14 Night Cruise sailing from Auckland to Dunedin aboard Orion.

Isolated, windswept, beautiful and fragile, New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands are unique and irreplaceable, a privileged visit. Described by the United Nations Environment Program as "The most diverse and extensive of all sub-Antarctic archipelagos", all five island groups - the Bounty Islands, the Antipodes Islands, the Snares Islands, the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island - were honoured with World Heritage status in 1998. These locations are a birders and photographers paradise. The New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands are blessed with the most significant populations of many species, such as the Southern Royal Albatross, the Yellow-Eyed Penguin and the New Zealand Sea Lion. They are particularly notable for the large number and variety of pelagic seabirds and penguins that nest there. There are 126 bird species in total, including 40 seabirds, five of which breed nowhere else in the world. The sub-Antarctic islands are located in the Southern Ocean, south east of New Zealand in the stormy latitudes of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties, also known as the Albatross Latitudes. Much like Orion's Antarctic explorations, itineraries, landings and access to these areas will be influenced by permits and prevailing weather conditions.

Highlights of this cruise:

Auckland
In the Maori language Auckland is known as Tamaki Makau Rau, the city of 100 lovers, having earned the name because it was a place desired by all and conquered by many. The setting is spectacular, the city being nestled upon three harbours - the Waitemata, the Manukau and the Kaipara. Don't miss the chance to dine out in Auckland as the city has perfected the style of cuisine called "Pacific Rim", blending Asian and Pacific flavours. Seafood features prominently on restaurant menus so be sure to try New Zealand green lipped mussels and succulent Clevedon Coast oysters - all matched with an excellent New Zealand wine.

Chatham Islands
The Chatham Islands are halfway between the equator and the South Pole. Settled by the Moriori who sailed to the islands from New Zealand sometime between 900AD and 1500AD, the islands later saw an influx of Maori tribes, whalers and sealers.

These islands are a bird spotter's paradise and we will visit the Awatotara Valley, a bird sanctuary free of predators and home to bird species that have long since disappeared on mainland NZ. You can also join our included culture and history tour visiting local highlights.

In the afternoon, a Zodiac expedition will take us to the southern Chathams to explore a seal colony and watch for rare bird varieties including Chatham Island Snipe, Tui, Tomtit, Red-crowned Parakeet and Oystercatcher.

Campbell Island
Campbell Island was first discovered in January 1810 by Captain Frederick Hasselburg, master of the sealing brig, Perseverance. He named the island after his employers Robert Campbell and Co. of Sydney and sadly drowned later that year after a boat capsized in Perseverance Harbour. Campbell is a volcanic island with fascinating rock formations. 50 years ago, between 2 and 3 million Rock Hopper Penguins were nesting on the island but since then 90% have been decimated by bacterial infection. Erect Crested Penguins are found here in small numbers and less than 20 pairs of Wandering Albatross nest. Approximately 8,500 pairs of Royal Albatross and about 74,000 pairs of Black Browed Mollymawk also call the island home. Over 40 other breeds of birds including the Southern Royal Albatross have also been observed on Campbell Island.

Dunedin
Orion's shallow draft will allow her to cruise all the way into Dunedin city wharf (whereas other vessels berth at Port Chalmers) to provide guests a full day ashore to enjoy this charming city, regarded as one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Otago region was settled by Maori's over four centuries ago, with Scottish migrants establishing a small town in 1848. After gold was discovered Dunedin rapidly developed to (then) become New Zealand's biggest city and the country's industrial and commercial heart, with many ornate heritage buildings dating from this period still standing today. It was the first city outside the to have its own tram system. The Botanic Gardens, New Zealand's first, are located at the northern end of the city on the lower slopes of Signal Hill.