As we left Kaikoura, the weather shifted back to windy and rainy conditions, setting the tone for our 3-hour scenic drive to Nelson. Nelson was a strategic stop for us: We planned to drop off our rental car and leave most of our luggage at the hotel, returning to collect it after our time in […]
Though disappointed by the cancellation of the astrophotography workshop in Lake Tekapo, we remained optimistic about coming back at some point given New Zealand’s proximity to Sydney. The next leg of our journey was a drive estimated at about five hours to Kaikoura, with a planned stop in Christchurch to break up the trip. Christchurch […]
After indulging in a leisurely buffet breakfast, we embarked on the 1.5-hour drive from Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo. The weather, however, was less than welcoming, with pouring rain transforming the previously dry creeks into vigorously flowing streams. Upon arrival, Lake Tekapo presented a chaotic scene, filled with drenched campers seeking refuge from the relentless […]
Our journey from the Otago Peninsula to Mount Cook was a transition from misty clouds to glorious sunshine, marking a beautiful start to the New Year. With little traffic early in the morning, our drive was smooth, though it gradually filled with holiday travellers as the day progressed. We reached Mount Cook around noon, fortunate […]
Disembarkation day always carries a hint of melancholy, almost like the end of a relationship. We docked at Bluff around 8 AM and, being bound for Invercargill Airport, we were among the last to disembark at around 9:30 AM. The drive to the airport was quiet and reflective. Arriving at the airport before the […]
Our expedition was nearing its end, and rather than the planned quiet day at sea, our crew made the decision to revisit the Snares—an opportunity we’d missed earlier due to adverse weather conditions. As we approached the famed Penguin Slide, the outlook was initially grim; the swell was high, and it looked doubtful we’d be […]
The day dawned with perfect weather at Sandy Bay on Enderby Island, part of the Auckland Islands. Today’s activities included three options: Enderby Circuit: An 11km all-day hike around the island, complete with lunch and a ‘poo bag’ kit. Northern Cliff Boardwalk and Sandy Bay: A 6km full-day hike, also requiring a poo bag. Morning […]
Christmas Day aboard the Heritage Adventurer was all about eating, beginning with an extensive brunch instead of the usual breakfast. We had most of the day to relax, with the exception of a presentation by Nigel Marvin about his experience filming nature documentaries, and another round of bio-securing our gear. The celebrations culminated in […]
The morning greeted us with a calm anchorage at Sandy Bay, a spot celebrated for its easily accessible colonies of king and royal penguins. The bay also serves as a breeding ground for elephant and fur seals, making it a hub of wildlife activity. The calmer weather made boarding the zodiacs a breeze compared […]
After a challenging couple of days at sea, and another round of bio-securing our gear, we were greeted with an exciting text message: “Welcome to Macca.” Macquarie Island, under Australian jurisdiction and part of Tasmania, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its extraordinary biodiversity and geological features. It is the only place […]