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Orion Cruises New Zealand & Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure

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Protected by the Southern Ocean, secluded and seldom visited, the Australian and New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands, recognised by UNESCO as one of the worlds' precious regions of unique biodiversity, will be visited by Orion in December 2009 and 2010.


New Zealand & Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure - Voyage of Discovery
2009 Departures - December 1, 14 (Bluff to Bluff)
2010 Departure - December 8
These remote Nature Reserves enjoy World Heritage status, recognised for their volcanic and glacial geological formations and extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna - much of which is endangered or recovering since being discovered and later plundered in the late 1700's and early 1800's by sealers and whalers.

Home to over half of the world's seabirds, some of which exist nowhere else, this wildlife paradise contains 40% of the world's albatross species and 50% of the world's penguin species including the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, plus hundreds of thousands of other endemic birds - petrels, prions and cormorants.

At Snares Island there is every expectation that guests will see Sooty Shearwaters, the endemic Snares Crested Penguins, Snares Fernbird and Tomtits. On Enderby Island expect to see pipits, parakeets and plovers, Hooker's Sea Lions, and perhaps even the Auckland Island Flightless Teal and Sub-Antarctic Snipe. Campbell Island, home to the Southern Royal Albatrosses, has the highest diversity of breeding albatrosses of any island in the world.

And then there are plant species that have to be seen to be believed, including 5 meter high tree daisies on Snares, giants compared to their relatives in more temperate climates. With convenient embarkation in Bluff (Invercargill, NZ) or Hobart, Orion will head south to visit (depending on voyage) Macquarie, Campbell, Stewart, Snares and Auckland Islands as well as spending time exploring New Zealand's beautiful Fjordlands (including Milford and Doubtful Sounds).

These three expeditions to the Sub-Antarctic islands are designed for nature lovers and photographers alike. The remnants of the old whaling station on Macquarie Island, the high cliffs and numerous caves and arches formed by marine erosion on Campbell Island and the enormous sea stacks on the southern peninsulas of Snares present dramatic contrast to the prolific bird life, penguins, seals, sea lions and flora in this remote sanctuary.

As part of the preparation for this years expeditions to the Sub-Antarctic Islands, Orion Expedition Cruises invited Glenn Ehmke from Birds Australia onto the NZ South Island Exploration in November to assess the Orion operation as a birding experience and make recommendations as to how we can enhance the experience.

Christmas in Fjordland
2010 Departure - December 21
This 7 night voyage features the extraordinary wildlife found on the wilderness islands of Campbell, Auckland, Stewart and Snares Islands and spectacular New Zealand fjordlands. Spectacular scenery combined with abundant bird and marine life creates island adventures in a photographer's paradise.

New Zealand Highlights
2010 Departure - February 3
Orion will explore this amazing landscape with a voyage to both the north and south islands. The beauty of magnificent fjords and lush tropical rainforests are sure to take your breath away. You'll see abundant wildlife on New Zealand's southern islands as well as majestic mountains and waterfalls that spill from the towering cliffs. From the natural beauty of Milford Sound to the spectacular Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park, you will experience the best that this sought after destination has to offer.