Arrive in Queenstown and transfer to your hotel. Meet your expedition team and fellow travellers during a welcome briefing and dinner. Learn about the journey ahead, including birding highlights, landing procedures and wildlife expectations. This introduction sets the stage for your Subantarctic expedition, offering insight into the remote islands and unique ecosystems you will explore over the coming days.

Enjoy breakfast before travelling through Southland to the port of Bluff. Board your expedition vessel and settle into your cabin. Attend safety briefings and meet the crew and expert guides. As the ship departs, begin your first seabird sightings while sailing into the Southern Ocean, known for its rich pelagic birdlife and dramatic open-water landscapes.

Cruise along the rugged coastline of the Snares Islands by Zodiac. Observe endemic species including the Snares Crested Penguin and Snares Island Tomtit. The islands host vast seabird colonies, including shearwaters and albatross. With no human settlement, this pristine ecosystem offers exceptional birding and photography opportunities in one of New Zealand’s most protected environments.

Land on Enderby Island, one of the best wildlife viewing sites in the Subantarctic. Encounter Yellow-eyed Penguins, New Zealand Sea Lions and nesting albatross. Walk across open grasslands and coastal habitats rich in endemic birdlife. This island offers an outstanding combination of birding, wildlife encounters and scenic beauty.

Explore Carnley Harbour and surrounding areas, known for both wildlife and maritime history. Optional hikes lead to albatross colonies, providing close-up viewing opportunities. Discover shipwreck stories and observe endemic birds such as shags and petrels. This day combines birding, history and dramatic landscapes.

Spend the day at sea travelling towards Macquarie Island. This is prime time for pelagic birding, with opportunities to spot multiple albatross species, petrels and shearwaters. Attend expert-led lectures and workshops on seabird identification, photography and ecology while enjoying continuous wildlife sightings from the deck.

Arrive at Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness vast colonies of King, Royal and Rockhopper Penguins along with Elephant Seals. Guided walks and ranger interactions provide insight into conservation efforts. This island offers one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles of the expedition.

Continue exploring Macquarie Island’s unique landscapes and wildlife habitats. Observe penguin colonies and seabird activity up close. Birdwatchers will have opportunities to spot endemic species and study behaviours. This extended visit allows for deeper immersion in one of the Southern Ocean’s most extraordinary ecosystems.

Cruise through the Southern Ocean with continued birdwatching opportunities. Spot albatross, petrels and possibly whales or dolphins. Enjoy onboard presentations and relax while taking in the vast ocean scenery. This day balances education, relaxation and wildlife observation.

Explore Campbell Island, known for its megaherbs and large albatross populations. Walk to nesting areas where Southern Royal Albatross breed. The island’s dramatic landscapes and unique flora create an exceptional setting for birding and photography.

Continue northward with excellent pelagic birding opportunities. Observe a variety of seabirds following the vessel. Attend lectures and workshops led by expert guides. This day provides time to reflect on the journey while continuing wildlife observation.

Cruise along the remote Antipodes Islands, home to endemic species including parakeets and penguins. While landings are restricted, coastal viewing offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. These rugged islands are rarely visited and provide a true sense of exploration.

Visit the Bounty Islands, a group of granite islets teeming with seabirds. Observe dense colonies of albatross, penguins and the rare Bounty Island Shag. The stark landscape and abundant wildlife make this a spectacular birding destination.

Sail towards the Chatham Islands with continued birdwatching. Visit Pyramid Rock, the only breeding site of the Chatham Albatross. This is a major highlight for birders, offering rare sightings of this endemic species in its natural habitat.

Explore the Chatham Islands, known for unique bird species and cultural heritage. Visit local communities and natural habitats while observing endemic wildlife. This destination combines birding with cultural insight.

Continue exploring the Chatham Islands with additional birding and cultural experiences. Discover more of the region’s biodiversity and landscapes. This extended stay allows deeper immersion into this remote archipelago.

Arrive back in New Zealand and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of rare seabirds, remote islands and one of the world’s most extraordinary birding expeditions.