NEW ZEALAND S SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS & FJORDLAND: ABOARD THE MV ORION DECEMBER 6-20, 2012

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1 912NZ2 P: 04/12/12 - BL Rev: 05/21/12 GL NEW ZEALAND S SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS & FJORDLAND: ABOARD THE MV ORION DECEMBER 6-20, Among the world s greatest wildlife locations is the remote collection of Southern Ocean islands lying south of New Zealand. These subantarctic islands are so biologically rich, and sustain such an astounding quantity of wildlife, that a more accurate moniker for them could be Galapagos of the Antarctic. Each of the islands are powerhouses of diversity supporting species of plants and birds found nowhere else but together host some of Earth s finest wildlife spectacles where hundreds of thousands, even millions, of albatrosses, penguins, seabirds, landbirds, whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions flourish. Fueling this diversity is the great Southern Ocean, whose nutrient-rich waters are the foundation of a vast food chain. For tens of thousands of years, these life-giving waters have sustained a menagerie of birds and other marine life, while new forms have appeared in response to the super abundance of food sources. The islands that dot this vast ocean are the epicenters of albatross and penguin evolution while the incredible megaherbs thrive in response to a wet climate associated with the surrounding sea. VENT and Orion Expeditions are proud to present a rare opportunity for birders, nature enthusiasts, and interested travelers to join a natural history voyage to New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands and Fjordland. For this expedition, we offer an itinerary that visits four of New Zealand s subantarctic island-groups, including the Snares Islands, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands, and Macquarie Island. These archipelagos are among the world s most remote destinations places few have heard of and where even fewer have been. Complementing our time in the islands, we ll follow in the path of Captain Cook as we explore the dramatic fjord country of the South Island where towering waterfalls, lush forests, and the dramatic Southern Alps provide an abundance of scenic splendor. We ll cruise to protected Stewart Island, situated just south of the mainland, where we ll search for endangered landbirds on one of New Zealand s most important biodiversity sites. A number of birds, either long gone from the mainland or highly endangered there, have a home here to breed and propagate. Among the landbirds are some of the most colorful and spectacular in all of New Zealand including Yellowhead, Saddleback, Bellbird, Kaka, New Zealand Robin, and Tui among others. Despite centuries of exploitation, the subantarctic islands are now protected and in the process of being returned to near-pristine conditions. Landing access is either prohibited or tightly controlled to protect the rarest species and delicate plant life. We will go ashore on some of the islands and zodiac cruise around others. We ll notice how every island has its special fauna, with nesting colonies of albatrosses, penguins, and seals among primary attractions. It is an unforgettable

2 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 2 experience to be surrounded by thousands of King Penguins, cruise in a zodiac to within feet of an Erect-crested Penguin, or witness a 1,000-pound New Zealand sea lion bull proclaim territory on a sandy beach. We will experience a bounty of highlights including the prospect of seeing eight species of penguins: King, Gentoo, Eastern Rockhopper, Snares, Fjordland, Royal, Yellow-eyed, and Little penguins; a variety of native landbirds, some of which rank among the rarest birds in the world; four species of seals and sea lions; six endemic cormorants; and a brilliant botanical diversity with some of the first flowering plants of the season in bloom; and magnificent wilderness seascapes. At sea we will have opportunities to observe a tremendous variety of birdlife. The pelagic birding in these southern waters is the best in the world, and we could see more than a dozen species and subspecies of albatrosses, including the huge Wandering and Royal albatrosses, as well as dozens of tubenoses such as Southern and Northern giant-petrels; White-chinned, White-headed, Softplumaged, and Mottled petrels; Broad-billed, Antarctic, Fulmar, and Fairy prions; and Greybacked, White-faced, and Black-bellied storm-petrels. Additionally, a fine a variety of dolphins and whales are found here as well including hourglass dolphin, orca, long-finned pilot whale, sperm whale, and others. When not searching for wildlife above decks, you ll attend lectures by the expedition staff below decks, which brings expertise on all facets of natural history and human exploration of the Southern Ocean. We ll travel aboard the 106-passenger MV Orion, one of the finest small-size expedition vessels in existence. Once aboard, you ll cruise in total comfort, enjoying immaculate accommodations and excellent cuisine. The MV Orion features comfortable, all-outside cabins with lower beds, private bathroom facilities, and individual temperature controls. The window-lined dining room seats all passengers at leisurely single seatings. Ample public spaces offer comfortable settings for relaxing and socializing, and include a library and lounge. An experienced cruise staff, physician, and onboard lecturers accompany all voyages. Finally, this remarkable voyage will be led by a host of skilled naturalists and experts, in addition to VENT leaders Dion Hobcroft and Brian Patteson. Welcome aboard! December 6-8, Days 1-3: International flight to Invercargill, New Zealand. Participants depart their homes for the international flight to Invercargill New Zealand (airport code IVC). Please keep in mind that traveling to New Zealand from the USA requires crossing the international dateline, which means the loss of one day. To arrive in Bluff (Invercargill) on December 8, participants would depart the United States on December 6 and generally arrive between 10:00 AM 1:00 PM with connections through Christchurch. We will meet in Invercargill at a designated hotel (to be advised) at around 1:00 PM for a group transfer to the seaport of Bluff, about 19 miles (30 km) from Invercargill and board the ship. The MV Orion will depart between 4:00-5:00 PM. *NOTE: Please be aware that it is your responsibility to arrive at the designated hotel in time for the group transfer to the ship. The hotel location will be announced in your pre-departure materials and taxis are readily available from the Invercargill airport.

