Today we headed to the most easterly of NZ sub-Antarctic Islands - the Antipodes Islands, some 800 km SE of NZ
Landing on the islands is prohibited but not an issue as all the action is along the sea cliffs so an extensive 2hr zodiac based exploration of the east coast was planned
It was quite a foggy day but with calm seas and little wind that just added to the magic of the overall experience. We hoped to see another species of penguin, the erect-crested penguin, NZ and sub Antarctic fur seals and another endemic albatross, the antipodean albatross, and had considerable success
Out into the sea fog!
Some excellent cave exploration along the way
A much bigger penguin colony with chicks…
…and a closer viewing
A Google close up to fully appreciate the funky hairstyle
We then moved into the fur seal area with lots of sightings on the rocks…
…and in the water
The antipodean albatross were frequent visitors, but unfortunately at quite a distance..
Again a google photo for the record
…but we never got tired of the changing sea cliffs, waterfalls, sea caves and rock stacks
A serious sushi/sushimi/yakatori etc Japanese spread for lunch - Ponant keep on excelling - and the bellies keep on expanding
..and right on theme for all the twitchers on board, a pair of rare apple birds
Afternoon tea today was choux pastries, not too fattening!
But then just to finish us off, a huge table of different cheeses with dinner
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