Follow in the wake of Shackleton and Scott on this once in a lifetime safari to Antarctica and the Ross Sea. Explore untouched, rugged and wild landscapes, all relatively unexplored, in search of penguins, seals and much more.
A month long expedition to untouched parts of Antarctica. Starting in Invercargill, New Zealand, you head south exploring some of the most rugged and wild landscapes known to exist on the planet. Followed by huge numbers of seabirds, make your way towards the impressive Ross Sea, stopping en-route at the Auckland Islands, Campbell Island and more. Touching down in some of the most wildlife rich areas in the world, watch as each species thrives in this seemingly inhospitable habitat, whilst discovering the journeys of Shackleton and Scott, and even visiting research stations on the way.
Your expedition vessel, and home for the month, the Heritage Adventurer, provides an excellent base.
Antarctica Guide
The free, beautiful and comprehensive guide to Antarctica safaris and travel.
Departs from New Zealand for a completely different tour of the Sub Antarctic region.
Only a handful of expedition ships get to do this route each year, making it very unique.
See vast penguin colonies, including ‘penguin city’ where the dapper inhabitants are fearless of strangers, and the largest colony of Adelie penguins in existence.
Visit The Snares, Auckland Islands and the spectacular Ross Sea Ice Shelf.
See a huge variety of birds in huge concentrations.
Day 1 - Invercargill, New Zealand
Today we enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant and have the morning free to explore Queenstown. Prior to embarking your expedition ship, you’ll have time to enjoy a visit the Southland Museum & Art Gallery to see the sub-Antarctic display.
When to Go
The best time to visit Antarctica is during the the austral summer and Antarctic travel season run from mid-October through to March. Outside these times, it is not possible to travel to Antarctica. Weather, sea conditions, sunlight and wildlife sightings vary greatly as the continent’s climate can change from minute to minute, a true wilderness.
Take it easy this morning, with breakfast at your leisure in the hotel restaurant before heading to the Port of Bluff. Once on board your home for the next few weeks, you’ll be invited to join the expedition team on the bridge as your trip of a lifetime begins, by setting course to The Snares.
Wildlife in Antarctica
Following in the footprints of explorers such as Shackleton and Scott, you can experience incredible wildlife in Antarctica, which seems surprising on first glance in this land of superlatives – the coldest, windiest and driest location on Earth.
The closest Subantarctic Islands to New Zealand, appropriately called The Snares as they were once considered a hazard for sailing ships. Uninhabited and enjoy the highest protection as Nature Reserves, these islands are home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles.
Antarctica Guide
The free, beautiful and comprehensive guide to Antarctica safaris and travel.
Our plan is to land at Sandy Bay, one of three breeding areas in the Auckland Islands for the Hooker’s or New Zealand Sea Lion, a rare member of the seal family. During our day ashore there will be some longer walks, some shorter walks and time enjoy the wildlife.
Seals
The numbers of seals in the Antarctic continue to rise steadily as they are protected by various agencies and don’t have predators such as polar bears.
At sea, learn more about the biology and history of the Subantarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean through a series of lectures and presentations. We will be at sea all day, so it is another opportunity to spot some of the best pelagic ‘birding’ on the expedition.
Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) is often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Polar Exploration’ due to her celebrated history and refined design. She was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration with a 1A Super Ice Class. She has held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages. Accommodating 140 passengers (originally designed for 184 guests), the Heritage Adventurer offers a spacious stylish, and comfortable home for your expedition.
You will never forget your first experience of a noisy ‘penguin city’, where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors and where you will be immersed in a tumult of chattering, feeding chicks; territorial disputes; petty pilfering and courtship displays.
