11 Night Cruise sailing from Bluff roundtrip aboard Spirit of Enderby. 1 night hotel stay pre-cruise in Invercargill.

This is without doubt one of the most inspiring and informative journeys into the Southern Ocean ecosystem that one can make. Long recognised for their rich biodiversity, the Subantarctic Islands lying to the south of New Zealand are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This places them in a select group of only 180 natural sites that have been designated as 'the most important and significant natural habitats' on the planet. They are afforded the highest conservation status and protection by the Australian and New Zealand governments and passage to their shores is not granted lightly. We offer you the chance to explore, photograph and understand these wonderful places and to do so in expert company, a family business that actively supports conservation in the region.

As a young biologist, Rodney Russ (the founder of Heritage Expeditions) first visited these islands in 1972 with the New Zealand Wildlife Service. He organised New Zealand's first commercial expedition there in 1989, 20 years and over 100 expeditions later, he is still as passionate about the islands as he was in 1972. As the original concessionaire we have good relationships with the conservation departments and some of the access permits we hold are unique to only our expeditions.

The name we have given to this voyage 'Galapagos of the Southern Ocean' reflects the astounding natural biodiversity and the importance of these islands as a wildlife refuge. They lie in a cool temperate zone with a unique climate and are home to albatross, seals, terns, penguins and many, many more species besides. Island-hopping through the Macquarie, Snares and Auckland Island groups we may have the chance to walk the rata forests and cushion bogs, hear the ceaseless chattering of song birds and see the alien-looking wild flowers that have adapted to this strange environment. It is a journey that will forever change your appreciation of the Southern Ocean and its wildlife.

Day 1: Invercargill
Passengers should make their way to the central city hotel meeting point in Invercargill. This evening there will be an informal get-together at the hotel for dinner; an excellent opportunity to meet fellow adventurers on your voyage and some of our expedition team.

Day 2: Port of Bluff
Take breakfast at your leisure in the hotel restaurant before transferring to the port to embark the Spirit of Enderby. You will have the opportunity to settle into your cabin and familarise yourself with the ship; we will also take the opportunity to conduct a number of compulsory briefings and drills. You are invited to join the expedition crew and captain on the bridge as we raise the anchor and set our course to The Snares and our adventure begins.

Day 3: The Snares - North East Island
North East Island is the largest of The Snares and, staggeringly, this one island is home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles together. Zodiac cruising the rugged coastline we learn how the islands got their name and encounter Snares Crested Penguins, Cape Petrel and Buller's Albatross on the imposing cliffs. We are also likely to encounter Antarctic Terns, White-fronted Terns, Red-billed Gulls, Tomtits and Fernbirds

Day 4: Auckland Islands - Enderby Island
Named for the same distinguished shipping family as our own vessel and one of the most beautiful islands in the group, this is a great birding location and a chance to see everything from the famous Southern Royal Albatross and Northern Giant Petrel to parakeets, bellbirds and the endemic shag, teal and snipe. Sandy Bay is one of three breeding grounds on the Auckland Islands for the rare Hooker's or New Zealand Sea Lion.

Day 5: Auckland Islands - Carnley Harbour
These islands have witnessed many a shipwreck in days gone by; loaded in human history, they harbour tales of castaways, bullion and coastwatchers through to today's scientific visitors. We land in Carnley Harbour to visit the Shy Mollymawk colony and perhaps spot the beautiful Wandering Albatross spreading its huge wingspan above the cliffs.

Day 6: At Sea
As we make our way through an area known as the roaring '40s we will have a series of video-supported informal lectures on the biology and history of the Subantarctic Islands and the tumultuous Southern Ocean. Learn more about the flora and fauna as we prepare for our arrival at Macquaire Island.

En route to Macquarie Island, we can observe pelagic species at our ease. Great birding opportunities may include the Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Salvin's Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Northern and Southern Giant- Petrel, Sooty Shearwater and Little Shearwater. We will endeavour to spot the Fairy Prion, Fulmar Prion and Antarctic Prion - never an easy task - but we should get some great views.

Days 7 to 8: Macquarie Island
The only place in the world where the beautiful Royal Penguin breeds, this remote outpost in the middle of the roaring westerly winds supports a breathtaking concentration of wildlife. You will never forget your first experience of a noisy 'penguin city', where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors and where you will be immersed in a tumult of chattering, feeding chicks; territorial disputes; petty pilfering and courtship displays. We meet with scientists and Park Rangers based here and also seek out the thousands of Elephant Seals lolling on the beaches and dunes.

Day 9: At Sea
The Subantarctic Convergence Zone is traditionally very close to the area through which we sail today. This invisible line at the confluence of warmer and cooler waters can create an abundance of birdlife including five or six kinds of albatross and petrel. Join us on the bridge, where we keep a keen lookout for them and for whales.

Days 10 to 11: Campbell Island
We spend two days exploring the island by foot and take in the panorama of rocky islets and sea stacks; once the lonely preserve of settlers and seal hunters and now returned to nature. Enjoy an easy walk to the nesting site of the Southern Royal Albatross at Col Lyall or walk across the hills to North West Bay and see the strange and beautiful megaherbs growing on the hills, huge pink and yellow wild flowers that have adapted to the harsh conditions. We also seek out other wildlife such as Campbell Island Shags, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross and, on the beaches beyond, young male sea lions testing their strength.

Day 12: At Sea
At sea en route to the Port of Bluff, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on an amazing experience. This is a good opportunity to download and edit any remaining photos while they are fresh in your mind and you have the experience of our expedition team on board for questions. We will recap the highlights of our expedition and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight as we complete the last few miles of our journey.

Day 13: Invercargill
We arrive at the Port of Bluff early in the morning. After breakfast, customs formalities and a last minute opportunity to bid farewell to your expedition team you disembark. Our adventure ends but memories will last long beyond this.