3 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 3 After settling into our staterooms and participating in mandatory safety drills, we ll depart Bluff and spend the last of the afternoon traveling west along the south coast of New Zealand s majestic South Island. Those who venture on deck will assuredly be treated to our first seabirds of the trip, and possibly other marine wildlife. White-capped and Buller s albatrosses and Northern Giant-Petrels are among the wider ranging species typically encountered in these waters, but we will want to keep an eye out for some nearer shore species we are unlikely to see later in the trip, such as Buller s, Flesh-footed, and Fluttering shearwaters, Cook s Petrel, and Australasian Gannet. Short-beaked common-dolphins are sighted with regularity here as well. NIGHT: Aboard MV Orion December 9, Day 4: Milford Sound. After cruising through the night, our day will begin with an exploration of Milford Sound before retracing our route along the South Island s southwest coast. In a country chock-full of scenic wonders, Milford Sound is perhaps the grandest of all. The centerpiece of Fjordland National Park, Milford Sound holds the distinction of being New Zealand s top tourist destination, and for good reason. A glacially carved deepwater fjord penetrating nine miles inland, the sound features a spectacularly beautiful setting of snow-capped peaks and ridges, sheer rock faces, and numerous waterfalls. One of the top attractions is Stirling Falls, featuring a wide pour-off and an apron of clear water plunging directly into the sea. The ship should be able to maneuver close to the face of the falls for in-your-face photographic opportunities. Other highlights include a variety of features that exist as byproducts of ancient glaciations including cirques, hanging valleys, and razor-thin rock spines. A dense forest of beech and other native trees covers the steep hills in a lush blanket of green. The overall impression is one of supreme beauty. Exiting the fjord, the ship will head back along the southwestern coast. Many seabirds breed on the South Island and its surrounding islets and use the nearshore waters for feeding. Watching from the viewing decks we have a good chance of encountering an interesting collection of birds including our first Southern Royal Albatrosses and White-chinned and Cook s petrels. NIGHT: Aboard MV Orion December 10, Day 5: Doubtful & Dusky sounds. New Zealand s entire southwest coast, known as Fjordland, is encompassed within the vast Fiordland National Park. The region takes its name from the series of glacier cut channels and sounds that incise from the Tasman Sea into the island landmass. Spectacular scenery in the form of heavily forested, sheer-sided mountains, plunging waterfalls, and hanging valleys are common to all the sounds, while others are notable for their networks of interior waterways and islands. Today we will visit Doubtful and Dusky sounds, two of the best known and most beautiful waterways in New Zealand. Both sounds were named by Captain Cook, who discovered their entrances in Our first stop will be Doubtful Sound, a large multi-channel fjord home to several large waterfalls and glorious mountain scenery. Later in the day, in Dusky Sound, we ll zodiac cruise through narrow passages between forested islands where the songs of bellbirds emanate from the surrounding woods. Fjordland Penguins nest here, but earlier in the season than other penguins we ll encounter on our voyage, and we ll keep a sharp eye out for any that have not yet returned to the sea. Other activities may include a landing at Astronomer s Point, where Cook and his men carried out astronomical observations, and zodiac cruising for Little Penguins in a highly scenic adjacent bay. Cruising farther up the fjord, everyone will want to be outside with cameras in hand for an opportunity to gaze at the forests, mountains, and waterfalls that line the Acheron Passage. The wildlife viewing is often light throughout the transit but we do have chances for spotting Pied Cormorant, Spotted Shag, and Variable Oystercatcher, along with seals and dolphins. However slow the birding may be is more than made up for in marvelous scenery, where the steep upper reaches of the sound produce numbers of photogenic waterfalls.

