New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
A defining experience along this expedition route.
POLAR TRAVEL TRIBEANTARCTICA · Ross Sea and Subantarctic Islands
Ross Sea and East Antarctica: New Zealand Roundtrip
Sail from and back to New Zealand through World Heritage Subantarctic islands, Macquarie Island, the Ross Sea ice edge and historic exploration sites on a wildlife-rich deep expedition.
About 28 days6 main regionsAustral summer · roundtrip New Zealand
TRIP OVERVIEW
Journey Overview
Sail from and back to New Zealand through World Heritage Subantarctic islands, Macquarie Island, the Ross Sea ice edge and historic exploration sites on a wildlife-rich deep expedition.
This is a reference structure for an approximately 28-day New Zealand roundtrip. Operators use different gateways and may change the Subantarctic and Ross Sea sequence; all operations depend on permits, sea ice and weather.
- Duration
- About 28 days
- Departure
- New Zealand
- Arrival
- New Zealand
Journey Highlights
Macquarie Island wildlife
A defining experience along this expedition route.
Ross Sea ice landscapes
A defining experience along this expedition route.
Historic expedition huts
A defining experience along this expedition route.
Route Map
New Zealand → The Snares → Auckland & Campbell Islands → Macquarie Island → Ross Sea → New Zealand
DAY BY DAY
Reference Itinerary
Days 1–2
Embark in New Zealand
Meet the expedition team at the nominated New Zealand gateway, complete Zodiac and safety briefings, and sail into the Southern Ocean.
Days 3–7
The Snares, Auckland and Campbell Islands
Explore New Zealand Subantarctic islands for endemic seabirds, penguins, megaherbs and lush coastal scenery, subject to permits and conditions.
Days 8–11
Macquarie Island and southbound
When conditions allow, observe king and royal penguins and dense seal colonies on Macquarie Island before continuing into colder waters.
Days 12–21
Ross Sea exploration
Use the available ice leads to explore volcanic scenery, ice-shelf margins and historic-hut areas by Zodiac, landing and wildlife watch.
Days 22–28
Southern Ocean return
Watch for whales and albatrosses, review expedition images and attend final lectures while sailing back to New Zealand.
PLAN WITH CLARITY
Before You Travel
Expedition conditions
This is a reference structure for an approximately 28-day New Zealand roundtrip. Operators use different gateways and may change the Subantarctic and Ross Sea sequence; all operations depend on permits, sea ice and weather.
Route references
PLAN THIS JOURNEY
Plan this expedition with a polar specialist
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