Kermadecs: Land of Dreams

Regular price: $4,995.00
Sale price: $4,995.00

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11 Days Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Departs Tauranga

Join Innovative Travel and Heritage Expeditions for a unique destination and experience in authentic small ship expedition cruising.

A pristine subtropical archipelago surrounded by one of New Zealand's largest marine reserves, the remote Kermadec Islands/ Rangitāhua are of such international conservation significance they require a special permit to visit.

Lying 1,000 kilometers north-east of New Zealand, about half way to Tonga and well off the main shipping routes, few people know, or have even heard of, this 2,500-kilometer long island chain of around 80 undersea volcanoes rising some 8,000-metres from the Kermadec Ridge, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

There are four main islands within the Kermadec Group where a unique assemblage of subtropical and temperate plant, bird and marine species flourish uninterrupted, testimony to the process of evolution arising from climate and isolation.

Raoul Island, the largest in the group, was settled by the Bell family in 1878 who would live there until 1914. While other settlers would come and go, permanent settlement was discouraged after 1939, the New Zealand Government has maintained a weather station on the island since 1938.

An extensive 745,000-hectare Marine Reserve protects the unique marine ecosystem that surrounds these islands. With virtually no disturbance (certainly no fishing and only a handful of divers each year) the diving and snorkeling can only be described as amazing and unique. As with the terrestrial species there is both subtropical and temperate species to be encountered.

This is not an annual expedition. It is off the beaten track, even for us, but it is so rare to have the opportunity to explore such unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems that we are constantly drawn back. We hope you will join us on one of our rare expeditions to the remote Kermadec Islands.

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Day 1: Tauranga

Make your way to a central city meeting point (Reporting times and the departure time of the transfer will be confirmed with your voyage documents). The township of Tauranga is situated on the east coast of the North Island in the Bay of Plenty. The bay was given its name by Captain James Cook while circumnavigating New Zealand in 1769; he was alluding to the region’s welcoming people and abundant resources. Nothing has changed. The captain and expedition team will be waiting for your arrival at the ship to greet you and show you to your cabin. You will have the opportunity to unpack before exploring the ship and meeting other expeditioners, there will also be formal introductions to the team followed by safety briefings. Join us on deck this evening as we depart the Port of Tauranga and make our way past the conical headland of Mount Maunganui before setting a course north-east across the Bay of Plenty.

Day 2: At Sea

A day at sea is a chance to relax. Do some reading in the bar/library, birding from the bridge, our open bridge policy means you can join the captain and crew here anytime, or head out on the deck and enjoy some sunshine. We will schedule a series of lectures, videos and briefings to prepare us for our visit to the Kermadecs. For the keen birders, we will be sailing across deep waters – prime Pterodroma Petrel country and we are likely to see an impressive variety of these birds. We are likely to encounter Black-winged, White-necked, Kermadec and Cook’s Petrel and there is always the chance of something really rare. For example past expeditions have recorded Providence and Phoenix Petrels in this area. If viewing conditions are favorable we may also see Sperm Whale and the elusive Cuvier’s Beaked Whale.

Day 3: L'Esperance Rock, Curtis and Cheeseman Islands

Today we continue our journey northwards, arriving in the afternoon at the southernmost island in the group L’Esperance Rock. Later we will visit Curtis and nearby Cheeseman Islands. If the weather and sea conditions are suitable we will enjoy a Zodiac cruise as no landings are permitted. All of these islands are havens for breeding seabirds and we are likely to encounter impressive numbers as we cruise offshore. In addition to the more common species, we will be on the lookout for White-bellied Storm-Petrel and the Kermadec White-faced Storm-Petrel. We are also likely to encounter some tropical seabirds that occur nowhere else in New Zealand, such as Masked Booby, Red-tailed Tropicbird, and Black Noddy. The distinct local species of Bottlenose Dolphin often accompanies us as we approach these islands.