4 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 4 In completing a u-shaped navigation of the sound, we ll return to the open sea in the late afternoon where a current interface zone offers a chance to see high concentrations of birds. Albatrosses and petrels may be abundant. NIGHT: Aboard MV Orion December 11, Day 6: Stewart Island. Situated a short transit across the Foveaux Strait, Stewart Island is closely related biologically to the New Zealand mainland. It is not subantarctic in any sense, yet the island, including several critical smaller islands, are vital refuges for preserving the country s biodiversity. Today s activities may include a combination of birding and cultural events. The island s principal settlement, Oban, offers opportunities for some walking and gaining a taste for the local culture while birding on nearby Ulva Island, on the opposite side of Paterson Inlet, offers a chance to see a collection of very rare and endangered landbirds. As Ulva has largely been predator-free for years, it is one of New Zealand s most important avian refuges. A number of birds, long gone from most of the mainland and surrounding islands have a home here to breed and propagate. Among the landbirds are some of the most colorful and spectacular in all of New Zealand including Yellowhead, Saddleback, Bellbird, Kaka, New Zealand Robin, and Tui among others. We may spend the morning walking the various trails while split among several groups. In learning of the island s history and experiencing its lovely forests and birds, we are virtually assured of enjoyed a special day here. NIGHT: Aboard MV Orion December 12, Day 7: Snares Islands. At 48 South and 125 miles south of New Zealand, the Snares Islands are the first of the subantarctic islands we ll visit. Unlike the volcanic landmasses we ll experience in the Auckland and Campbell Islands, the Snares are the eroded remnants of granite batholiths that date back to over 100 million years. The main island, known as North East Island, accounts for an overwhelming percentage of the landmass of the archipelago with smaller Broughton Island and a collection of islets and stacks accounting for the remainder. Access to land is prohibited and all visitors must view the islands from the confines of ships and zodiacs. The Snares Islands complex is a designated part of the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands World Heritage Area and known for its outstanding biological significance. The small island cluster is entirely free of human habitation, save for researchers, and is home to millions of nesting seabirds including the world s largest colony of Sooty Shearwaters, huge numbers of Common Diving-Petrels, Shy (White-capped) Albatross, and, of course, the Snare s Penguin. The entire world population of this penguin species breeds here and nowhere else. The Snares were discovered by Captain George Vancouver in 1791 after getting caught in a storm while en route to Tahiti. Following their placement on the map of the Southern Ocean, the first decades of the 1800s saw the arrival of sealing vessels, which depopulated the island of its fur seals with grim efficiency by With the seal population wiped out and the island inhospitable for settlement, nearly all travel to the Snares ceased. Today, the Snares are among the most pristine of all the subantarctic islands with an intact botanical regime, native landbirds, and millions of nesting seabirds. The plan for the day is to zodiac cruise around different sections of shore on North East Island. Gaining close access to Snares Penguins is the priority, but our outings should provide plenty of exposure to the blizzards of birds coming and going from their cliff-side burrows. With good fortune, we may spot the endemic form of New Zealand Tomtit, which is all black, or possibly the New Zealand Fernbird, which also has an endemic form that lives in the islands dense forests. The offshore waters a short distance away team with nutrients that in turn serve as the basis for the local food chain for literally millions of birds. At times, the sea appears covered with thousands of Sooty Shearwaters and Common Diving-Petrels. At other times, the birds launch into the air in haphazard formations, careening across the ocean only to land a short distance away.

5 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 5 A trip to the Snares is always somewhat dicey in that rough weather can appear at any time, but if we are fortunate to be there on a good day, we will enjoy sights that we ll never forget! NIGHT: Aboard MV Orion December 13, Day 8: Auckland Islands (Enderby Island). At 50 South and 270 miles south of New Zealand, the Auckland Islands are the largest of the true subantarctic landmasses. Along with the Antipodes and Campbell islands, they complete a trio of archipelagos with similar volcanic origins. The largest island, Auckland Island, and second largest, Adams Island, account for almost all of the area of the island group, but several smaller islands farther north are of especially high ecological value. As with the other Southern Ocean islands of the region, the Auckland group contains a wealth of natural wonders while coping with the legacy of introduced predators and associated habitat alterations. Among their avian attributes, the Auckland Islands support the majority of the world s Gibson s Wandering Albatrosses; most of its White-capped Albatrosses; many of its Yellow-eyed Penguins; all of its Auckland Islands Shags; and tens of thousands of giant-petrels, petrels, prions, shearwaters, storm-petrels, and diving-petrels. Of equal significance, the islands support the world s largest population of New Zealand sea lions. Today we will find ourselves in the enviable position of visiting Enderby Island, northernmost of the Auckland Islands. Please note however that in the event we experience bad weather in the Auckland Islands, we may not be able to reach Enderby Island. An alternate plan will be to visit Carnley Harbour in the south end of the archipelago. Situated between Adams and Auckland islands, Carnely Harbour is a protected passage through the southern end of the archipelago with a large opening on the east end and a narrow exit on its west side. In between, a network of bays, arms, and small harbors indent the well into Auckland Island. Towering over the body of water are volcanic mountains that are the highest in the archipelago, with some reaching over 2,000 feet. The birdlife is not as rich as on Enderby Island, but many of the same seabirds, including albatrosses and shags, are readily seen in this area. Boasting a fabulous botanical regime, beautiful island scenery, and a wealth of wildlife, Enderby qualifies as an unequivocal jewel in the crown of subantarctic wildlife. Despite abuses dealt to the native ecology by humans and livestock in the 19 th - and 20 th -centuries, the island today is a flourishing wildlife refuge home to some of the world s rarest birds. Free of people, livestock, and predators for over 20 years, Enderby offers a rare look at an island in near pristine condition. Access is tightly controlled by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, and is largely limited to a boardwalk that leads across the width of the island. We will have a day to explore Enderby on foot and by zodiac. We ll come ashore at Sandy Bay on the island s protected south side, and proceed directly to a broad white-sand beach that is home to a colony of New Zealand sea lions. Also known as Hooker s sea lion, these animals differ from other sea lion species principally through their much larger size. Adult males may reach an astounding 1,000 pounds and resemble large bears as they amble around the beach. In fact, the genus name Phocarctos means bear-seal. Moving inland, we ll pass through a belt of southern rata forest where endemic races of New Zealand Tomtit and New Zealand Bellbird occur. The Bellbird, in particular, grabs attention with its ethereal, soul-stirring vocalizations. Beyond the forest, we ll walk the boardwalk across the island s interior, noting the extensive open moorlands formed by an assemblage of native plants. With good visibility in all directions we will watch for another endemic species, New Zealand Falcon, atop exposed perches, and Double-banded Plovers perched like sentinels amid the tundra-like landscape. The boardwalk ends at a lengthy expanse of bluffs that soars over the north shore, offering commanding views of a spectacular coastline complete with crashing waves, foamy tidal zones, and a partially visible shipwreck. We ll spend an hour or more in this area as we take in the birds, flora, and scenery of this remarkable location.

