Footsteps of Sir Mawson
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| Length | 27 days |
|---|---|
| Grade |
A (you need to be in reasonably good health)
|
| Start | Hobart |
| Finish | Port of Bluff, Invercargill |
| Departs | 2011: 1 December - 27 December (Voyage #1165) |
| Extra Costs | Landing fees US$650 |
Does not include the Government Landing fees: 2011 expedition= US$650
Single room supplement available on application.
Maximum 48
Back to topItinerary
Follow the path of the 1911 expedition of Sir Douglas Mawson on his mission to explore the Antarctic coastline directly south of Australia. You will land at Macquarie, Snares and the Auckland Islands before finding the South Magnetic Pole and enjoying the brilliant scenery of the Antarctic coastline.
Day 1.
Meet in Hobart
Arrive at the historic city of Hobart, Australia and settle into your central hotel. Enjoy evening celebrations and dinner with your fellow voyagers to commemorate the Centennial of Sir Douglas Mawson’s departure from this famous port.
Day 2.
Depart on the Spirit of Enderby
Take breakfast at your leisure before boarding the complimentary transport that will take you to the port. There you will be welcomed onboard the Spirit of Enderby by the Captain and Expedition Staff.
Days 3 - 5.
At Sea Enroute to Macquarie Island
Mawson’s ship signalled “Goodbye, all snug onboard” as it set sail into the dark waters of the Southern Ocean – you sail to Macquarie Island on the same route. On the way, you should spot many pelagic species including Wandering Albatross, shearwaters and petrels; you may even be lucky enough to see the Antarctic Prion wheeling in the wind.
Days 6 & 7.
Macquarie Island
This remote, rocky outpost in the middle of the roaring westerly winds supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere. Four species of penguins breed here including the endemic Royal Penguin and King and Rockhopper Penguins breed in their thousands. Mawson’s party established a base here to relay radio messages from Antarctica to Australia. The only humans remaining are scientific researchers but the wildlife populations remain almost the same as a hundred years ago. You will visit these vast penguin colonies, meet with the scientists and Park Rangers and also observe the thousands of Elephant Seals along the beaches.
Days 8 - 10.
At Sea
As you plough your way across the tumultuous Southern Ocean towards East Antarctica, there will be many opportunities to view pelagic species. The crew will be logging the location of the various albatross, petrels, and prions that you see and will be keeping a keen lookout for marine mammals. Staff will prepare us for our time in the Antarctic with informal lectures and discussions, or you can relax in the ship’s bar and well-stocked library.
Days 11 - 17.
East Antarctica
Your first stop on the remote East Antarctic coastline is Cape Denison, now notoriously known as the ‘home of the blizzard’ (from the title of Mawson’s memoir). Mawson’s original expedition hut built 100 years ago still stands, although ravaged by extremes of weather. Recent restoration work means that you can enter the hut and “experience” it in a special way on this centennial expedition. This coastline is one of the first areas of the Antarctic Continent to become free of ice each year and as a result wildlife is abundant, with Adelie Penguins, Snow Petrels and Wilson’s Storm Petrels both on the continent and on many of the offshore islands. The staff make a special effort to land at these sites to view the birds up close. West of Cape Denison are the Petrel Islands, the landing place of 18th century French explorer Dumont d’Urville and the site of the modern French scientific base. Nearby there is an Emperor Penguin colony - they are a winter breeder but some birds may still be present.
Days 18 - 21.
At Sea.
After departing the spectacular icebound majesty of Antarctica you have some quieter time at sea to recover from the long daylight hours of the southern high latitudes. Take in lectures on various aspects of the Southern Ocean, take advantage of the ship’s amenities or catch up on your reading. Join us on the bridge, where we keep a keen lookout for whales and the seabirds of the region.
Day 22 & 23.
Campbell Island
Anchor is dropped in Perseverance Harbour, site of a former Meteorological Station. On land you can either take an easy walk to the nesting site of the Southern Royal Albatross and see the strange and beautiful ‘mega herbs’ at Col Lyall ridge or enjoy a longer walk across the Island to North West Bay, encountering Albatross along the way. You explore the upper reaches of Perseverance Harbour by Zodiac, visiting a number of historic sites or scramble up Mt Honey, the highest peak on the Island.
