Isolated, windswept, beautiful and fragile, New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands are unique and irreplaceable, a privileged visit. Described by the United Nations Environment Program as “The most diverse and extensive of all sub-Antarctic archipelagos”, all five island groups - the Bounty Islands, the Antipodes Islands, the Snares Islands, the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island - were honoured with World Heritage status in 1998. These locations are a birders and photographers paradise.The New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands are blessed with the most significant populations of many species, such as the Southern Royal Albatross, the Yellow-Eyed Penguin and the New Zealand Sea Lion. They are particularly notable for the large number and variety of pelagic seabirds and penguins that nest there. There are 126 bird species in total, including 40 seabirds, five of which breed nowhere else in the world. The five island groups that make up the sub-Antarctic islands are located in the Southern Ocean, south to south-east of New Zealand. Spanning six degrees of latitude, from 47 to 52 degrees south, the five island groups occupy the stormy latitudes of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties, known also as the Albatross Latitudes. Much like Orion’s Antarctic explorations, itineraries, landings and access to these areas will be influenced by permits and prevailing weather conditions.
New Zealand's Bay of Islands - Voyage of Discovery 2012 Departure - February 20 This Orion exploration takes you through the spectacular water world of the Bay of Islands. One of the most beautiful locations in the world with 150 islands, superb scenery with corals, rocky coastlines and shipwrecks, history and adventure. The Bay of Islands is a birdwatchers paradise and the waterways are teeming with marine wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphins, Killer Whales and Manta Rays. Our Zodiac fleet will land on selected islands for guided nature walks and wildlife photography. Secluded bays, rugged forest-covered islands and picturesque settlements –all combine to make the Orion Bay of Islands experience an unforgettable one.
Tasman Discoverer 2012 Departures - February 26 & November 21 This Orion adventure in the spirit of the explorer Abel Tasman sails between Auckland and Brisbane and includes some of the most spectacular sights of the South Pacific. Crescent shaped Lord Howe is a remarkable eroded remnant of one of a series of volcanic pinnacles, part of a submarine ridge that links to the north island of New Zealand. Dominated by the twin volcanic peaks of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, Lord Howe is known for its spectacular beauty, picturesque lagoon and amazing coral reef, and is one of just four island groups in the world possessing World Heritage status. Just 23km southeast of Lord Howe, stands Balls Pyramid. An awesome jagged basalt spire spearing 552 metres out of the sea. Formed about 7 million years ago, windswept and inhospitable, it is regarded as the world’s tallest sea stack. If conditions permit, we’ll take a Zodiac exploration for a close-up view of this pinnacle and the surrounding islets of this mythological seascape.
Sailing from Brisbane to Auckland, there will be the opportunity to visit the historic township of Russell, a peaceful retreat with old world charm in New Zealand’s magnificent Bay of Islands. A coastline of bays and white sandy beaches and 150 islands on the edge of the Continental Shelf renowned for diving, yachting and deep sea fishing. This is where the European settlers first arrived and was a base for whalers, sealers and sailors. Without doubt, one of the most beautiful and peaceful seascapes in the world. This reverse voyage will include a visit to Norfolk Island which historic attractions include museums, the penal settlement and the culture arising from the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives, who settled on Norfolk after the mutiny of the HMS Bounty.
Pure New Zealand 2012 Departure - November 28 Orion will explore the amazing landscape of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. From the natural beauty of Milford Sound to the safe haven and rejuvenating landscape of Marlborough Sounds and the mystical aura of New Zealand’s only active marine volcano White Island. You’ll see majestic mountains and waterfalls that spill from the towering cliffs as well as abundant wildlife on New Zealand’s southern islands.
World Heritage listed Fiordland is considered one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. This voyage is renowned for seal and dolphin viewing and there will be the opportunity for both from either Orion or our Zodiacs.
Whether trekking through the bird lover’s paradise of Motuara Island or donning a safety suit to clamber over fascinating White Island, with boiling pools, potholes of sulphuric acid and steam vents, the Orion expedition around New Zealand is always surprising, always exciting – like stepping into a real life Lord of the Rings movie.
Macquarie Island & NZ sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure 2012 Departure - December 8 This adventure of a lifetime takes us from the southern tip of New Zealand through the Southern Ocean to the remote sub-Antarctic islands. Isolated, windswept and beautiful, New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands are unique and irreplaceable. The UNESCO rates these “the most diverse and extensive of all sub-Antarctic archipelagos”, and awarded them World Heritage status in 1998. This expedition is for a fortunate few as only 500 visitors a year are permitted to visit New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic Islands and 1,000 to Australia’s Macquarie Island. Macquarie Island has been described as one of the “wonder spots” of the world and rivals South Georgia in its magnificence, scenic diversity and prolific wildlife. The island was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1933 and a World Heritage site in 1997.
These sub-Antarctic island groups are a paradise for birders and photographers. They are blessed with the most significant populations of many species, such as the southernroyal albatross, the yellow-eyed penguin, king penguin, royal penguin, rock hopper penguin, erect crested pengiun, gentoo penguin and the New Zealand sea lion. There are 126 bird species in total, including 40 seabirds, five of which breed nowhere else in the world. This is a rare opportunity to see these fragile island groups with the help of expedition leaders who will enhance your experience with their knowledge. Orion is considered one of the finest and best equipped ships in the world to bring you the experience of these remote islands - the Galapagos of New Zealand and Australia.