6 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 6 The world population of Auckland Islands Shag (1,000 pairs) is centered on and around Enderby Island and we will watch for them resting and preening on the cliffs around and below us. The endemic subspecies of Subantarctic Snipe is doing very well on the island, thanks to non-native predator removal, and occurs in areas of low, dense vegetation. The endemic race of Red-fronted Parakeet may be found foraging among the grasses and tussocks that appear in more exposed areas. No discussion of Enderby would be complete without mention of the famous megaherbs, of which a variety occurs on the island. The term megaherbs was coined by the famed botanist Joseph Hooker who visited the islands in the early 1840s. The word is used to describe the oversized flowers and leaves that appear among herbaceous plants in this part of the world. Although most of the megaherbs blossom in November and December, we will undoubtedly witness flowers on some of the season s earliest-blooming species. Returning to Sandy Bay, we will scan for Yellow-eyed Penguins crossing the beach as they return from feeding forays at sea. The Yellow-eyed Penguin is unique among the world s penguin species in terms of its habits and breeding biology. Unlike the Erect-crested and Rockhopper Penguins we ve seen elsewhere, the Yellow-eyed is a solitary bird that nests in burrows. The world population is small and possibly declining. We are fortunate to be able to visit Enderby, home to an estimated 400 pairs. We will return to the ship for lunch. Afterward, we hope to offer zodiac cruises along the edge of the bay to search for the flightless Auckland Islands Teal. Like the closely related Campbell Islands Teal, this species suffered grievously from the introduction of non-native predators. Once again, thanks to the recovery efforts by the Department of Conservation, teal are once again established on Enderby Island and increasing. The floating kelp beds along the immediate shoreline are a good to place to watch for them. The island of Enderby received its name from Charles Enderby, member of a 19 th -century whaling firm. Back on board MV Orion by mid-afternoon, we will cruise southeastward toward our next destination: Campbell Island. NIGHT: Aboard MV Orion December 14, Day 9: Campbell Island. Lying at 52 South and about 465 miles from New Zealand s South Island, the Campbell Island group exists as a remote and often cloud-draped outpost in the Southern Ocean. It is a product of the same volcanic activity that produced the Antipodes and Auckland islands, but at 6-11 million years of age is far older than the former, but not as old as the latter. Campbell Island is a large island with a high degree of topographic variability. The eastern side is defined by densely vegetated rolling hills and a sharply scalloped coastline while the western side is marked by high volcanic cliffs. The most recognizable feature of Campbell Island is Perseverance Harbor, a long deepwater fjord cutting from the east coast far into the island s interior. Introduced to the world in the early 1800s through the exploits of the sealing industry, the island is today a site of vital conservation importance. In the aftermath of the destructive sealing and whaling expeditions of the early 1800s, the New Zealand government sanctioned attempts to utilize the island for farming. Although pastoral endeavors were only successful for short periods of time, the results of livestock introduction complemented by land clearing and intentionally set fires left the original fragile ecosystem in tatters. Moreover, Norway rats also became established on the islands by the late 1800 s, presumably as a byproduct of early visits by sealing and whaling brigs, and did tremendous damage to the native bird populations. Over the last 35 years, the New Zealand Department of Conservation has worked relentlessly to return the island to a state that approximates its original condition. Gone are the farming operations and associated livestock, and, in the last couple of years, a successful rat eradication program has apparently eliminated this scourge from the island as well. The results have been nothing short of amazing, with all bird species showing higher reproductive success. In some cases, birds such as Subantarctic Snipe and Australasian Pipit that have not been

7 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 7 seen in a century have begun repopulating their former range. However, no species has benefited more from the ecological restoration of the island than the Campbell Island Teal. Thought to be extinct, due to rat predation, a surviving population was found on a small satellite island in An intensive propagation and reintroduction campaign, possible because of the eradication of rats, has allowed the teal to once again become established on Campbell Island. The teal may signify the ultimate conservation success story on Campbell, but it is only one of many indicators of the return to good health of the island s natural ecology. We will approach the island from the east, cruising up Perseverance Harbor before arriving at its head several miles inland. Cut during a period of Pleistocene-era glaciations, the harbor (really a fjord) was named for a sealing brig under the command of Captain Frederick Hasselburgh. Offering a hidden sanctuary for ships and wildlife alike, Perseverance Harbor provides rich feeding grounds for a variety of birds. From MV Orion s viewing decks, we may spot hundreds, even thousands, of albatrosses, giant-petrels, petrels, and shearwaters in the air and water around us. The endemic Campbell Islands Shag should be seen with relative ease, and we will stay on watch for the presence of Yellow-eyed Penguins feeding in the currents around the ship. Our primary