Place to Visit: Pacific Sub-Antarctic Islands (Ross Sea)

Islands of great natural beauty

Ross Sea, Antarctica

The Pacific Sub Antarctic Islands positively teem with wildlife – particularly seabirds, which nest here in their millions. Some islands are rarely visited – some are nature reserves which are never visited by tourists. Even these though, when viewed from zodiacs offer unforgettable sights. There are a wide range of organised activities possible on Stewart Island, which is closer to New Zealand than the others.

Great Reasons To Visit

  • Experiencing the fantastic variety of bird life
  • Sailing around and exploring rarely-visited islands
  • Going where few people have gone before!

Background

Some islands are places notorious for shipwrecks and where settlers tried to survive, they did not last. Snare Island is so named for its dangers.

On Campbell Island it rains for around 325 days a year. But, what enchanted islands they are, many being ice-free and have plants growing which are found nowhere else. Enthusiasts for bird-life are likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer number and variety seen here, particularly when birds leave their nests in the morning and return at night.

Relaxing

Facilities vary on the different ships, but most offer a bar, a library and an observation lounge where you can sit back and enjoy the magical scenes that you sail by.

Pacific Sub-Antarctic Islands (Ross Sea)

Each visit to this region will vary, due to sea conditions, but each place you visit and every direction you sail offers its own charm, surprises and memories. It is no wonder that many people find they become hooked on the Sub-Antarctic Islands and return again and again.

Antipodes Island

Looking Ashore

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Antipodes Island received its name because it is located almost opposite London on the globe. Like most islands in the group, this was an early centre for sealing. No tourist landings are allowed bu...

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Auckland Islands and Enderby Island

Carnley Harbour, Auckland Isles

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

The Auckland Islands are a collection of Pacific Sub Antarctic Islands. There were early colonies on Enderby Island, first of Maoris, then Europeans, but by the mid 19th Century, none remained. Thes...

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Bounty Islands

Bounty Islands

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Named after his ship by Captain Bligh, the Bounty Islands are rarely visited. Truly ‘desert’ islands, they are home to erect-crested penguins and wandering albatross.

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Campbell Island

Group Campbell Bay

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Campbell Island is a designated nature reserve. It is particularly rich in plant-life, much of which flowers in January.

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Chatham Islands

Chatham Island

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

The Chatham Islands are located in the South Pacific Sub Antarctic seas. Home to sea-birds, particularly storm-petrels, there are a birdwatcher’s wonderland.

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Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island Shag

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Macquarie Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acquired largely for its geology and high level of seismic activity. A home to seals, penguins and shipwrecks, this is a fascinating island to visit.

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Snares Island

Snares Crested Penguins

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Snares Island is so named because of their danger to shipping in the south Pacific Ocean. Breeding ground to millions of seabirds, landings are not permitted here, although cruising in zodiacs, parti...

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Stewart Island

Nalad Landing

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Stewart Island is the southernmost island of New Zealand, and while it is not technically classed as one of the Sub Antarctic Islands, it is visited by many of the Antarctic cruises that depart from N...

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