Day 24.
Auckland Islands
Characterised by towering cliffs and rugged sea stacks, the Auckland Islands have borne witness to many a shipwreck in days gone by; rich in history, they harbour tales of bullion and coastwatchers. You land in Carnley Harbour to visit some of these sites or, if the weather is suitable, climb to a Shy Mollymawk colony and nests of the beautiful Wandering Albatross amongst the tussock.
Day 25.
Enderby Island
Named for the same distinguished shipping family as our own vessel and one of the most beautiful in the group - if not the world- this is a great wildlife location and a chance to see everything from the famous Southern Royal Albatross and Northern Giant Petrel to the endemic shag, teal and snipe. Other birds include parakeets, bellbirds, tomtits, tui and possibly the New Zealand Falcon. Sandy Bay is a fine breeding ground for the rare Hooker’s Sea Lion - it will be a day to remember.
Day 26.
Snares Islands
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 sheltered bays we should see Snares Crested Penguins, Cape Petrel and Buller’s Albatross among the imposing cliffs. Other wildlife will include Antarctic Terns, White-fronted Terns and Red-billed Gulls and you are also likely to encounter New Zealand Fur Seals hauled out on the rocky shoreline.
Day 27.
Port of Bluff, Invercargill
When Douglas Mawson returned to Australia from his harrowing expedition he noted “the welcome home...the hand-grips of many friends--it chokes me--it cannot be uttered!” You arrive, less dramatically, at the port of Bluff, famous for its delicate oysters, and bid fond farewell to our fellow voyagers, to enjoy a transfer to your hotel or to the airport.
Grading & Fitness
Grade A
General good health necessary.
No specific fitness requirements.
Clients must be in good general health to join our expeditions. The expedition is ship-based, and physically not very demanding. Although you spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join the voyage, you must be able to get up and down steps between the different ship levels and up and down the gangway to board the zodiacs for the excursions ashore.
Guides & Safety
Rodney Russ - Expedition Leader
Rodney trained with and worked for the New Zealand Wildlife Service (now Department of Conservation) as a "Protected Species Officer" - responsible for the management and conservation of rare and endangered bird species. His work took him the length and breath of New Zealand and to the Sub Antarctic Islands. He left the department to further his studies at the University of Otago - where he completed a double degree in New Zealand and Pacific History and theology. He became more passionate about the need to share the natural world with people, emphasising the need for advocacy in a successful conservation strategy.
In addition to New Zealand Expeditions Rodney has led expeditions to the Pacific and Asia and more recently to South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula. His goal in everything that he does is to provide opportunities which enhances travellers' experience and understanding of the natural world.
The Expeditions are also led by some of the most experienced Southern Ocean naturalists, who have devoted a lifetime to research in this region.
What to take
On board the ship:
The ship is heated throughout with the normal temperature 17-25C. In keeping with the expedition's atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure a jacket is never far away in case of the call, "Whales" comes over the load speaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm on board the ship - and cold out on deck. There may be an occasion, i.e. Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or a spontaneously Posh Night where you may require clothing that is a little more formal.
Tips to stay comfortable & warm in cold weather:
Essential Items
Optional items:
Transport
The Expedition Vessel 'Spirit of Enderby' (Professor Khromov) is one of the best run ships of it kind. On board the atmosphere is peaceful and warm, more akin to a private yacht than a cruise ship.
With just 48 passengers a very tangible camaraderie is created amongst passengers and crew. The ship is under the command of an experienced team of Russian Officers, with New Zealand and Australian hotel and expedition staff.
Built in 1984, the Spirit of Enderby measures 72 metres in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two, 1,156 horse power, diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots. The vessel is fitted with stabilisers, making travel much more comfortable.
Excellent accommodation is provided in twin share cabins, approximately half of which have private facilities and the remainder shared facilities. On board is a bar, library and lounge.
You are encouraged to spend time on the bridge to witness the experienced captain and officers in action, recognised as experts in polar navigation. The team of expert staff are always on hand to assist with every need and question. Throughout the voyage the crew maintain a lookout for seabirds, dolphins or whales and keep an expedition log, a bound copy of which will be sent to everybody at the conclusion of the expedition.