activity for the morning is an opportunity to experience the coastal and inland ecosystems of Campbell Island via a boardwalk that extends over a mile from the shore into the interior. Among Campbell s preeminent natural attributes is a botanical composition that is among the richest in the subantarctics. A great many grasses, sedges, rushes, vascular plants, mosses, lichens, and liverworts have been cataloged here. In fact, the vegetation of Campbell is probably better understood here than at many other sites in the region due to the many scientific expeditions mounted here. Along the way our route will pass through hills decorated with regenerating vegetation. Although we are a little early, we hope to encounter a variety of megaherbs synonymous with New Zealand botany the first of which may be in bloom. Campbell is also the site where the bulk of the world s Southern Royal Albatrosses nest. If the first ones have returned to their territories, we may be fortunate to witness the wonderful courtship displays for which the albatrosses are so famous. Seeing the Cambell Islands Teal and island subspecies of Subantarctic Snipe is certainly possible, but will require some luck, while a host of introduced passerines from Europe have colonized the island from the mainland on their own. These include Sky Lark, Song Thrush, Common Redpoll, and others. We will return to the ship for lunch, after which time we will retrace our route back through Perseverance Harbor and to the sea beyond. We hope to visit North Cape and Bull Rock at the north end of the island. This site is one of the most important and breathtaking seabird nesting sites in this corner of the Southern Ocean. Towering, dramatic cliffs of basalt define the cape and provide nesting sites for Light-mantled, Gray-headed, and Campbell Black-browed albatrosses, the latter of which nests only on Campbell Island. The air over the surrounding nutrient-rich sea, meanwhile, may pulse to the presence of thousands of calling, feeding, and displaying seabirds. NIGHT: Aboard MV Orion December 15, Day 10: At sea (en route to Macquarie Island). Our next destination is Macquarie Island, situated about 340 miles to the southwest. We will spend a full day at sea today as we push deeper into the Southern Ocean. Again, we will want to be on deck as we anticipate more excellent seabirding opportunities. Albatrosses will be present in big numbers and we should see Black-browed Albatrosses among the more numerous Campbell Black-broweds, in addition to such other species as Snowy, Gibson s, and Antipodes, wanderings, Southern Royal, Gray-headed, White-capped, and Buller s albatrosses; Northern and Southern giant-petrels; White-chinned, Cape, and Softplumaged petrels; Subantarctic Brown Skua; and Black-bellied Storm-Petrel. New species to watch for include Blue Petrel, Antarctic Prion, and Southern Fulmar. NIGHT: Aboard MV Orion

8 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 8 December 16-17, Days 11-12: Macquarie Island. At 54 South, Macquarie Island is the southernmost of the region s subantarctic islands. Situated about 900 miles from New Zealand, and a similar distance from Tasmania, Australia, it differs from the other islands of the region in being the only one administered by Australia. Discovered by Captain Frederick Hasselborough in 1810, Macquarie Island is known for its extraordinary penguin colonies, of two types, and beaches that throng with elephant seals during the Austral spring. Although the island s ecosystem has been badly damaged by non-native animals, recent pest eradications appear to have been so successful as to have given the island s ecosystem a new lease on life. Unlike its northerly neighbors, Macquarie Island is neither vulcanized nor a granite remnant of ancient Gondwanaland, but rather is a segment of ocean crust in a rare state of exposure. Despite terrible exploitation of the island s wildlife in the 19 th century, Macquarie is today a haven for wildlife where millions of penguins, albatrosses, and smaller seabirds breed each year during the Antarctic spring and summer. Additionally, as many as five species of seals may be found here. Closest to the Antarctic Convergence, or Polar Front, of all the islands we ll visit, Macquarie possesses a unique faunal makeup. There are close to one million nesting pairs of Royal Penguins, a species that breeds nowhere else, as well as over 100,000 pairs of King Penguins, and lesser numbers of Gentoo and Eastern Rockhopper penguins. Small numbers of Snowy Wandering Albatross and Black-browed and Gray-headed albatrosses also nest here while the most abundant breeding albatross is the Light-mantled Sooty Albatross. Other species breeding here include both Northern and Southern giant-petrels; White-headed, Blue, and Gray petrels; Antarctic Prion; Sooty Shearwater; Grey-backed Storm-Petrel; and Common Diving-Petrel. With two full days at Macquarie Island, our plan is to visit several sites all of which offer bountiful good scenery and large aggregations of wildlife. We ll begin with a visit to the ANARE scientific station on the isthmus at the island s north end where scores of elephant seals of all ages litter the beaches and tussock and giant petrels and Macquarie Island Shags are easy to see and study. We ll see three species of penguins here including Gentoo Penguins, which are the least numerous of the island s three penguin species, in addition to our first Royal and King penguins. Another significant site, Sandy Bay, located farther south on the island s east cost, will provide another highpoint for the trip. Up close and personal views of King Penguins of all ages, massive elephant seals and, a colony of Royal Penguins are the chief attractions of a visit here. Moreover, this section of the island is breathtakingly beautiful. For a grand