December 6: Our outward journey was from Bristol to Heathrow by car; from Heathrow to Sydney, Australia with BA arriving early morning on December 8 (stopping in Bangkok).
December 8: From Sydney to Christchurch, New Zealand with Air New Zealand; from Christchurch to Wanaka (via Queenstown) with Mount Cook Airline; staying overnight in Wanaka.
December 9: Drive from Wanaka to Lake Moeraki where we stayed for 2 nights.
December 11: Drive back to Wanaka and stay overnight.
December 12: Fly back to Christchurch and stay 2 nights.
December 14 Depart Christchurch on special charter flight for the Chatham Islands to join the Academik Shokalski.
December 15 At Sea.
December 16 The Bounty Islands consist of 11 very small islands, there is no vegetation. The Salvin's mollymawk and the endemic Bounty Island cormorant seek what shelter they can from the prevailing winds. Of special interest is the Erect Crested Penguin, an endemic penguin found only in these waters.
December 17 The Antipodes Islands are New Zealand's most isolated Sub Antarctic Islands. It is an important nesting ground for thousands of seabirds including Wandering Albatross and numerous other smaller petrels and prions. Erect Crested and Rockhopper Penguins nest along the rocky shore. Landings are not permitted but Zodiac cruising allows us close up views of the wildlife.
December 18-21 At sea.
December 22-27 Ross Sea.
We spend the next six days in the Ross Sea region. We will be seeking as many wildlife experiences as possible. We will search for Emperor Penguins, and keep a watch for whales and seals. We plan to visit an Adelie Penguin colony. These breed in large numbers in the Ross Sea region.
December 28-31 At sea.
January 1 & 2 Macquarie Island has been described as one of the "wonder spots" of the world. Five species of penguin breed here, including the endemic Royal Penguin. Other penguins we will encounter include the King, Gentoo and Rockhopper.
January 3 At sea.
January 4 & 5 Auckland Islands. We spend an entire day ashore on Enderby Island. Southern Royal Albatross, Light Mantled Sooty Albatross and Giant Petrels all nest on this magnificent island. The rare Yellow Eyed Penguin nests on this island and can be best observed late evening as they come ashore.
January 6 The Snares Island is a nature reserve of international importance and landing is prohibited. However we intend to use our Zodiacs to cruise the coastline to see the endemic Snares Crested Penguin and other endemic birds. Late evening we make an expedition stop on Stewart Island to observe the Little Blue Penguin.
January 7 Arrive Bluff. Disembark. Drive to Manapouri.
January 8 Manapouri.
January 9 Drive to Dunedin and visit the Otago Peninsula.
January 10 Drive to Twizel area for more bird watching.
January 11 Back in Christchurch.
January 12 Fly to Sydney.
January 13 - 15 In Sydney.
January 15 Fly back home arriving January 16.