The key to these expeditions is the fleet of semi rigid inflatable Naiad (Greek for water nymph) craft, also known as Zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places, where few others have ever been.
There are also specially designed and built Hovercrafts which give unprecedented over ice capability in Antarctica allowing us to land in places that are inaccessible to other ships.
Food
Dining is informal and relaxed, and the cuisine outstanding. Award winning chefs prepare delicious meals and are able to cater for any special dietary requirements. A selection of fine New Zealand and Australian wines is available.
Back to topAccommodation
Heritage Suite: has a large lounge area, a separate bedroom with double bed, a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers, fridge. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. There are large forward and side facing windows with great views.
Mini Suite: has a small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. This suite has windows.
Superior Plus: Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Superior: Cabins have one bunk, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Main deck: Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Questions
What type of ship to shore communication facilities does the ship have?
The ‘Spirit of Enderby’ is equipped with the Iridium satellite phone for phone calls and for receiving and sending emails.
What currency is accepted on board?
The U.S. dollar is the standard currency on board. New Zealand and Australian currency will be accepted at the current exchange rate.
Can you cater to specific dietary requirements?
Chefs can prepare food according to special dietary needs providing requirements are noted at the time of final payment. Unfortunately, kosher, halal and vegan meals cannot be offered.
Can I recharge my batteries and use electrical appliances on board (e.g. hairdryer)?
Power on board is 220V (AC current) with outlets being recessed, round 2 pronged European type. If you plan to bring the American standard 110V equipment with flat pronged plug, you will need to bring a converter and a round 2 pronged European type adaptor plug. Please check your equipment to be sure you bring what is necessary for your personal needs.
Special note for video equipment battery packs: Please check with a camera source and bring with you a convertor adequate for recharging your pack if your equipment is 110V and needing to be converted to the 220V on board.
How sea sick will I be?
All people wonder if they will be sea sick, the answer to this is difficult as it depends entirely on the individual. A small percentage of people do get sick and then recover for the remainder of the voyage. If you think you are susceptible to sea sickness then it is a good idea to be prepared. Motion sickness tablets or Scopolamine patches (Scopoderm) can be purchased from your local chemist. Please remember if you are concerned, commence these before the voyage starts (as directed on the information for each medication) rather than after you are already sick.
Additional Costs
Not included in expedition fee:
Booking Conditions
Single Travellers:
Single travellers who wish to share their cabin/hotel room should so indicate on the booking form. The published per person double occupancy fare is guaranteed in this case, whether or not a cabin mate is available.
Payment:
You may request to pay for this tour in US or NZ dollars. If you wish to pay in US dollars, it is necessary to pay the money directly into our US dollar account, and not by credit card.
You can pay in NZ dollars by credit card or by direct transfer into our NZ dollar account. Your bank will charge a set fee for telegraphic transfers but you will not incur any exchange fees. If you pay by credit card, your bank may charge a currency conversion fee (usually between 1% and 3%). The current exchange rate on the day of booking will be used. As exchange rates are constantly changing there is no guarantee that your credit card bill will come out to the exact US dollar price as advertised.
Deposits:
A deposit of 25% of the expedition fee is required upon booking to confirm participation. The balance of the fee is payable 90 days prior to departure date.
Cancellations:
Cancellations must be received in writing. For cancellations received more than 120 days before departure date, a full refund will be made less $US750.00 fee per person for administration/handling fee. For cancellations received within 120 days of your embarkation date, the full deposit is forfeited. The full expedition fee is forfeited if your notice of cancellation is received within 90 days of your departure date. On forwarding the deposit you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions found here.
Travel Insurance:
Travellers must obtain full comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation. It is advised that you purchase trip cancellation protection and/or travel insurance at the time of booking.
Price Changes
The operator reserves the right to alter prices should there be substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates, cost of fuel, labour or materials.
Itinerary Changes
Due to the nature of the expedition, weather, ice or government regulations may require changes to be made to the itineraries and/or the cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every attempt will be made to adhere to the itineraries described within the limits of safety and time. The ship's Captain has the last word on any decision made with regard to the vessel's itinerary and it is understood that such a decision will be made in the interest of safety of the vessel and of all the passengers on board. 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.
Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.
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