finale, we hope to experience a Zodiac cruise by a colony of Eastern Rockhopper Penguins. Throughout our stay, we will watch for a variety of other nesting birds including the endemic Macquarie Shag, Antarctic Tern, Subantarctic Brown Skua, and Kelp Gull. Devoid of trees or tall shrubs, Macquarie supports only a couple of self-introduced exotic passerines: European Starling and Common Redpoll. Marine mammals are also much in evidence and we should see numerous southern elephant seals loafing on the beach. Three species of fur-seals (New Zealand, Antarctic, and subantarctic) occur here in varying numbers, and are still recovering from the ravages of the sealing industry. With seals come orcas, or killer whales, which patrol the waters around the island searching for unattended elephant seal pups. NIGHT: Aboard MV Orion December 18-19, Days 13-14: At sea (en route to Bluff). We will be at sea for the final segment of the voyage en route to the seaport of Bluff. The crossing from distant Macquarie Island will take two days to complete, during which time participants will have many opportunities to join the leaders on deck for seawatching vigils or attend presentations by expedition staff.this final transit virtually assures sightings of many species of seabirds, and possibly a range of marine mammals.

9 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 9 Our route will take us northeast across a broad swath of ocean a little farther west than any previous time during the trip. We may have opportunities to add a few new species among the vast array of more familiar birds. NIGHTS: Aboard MV Orion December 20, Day 15: Arrival in Bluff; disembark MV Orion; departure for home. We ll disembark MV Orion this morning around 8:00 AM in Bluff with transfer to the Invercargill airport for those participants departing on flights home, or a centrally located hotel for those participants extending their time in New Zealand. Participants departing home should not schedule flights to depart Invercargill (airport code IVC) prior to 12:00 PM. Please keep in mind that the return trip to the USA requires crossing the international dateline, which means gaining a day. Those with departing flights from Invercargill today will arrive in the United States this evening. Subantarctic programs are designed as expeditions which require a degree of flexibility and spontaneity. Every effort will be made to follow the published itinerary, but please note that they are offered subject to change at the discretion of the ship s captain based on sea and weather conditions. TOUR SIZE: For this expedition, The MV Orion holds 106 passengers, of which VENT has reserved 20 spaces in Category A Cabins and Junior Suites. Other categories are available on a space available basis. Please note that if registrations do not warrant this size allotment, the cruise company may sell any unsold berths to the general public. TOUR LEADERS: This cruise will be led by Dion Hobcroft and Brian Patteson. Dion Hobcroft has been working for VENT since He has led many tours to Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Bhutan, India, Southwest Pacific, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Japan, Russia, Alaska, Tanzania, and the Antarctic. In 2007 alone Dion showed more than 2,000 species of birds to VENT clients. His informative, relaxed, and educational nature, combined with sharp eyes and ears, has established Dion as a favorite of many tour participants. His fieldwork for over 30 years on birds and other terrestrial vertebrates has allowed him to amass an extraordinary knowledge of the biodiversity in the Asia-Pacific region. Born in Tasmania and based in Sydney, Dion has traveled widely throughout Australia listing over 770 species, placing him in the top echelons of Australian birders. He is very tuned-in to the songs of bird species in the Asia-Pacific region, and specializes in rare and elusive species. He is delighted to show these skulking rarities to his travel companions. Dion has published several papers on field ornithology, served on national and state rare bird committees, managed Birdline NSW, run introduction to ornithology courses for Sydney University, and, before he traveled so continuously, was a popular speaker with various natural history societies. Dion has worked for many research and government agencies ranging from the Antarctic Division, Department of Environment NSW, Agriculture Protection WA, Taronga Zoo, Australian Museum, and the Queensland Department of Primary Industry. Dion lives in Sydney with his wife Lise, and two young children, Grace (age 11), and Daniel (age 7). Brian Patteson grew up near the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, but has a keen interest in seabirds, which began over 20 years ago when he started organizing pelagic trips off the coasts of Virginia and North Carolina. In 1995, Brian moved to Hatteras, North Carolina in order to run a more extensive schedule of birding trips to the Gulf Stream. Since that time, thousands of birders have traveled to the Outer Banks to participate on these trips. In addition to providing an exciting day offshore and encounters with some otherwise nearly impossible to see species, Brian s trips have helped redefine our knowledge about seabird distribution in the western North Atlantic. As a result, some species such as the Bermuda Petrel, which were previously unknown, are now known to be regular visitors to the waters off Cape Hatteras. In 2006, Brian, a U.S.C.G. licensed master to 100 gross tons, began running nearly all of these trips on his own boat. When he is not leading birding trips, Brian runs fishing charters and cruises aboard the Stormy Petrel II. He also relishes the occasional trip to the Southern Ocean, as albatrosses are few and far between in the North Atlantic.

