New Zealand Seabird Expeditions - Kermadecs & Northern Offshore
Islands of NZ
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Fully-dedicated pelagic bird-watching cruises through some
of the richest known areas for seabirds in the world |
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Our Kermadec Islands trip is a fantastic opportunity to visit this remote part of new
Zealand, our largest Marine Reserve
Marine Life, Seabirds, Diving, Snorkeling and island Visits
New Zealand's Kermadec Islands
Dates: 16 - 29 September 2006
Duration: 14 days
Cost per person: NZ$7280 twin share (ex Tauranga/Tauranga)
Landing fees for Kermadecs: NZ$45pp
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A fantastic opportunity to explore New Zealand’s rarely visited
remote & special subtropical islands. Island visits, seabirds, marine
life & snorkeling.
The Kermadec Islands are New Zealand’s most remote Conservation
Area. They have never been connected to mainland New Zealand. Consequently
a unique range of species with both subtropical and temperate origins
occur here. Twenty-one indigenous birds breed on the islands. The islands
enjoy a mild subtropical climate. The marine ecosystem and much of the
associated fauna are unique to New Zealand, containing a variety of tropical
fish and corals. Seabirds are a special feature with fourteen species
breeding there, including sooty and white-capped terns, Kermadec, white-naped
and black-winged petrels, Kermadec storm petrel and red-footed boobies.
Humpback whales pass through the islands on their way south, and various
dolphin species.
Our expedition departs Tauranga; White Island & Bay of Plenty;
heading north along the line of the Kermadec Trench to the Kermadec
Islands; we visit Raoul Island (the only island where landings
are permitted); Meyer & Herald Islets, Macauley Island; Curtis
& Cheeseman Islands, also L’Esperance Rock. After leaving the
Kermadec Group we head southwest towards New Zealand. The last two days
of our journey allow us to explore areas to the east of northern New Zealand,
in particular the waters of the East Auckland Current beyond the range
of our Hauraki Gulf and Far North pelagics. We return to Tauranga.
The May 2005 issue of Forest & Bird (magazine) features the Kermadecs,
highlighting their biodiversity.
"The Kermadec Islands are one of the most interesting places
on this planet, mainly because of their isolation and because the world
has very few island groups in the subtropical south. It is a place where
the large seaweeds are absent and the corals just dare to grow. Dominated
by volcanoes, located on the edge of the deep Kermadec Trench, a marine
community has evolved, surviving the special conditions of this area."
Dives at the Kermadecs possible in vicinity of Raoul, Meyer, Herald and
Napier Islands (3 days), Cheeseman Island, Macauley Island and L’Esperance
Rock. Also, Poor Knights and Outer Hauraki Gulf on return voyage. Full
dive facilities on board Braveheart (our expedition vessel) with diving
from zodiacs. There is excellent snorkeling in a number of places, around
Raoul and close to the smaller islands.
Follow
this link for more information about the Kermadec Islands, Marine
Reserve, and diving and snorkeling opportunities.
Photos and link courtesy of Seafriends
Marine Conservation and Education Centre (7 Goat Island Rd; Leigh
R.D.5; New Zealand)
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View toward Raoul Island
Mike Ambrose
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Denham Bay
Mike Ambrose
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Raoul Island
Mike Ambrose
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Looking toward Meyer Islands
Mike Ambrose
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