguin species breed here. The endemic royal penguin has a population estimated at 850,000. Gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins also breed here. And imagine landing on a single beach thronged with 150,000 pairs of king penguins–one of the world's largest colonies.
Day 9-10: At Sea
Voyaging farther south, we enjoy opportunities to watch for and photograph seabirds and whales. Our naturalists prepare us for the exciting days ahead with presentations on the wildlife of Antarctica and the history of the Golden Age of Exploration.
Day 11-19: Exploring the Ross Sea
Navigate some of the most remote regions of the planet, exploring the Ross Sea, just like Scott, Shackleton, and Ross (the 19th-century explorer for whom this sea is named). Here, we see the impressive Ross Ice Shelf, the world's largest, and the Transantarctic Mountain Chain. Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf is enormous, covering 182,000 square miles–the size of France–and the edge of the ice shelf is a wall of ice towering over the water by as much as 200 feet, with the majority of the ice below the waterline. The Ross Ice Shelf plays an important role in stabilizing the Antarctic ice sheet, buttressing the ice that is constantly moving over the land surface.
Your journey to this unique part of the Antarctic waters is likely to include stops at several small islands, offering opportunities to go ashore and explore via Zodiac and kayak. Keep an eye out for colonies of Adélie penguins, lazy seals, and majestic whales.
Day 20-26: Exploring West Antarctica
This part of the planet is big and bold and full of adventure and magnificent scenery. The ship will be in full expedition mode, granting thrilling opportunities to crunch through thick ice and explore places few have seen. Rely on the planet’s best ice team as you probe the ice’s edge for wildlife, including numerous seabirds and whales. Activities throughout our journey are always weather and ice dependent. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will look for spots to “park” the ship in the pack ice, allowing you the unique thrill of disembarking onto a frozen sea. There will be time, too, to relax in the library, head up to the Bridge to scan for marine life, unwind in the sauna or Yoga Room, and of course, hear presentations from our staff. Along the way, our undersea specialist captures images from the deep, revealing the hardy marine life beneath the ice. Always interesting, it can also be pioneering in this distant part of the world.
Day 27-30: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
With 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we are watching whales at play off the bow of our ship or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid glittering icebergs. One day—accompanied by our seasoned expedition team—we might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk on a beach amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Aboard ship, our undersea specialist may present video from the day's dive or show rare images taken up to 1,000 feet below the surface using our remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
Day 31: At Sea
On our final day aboard, enjoy one last chance to view the marine life of these southern waters. While crossing the legendary Drake Passage, watch for albatrosses and other seabirds that glide alongside the ship. Gather to toast our epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner.
Day 32: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark Ship / Buenos Aires
After breakfast, we disembark in Ushuaia and have an overview of the southernmost city in the world. Later, we head to the airport for our private charter flight to Buenos Aires, where we check into the Alvear Icon Hotel (or similar). Breakfast and lunch are included today.
Day 33-34: Buenos Aires / Home
This morning, set out on a guided tour of the city’s Beaux-Arts palaces and parks. Visit Recoleta—the final resting place of Argentina's iconic first lady, Eva Perón—and enjoy a private visit to El Zanjon de Granados, one of the city’s premier museums. Later, we transfer to the airport for overnight flights home. Breakfast is included on Day 34.