Day 4- 7: Raoul Island

We have four days scheduled for activities at Raoul Island, including options for snorkeling and hikes ashore. The weather and sea conditions will dictate our activities to a certain extent and the Expedition Leader will take these into consideration when planning the daily program. The seas surrounding the Kermadecs are the only true example of subtropical waters in New Zealand, and are sufficiently distant from the mainland to have escaped heavy commercial fishing. The extensive Marine Reserve ensures added protection and guarantees some of the best snorkeling in the South Pacific. Galapagos Sharks and large, inquisitive Spotted Black Grouper have been seen on previous expeditions. During our time at Raoul Island we will also cruise the Meyer Islets by Zodiac to experience the seabirds returning to the Islets in the evenings. Many of these birds are endemic, including the Kermadec Petrel, the White-napped Petrel, and the Kermadec species of the Little Shearwater. On shore there is the opportunity to observe the endemic Kermadec Red-crowned Parakeet and it is also one of the easiest places to see Spotless Crakes. We should also get good views of Black Noddy, Grey Ternlet, White Tern and the beautiful Red-tailed Tropicbird. There is much to see on Raoul Island, and one of the best ways to explore and experience this subtropical paradise is on one of the many walking tracks. Depending on the weather there will be several opportunities to explore the island by foot on walks catering to all fitness levels.

Day 8: Macauley Island

We arrive at Macauley Island early in the morning. The original forest cover was destroyed by goats and since their removal in the 1970s the vegetation is slowly recovering. Landings are not permitted on this island so we will Zodiac cruise if sea conditions are suitable.

Day 9 - 10 : At Sea

These days present an opportunity to catch your breath after our activities at Raoul and Macauley Islands. Our staff will be offering lectures and further presentations on the islands and some of the conservation issues surrounding them.

Day 11: Tauranga

Our vessel will berth in Tauranga this morning. Enjoy breakfast on board and a last minute opportunity to bid farewell to your expedition team before disembarking and boarding our complimentary coach transfer to the central city or local airport. Our adventure ends but memories will last long beyond this. In case of unexpected delays due to weather and/or port operations we ask you not to book any onward travel from Tauranga until after midday today.

Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. This expedition offers varied activities and excursions, your interest will determine which of these you wish to partake in, please note that some activities and excursions will run at similar times and it will therefore not be possible to participate in both, no refund of excursions and missed landings will be available due to this.

Inclusions:

Pre/Post cruise transfers
All on board ship accommodation
All meals onboard the ship
All expedition shore excursions as mentioned in the itinerary

Exclusions:

Landing fees of USD$375 per person

All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Ship: Spirit of Enderby

The Spirit of Enderby (Professor Khromov) is a fully ice-strengthened expedition vessel, built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research and is perfect for Expedition Travel.

She carries just 50 passengers and was refurbished in May 2019 to provide comfortable accommodation in twin share cabins approximately half of which have private facilities. All cabins have outside windows or portholes and ample storage space.

On board there is a recently updated combined bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room. The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs.

The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Captain and crew.

The name Spirit of Enderby honors the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Subantarctic Island in the world.

Technical description:

Classification: Russian register Arc 5 ice class
Year built: 1983
Accommodation: 50 berths
Shipyard: Finland
Main engines: power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw)
Register: Russia
Maximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines),
Cruising speed: 10 knots(one engine)
Bunker capacity: 320 tons

PAYMENTS: A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required at the time of booking. The balance of the tour price is required 100 days prior to your travel date. If you book inside this period, full payment will be required at the time of booking. Payment can be made by bank transfer. If you cancel between 185 and 100 days prior to your travel date 30% of your tour cost will be charged. If you cancel within 100 days prior to your tour departure you will be charged 100% of your tour cost.

Innovative Travel recommends purchasing travel insurance.

For full terms and conditions refer to the Heritage Expeditions 2020-2021 Conservation and Adventure Expedition Cruising Brochure

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Full Terms and conditions are listed on the Innovative Travel website. When a booking is made it is accepted that these are agreed to. They include the following: Itineraries are correct when initially published, however are subject to change due to circumstances outside our control.

Flights are the responsibility of the passenger and Innovative Travel takes no responsibility for costs involved for any changes to flights that might be required due to necessary amendments in itineraries

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveler. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

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