Penguins
Despite these harsh conditions, penguins are there in almost unfathomable quantities, and are perhaps the most iconic of all Antarctica’s wildlife. There are actually 18 species found in the sub-antarctic, although on the continent itself you are likely to see 4 of these – the well photographed Emperor, the Adelie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo. Marvelling at their elegance and impressive speed in the water, then witnessing them waddling awkwardly on land can be an entertaining sight. Penguins are known to be some of the most endearing and intriguing wildlife on earth, famous for their 'smart' attire and comedic waddle. During your time in Antarctica and south Georgia, you will hopefully see myriad species, proving each is unique and special in physical characteristics, and character.
Lectures now concentrate on the Ross Sea region and beyond the bow of the ship; drifting icebergs of extraordinary shapes begin to appear. Manoeuvring in close for your first ice photographs we pass the Antarctic Circle and into the continent’s realm of 24-hour daylight.
Antarctica Photography
The remote region of Antarctica is a photographer's paradise. From stunning ice statues to peppy penguins.
During our time in the Ross Sea region, we will visit the highlights of Antarctica’s most historic region. The Captain and Expedition Leader will assess daily conditions and take advantage of every opportunity to make landings or send you out in the Zodiacs.
Antarctica Guide
The free, beautiful and comprehensive guide to Antarctica safaris and travel.
En route to Campbell Island, take part in a series of lectures designed to prepare you for our visit tomorrow. Pelagic species abound here as they did en route to Macquarie Island earlier in our voyage. Above all, take the time to enjoy shipboard life after the excitement of the Antarctic.
Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) is often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Polar Exploration’ due to her celebrated history and refined design. She was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration with a 1A Super Ice Class. She has held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages. Accommodating 140 passengers (originally designed for 184 guests), the Heritage Adventurer offers a spacious stylish, and comfortable home for your expedition.
Campbell Island is a truly magnificent place of rugged scenery, unique flora and abundant wildlife. Perseverance Harbour where we drop anchor is an occasional refuge for Southern Right Whales. The highlight of our visit is a walk to the six thousand pairs of Southern Royal Albatross.
Wildlife in Antarctica
Following in the footprints of explorers such as Shackleton and Scott, you can experience incredible wildlife in Antarctica, which seems surprising on first glance in this land of superlatives – the coldest, windiest and driest location on Earth.
At sea en route to the Port of Bluff, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on an amazing experience. This is a good opportunity to edit any remaining photos while they are fresh in your mind and you have the experience of our expedition team on board for questions.
Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) is often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Polar Exploration’ due to her celebrated history and refined design. She was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration with a 1A Super Ice Class. She has held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages. Accommodating 140 passengers (originally designed for 184 guests), the Heritage Adventurer offers a spacious stylish, and comfortable home for your expedition.
Early this morning we will arrive in the Port of Bluff. After a final breakfast we bid farewell to our fellow voyagers and take a complimentary coach transfer to either Invercargill or Queenstown Airports.
When to Go
The best time to visit Antarctica is during the the austral summer and Antarctic travel season run from mid-October through to March. Outside these times, it is not possible to travel to Antarctica. Weather, sea conditions, sunlight and wildlife sightings vary greatly as the continent’s climate can change from minute to minute, a true wilderness.
Due to the unpredictable nature of ice and weather conditions, a day-by-day itinerary is not possible. Our programme emphasises wildlife viewing, key scientific bases and historic sites, as well as the spectacular scenery of the coastal terrain, the glaciers and icebergs of the Ross Sea.
Whilst specific landings cannot be guaranteed, we hope to visit the following: Cape Adare, Cape Hallett, Franklin Island, Possession Islands, Ross Ice Shelf, Ross Island and Ross Island.
Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) is often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Polar Exploration’ due to her celebrated history and refined design. She was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration with a 1A Super Ice Class. She has held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages. Accommodating 140 passengers (originally designed for 184 guests), the Heritage Adventurer offers a spacious stylish, and comfortable home for your expedition.
Please Note: In case of unexpected delays due to weather and/or port operations we ask you not to book any onward travel until after midday from Invercargill and after 3pm from Queenstown. During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. Landings at the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand are by permit only as administered by the Government of New Zealand. No landings are permitted at The Snares.