10 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 10 MV Orion Deck Plan 1-Elevator, 2-Galaxy Lounge, 3-Vega Health Spa, 4-Cosmos Lecture Theatre, 5-Sun Deck with Jacuzzi, 6-Bridge, 7- Hairdresser, 8-Boutique, 9-Reception, 10-Library, 11-Leda Lounge, 12-Security Office, 13-Delphinus Outdoor Café, 14-Constellation Restaurant, 15-Stern Zodiac Embarkation Platform, 16-Medical Centre, 17-Mud Room, 18- Side Zodiac Embarkation Platform. Technical Information: Length: 103 meters; Beam: meters; Draft: 3.82 meters Gross Tonnage: 4,000 Engines: Mak; 8M25; 3,265HP Speed: 15 knots; cruise speed: 13 knots Crew: 75 Regulations: MV Orion is built according to the latest international safety regulations, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health, Canadian Arctic Shipping, and St. Lawrence Seaway. Additional Craft: 10 Zodiac Heavy Duty MK5

11 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 11 FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Cabin prices quoted are per person based on double occupancy. Every room offers you ocean views and is appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds and marble bathrooms. All rooms offer conveniences such as ample storage space, complementary 24-hours room service, a flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, internet connectivity, air conditioning, a personal safe, hairdryer, and a mini-refrigerator continuously stocked with complimentary bottled water. A limited number of singles are available. Please contact the VENT office for applicable rates. Category B (Deck 3) $ 8,835 Category A (Deck 3) $10,255 Junior Suite (Deck 4) $12,185 Balcony Suite (Deck 5) $15,925 Owners Suite (Deck 5) $18,500 Included in the cruise program: 14-night accommodations (days 3-14) aboard the MV Orion Welcome and farewell receptions aboard the ship All ship-board meals beginning with dinner on day 3 and ending with breakfast on day 15 Bottled water, coffee, and tea All Zodiac cruising and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Services of VENT leaders and ship staff (including gratuities for drivers) Not included in the cruise program: Air transportation from your home to Invercargill and return Hotel accommodations prior to boarding the ship (day 3) or after disembarkation on (day 15) Meals prior to dinner on day 3 and after breakfast on day 15 All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages except bottled water, coffee, and tea Land transfers including from the Invercargill hotel to the ship in Bluff (day 3) and from the ship to the Invercargill airport or hotel (day 15) Laundry, postage, telephone calls, s, or other items of a personal nature Travel insurance, including medical evacuation insurance (required) Fuel or exchange rate surcharges Airport departure taxes (if applicable) Gratuities to the ship staff and crew (refer to the TIPPING section that follows) Gratuities to VENT leaders (optional) Passport fees REGISTRATION: To register for this tour, please contact the VENT office. The deposit for this tour is 30% of the expedition fare per person. If you prefer to pay your deposit by check, your tour space will be held for 10 days to allow time for the VENT office to receive your deposit and completed registration form. If you prefer to pay your deposit using a credit card, your deposit must be made with MasterCard or Visa at the time of registration. The VENT registration form should then be completed, signed, and returned to the VENT office. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure, August 8, Because of the agility required for cruises on board an expeditionary vessel, travelers with disabilities, heart and/or respiratory problems, or other significant physical limitations or conditions are advised not to participate in expeditionary cruises. Please be advised that medical conditions that are discovered at any time during or prior to boarding and which, in the sole and reviewable opinion of the Captain, may jeopardize the health or safety of the Passenger or any other individual, will be grounds to deny the Passenger permission to board the ship at the point of embarkation, and/or to require the Passenger to leave the ship and terminate his or her continued participation in the cruise. By forwarding the deposit for this cruise, the Passenger certifies that he or she is in good physical health and capable of performing normal activities on this expedition.

12 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 12 CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations, for any reason, must be received in writing. At the time we receive your written cancellation, the following penalties will apply. 120 days or more prior to departure (before August 8): $500 per person 119 through 60 days prior to departure (August 7-October 7): 50% of expedition fare 1 through 59 days prior to departure (after October 6): 100% of expedition fare Any refunds will be reduced by applicable airline cancellation penalties. No refunds will be made in the event of no shows or cancellations made on the day of sailing. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance and/or travel insurance to protect yourself. Due to the nature of the expedition, weather conditions or government regulations may require changes to be made to the itinerary and/or the cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every attempt will be made to adhere to the itinerary described, within the limits of safety and time. In the event of changes, passengers have no right to any refund or other compensation. Expedition fees are based on group participation. Should you choose not to take part in any activity or make use of services provided, no refund will be made. GOVERNMENT FEES, TAXES, AND VISITOR S FEES: The MV Orion is responsible for port costs at embarkation and disembarkation. Visitor fees for the various landings presently scheduled for this itinerary are not being assessed. In the event, however, that Visitor Fees are assessed by any governmental or governing bodies before embarkation of the cruise, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours reserves the right to pass such fees to the Client and must be paid before the commencement of the voyage. FUEL AND FUEL SURCHARGES: In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult if not impossible to predict fuel costs over the long term, and more specifically, at the time of operation of this departure. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of itinerary publication. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. EXCHANGE RATE SURCHARGES: In the erratic global financial markets of today, it is difficult to predict foreign currency exchange rates over the long term or at the time of operation of a tour or cruise departure. Tour prices are based upon the rate of exchange at the time of itinerary publication. If exchange rates change drastically, it may be necessary to implement a surcharge. If a surcharge is necessary, every effort will be made to minimize the amount. In many cases, these additional foreign exchange rate surcharges are passed to VENT by its vendors and suppliers. TRIP INSURANCE: A brochure and application form for optional coverage for baggage, illness, and trip cancellation can be obtained through the VENT office. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance as soon as possible to protect yourself against losses due to accidents or illness. VENT recommends Travel Insured International as our preferred insurance provider. Check with your insurance agent regarding coverage you may presently have via other insurance policies that may cover illness during your trip. Waiver for pre-existing conditions is available; however, stipulations apply, usually requiring the purchase of the insurance soon after registering. Optional expanded insurance coverage is available and includes items such as work-related cancellation, medical upgrade, and a Cancel for Any Reason clause among others. Contact Travel Insured International prior to registration for details. Not all insurance providers provide the same levels of coverage. If you purchase insurance through a company other than Travel Insured International, please be advised that rules and stipulations may be different. IMPORTANT: Travel insurance which covers you for emergency medical evacuation/repatriation is required for participation in this program. This coverage is included in the Worldwide Trip Protector plan offered by Travel Insured International. If you do not choose to purchase the insurance through Travel Insured

13 New Zealand s Subantarctic Islands, Page 13 International, you will need to do so through another insurance provider. A good website for information and acquisition of emergency evacuation/repatriation insurance is: Victor Emanuel Nature Tours is not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a bond issued by Travelers in the amount of $50,000. CST # AIR INFORMATION: Victor Emanuel Travel is a full-service travel agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT). Victor Emanuel Travel will be happy to make any domestic or international air travel arrangements from your home and return. Please feel free to call the VENT office to confirm your air arrangements. All requests for travel assistance (air tickets, additional hotels, etc.) must be received no later than 60 days prior to departure CONDITIONS: The program Our cruise to New Zealand s subantarctic islands is a natural history expedition to one of the world s most remote regions. Seabirding is an overriding theme of the voyage, highlighted by opportunities to view nesting albatrosses and penguins, but we will also pay special attention to observation of marine mammals. The program includes visits to four islands or island groups as well as Fjordland on the mainland and nearby Stewart Island. We will go ashore on Enderby (Auckland group), Cambell, and Macquarie while zodiac cruising only in the Snares. Our time ashore will involve locating the special birds of the areas we visit while receiving natural history interpretation from the ship s expert staff. The ship Boasting elegant design and maximum comfort, MV Orion is widely considered among the world s finest small adventure cruise ships. She offers 31 suites and 22 staterooms that host a maximum of 106 passengers. All staterooms feature ocean views, are immaculately appointed, and contain private facilities. Other amenities include ample storage space, 24-hour room service, flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, internet connectivity, personal safe, hairdryer, and mini-refrigerator stocked with complimentary bottled water. Public areas include viewing decks, observation lounge, leda lounge and cocktail bar, lecture theater, and library. Other attractions are a gift boutique, elevator servicing all stateroom decks, gymnasium, salon, hospital and infirmary, and health spa. MV Orion is ice-reinforced and stabilized with retractable fins. The passenger communications system includes direct-dial satellite telephone, fax, passenger , and internet access. Internet Service - A laptop is available in the library with internet connection. Internet access is also available in your stateroom using your own laptop. If your laptop is wireless enabled, you may use it anywhere in the Galaxy Observation Lounge or the Leda Lounge. Two laptops are available for loan from the Reception Desk. Internet access cards can be purchased for $30.00 or $50.00 (Australian; good for either 60 or 125 minutes). Communications at sea are subject to satellite connections. Dining The Constellation Restaurant offers guests a relaxed environment for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dining aboard MV Orion is a leisurely experience with a single, open sitting allowing you to choose when and with whom you dine. Breakfast consists of a buffet served in the main dining room. Several meal options will be available every day for lunch and dinner, including a vegetarian plate. The chefs can prepare food according to special dietary needs, provided the ship receives sufficient notification. Please advise of any special needs at the time of registration. While on land Walking conditions on land are generally not difficult, yet it is important to pay close attention to footing and walking conditions. The diversity of topography guarantees that you ll experience a variety of terrain, from soft sand, to short grass, to established boardwalks. Outings on Enderby, Campbell, and Macquarie islands may involve short to moderate walks on established boardwalks. On Campbell Island we may walk a mile to a mile-and-a-half inland over an undulating trail. While on the ship While cruising at sea you ll have options to join your leaders on the viewing decks for sea watching, or remain below decks and relax in the library, the passenger lounge, or your stateroom. Heavy winds