The Galapagos of the Southern Ocean

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It was then a 36h or so haul NE to Campbell Island. Fairly rough but not the corkscrewing washing machine effect experienced on the way S.

Campbell Island is NZ’s southernmost subantarctic territory. In 2001 a major rat eradication program was undertaken and was a model for the Macca program.

The first day was windy with drizzle and low cloud. A more typical S Ocean day. A morning Zodiac cruise along a section of coast concluded with a visit to what is believed to be the world's most remote tree - a solitary Sitka spruce, more than 100 years old.

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The next day dawned calm and clear. It was a toss-up whether to get up very early to tackle an ascent to the top of the main hill, or later re-trace the boardwalk and get some better views, or do a Zodiac ride down Perseverance Harbour and out along the ocean cliffs.

I chose the Zodiac ride and it was sensational but, by all accounts, every option came up trumps. A great final island encounter before the ocean crossing to Invercargill.

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The light-mantled sooty albatross is a beautiful bird.

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The big fella had tight control over his harem, circled by hopefuls.

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What a finale!

The next day was at sea with the usual wrap-up of an AV presentation put together by the expedition crew – which of course made me feel even more photographically inadequate.

After berthing at Bluff, the port for Invercargill, early the following morning and clearing NZ border control I had most of the day to kill before flying out to CHC and onto PER xSYD the next day.

Invercargill has an amazing transport museum that should not be missed if ever there. I easily filled in about 4h there, with lunch at its very good café. It really is world-class. Transport World - Wikipedia

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And ‘bowser’ for dispensing fuel was originally a family trade name. It started as a means of safely dispensing paraffin fuel for home use at general stores.

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Pushing back and hauling out of CHC at sparrow’s the next day.

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Hauling out of SYD and over far SW NSW en route to PER.

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And, as reported elsewhere, the grand finale: the addition of a rather large moth gave new meaning to the fresh, seasonal, sustainable, blah blah blah NP ‘salad’.

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And that's all, folks :).
 
As always a great TR - thanks. What was it that interested in going there in the first place - was it the birds, wildlife or because it was there
 
Thanks very much for a fascinating TR. You were certainly well and truly 'off the beaten track'.
 
Thanks JohnM for bringing back some great memories.Macca was a little different 9 years ago as they had fenced in areas to trial the methods of eradication both for eficacy and safety.Main concern was the skuas and them eating the dead carrion.However one problem was the large bull elephant seals.They would approach a fence,rear up and come crashing down on it.The fences were no match.

However you had PERfect seas for the Great Southern Ocean.Coming back from Macca we had a storm so much like you left a little area.That night the seas were a 15 metre swell with occasional waves to 18 metres.Only 3 pax at brekkie next morning.
 
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Meh. No need to go to Macquarie Island for the King Penguins ...


However, the ABC is geographically challenged:

It is believed to be only the third king penguin sighting on Tasmanian shores in 15 years.
 
Great TR, John M. Thanks for sharing.
You had better weather at Enderby Is. I did the long walk in pouring rain and a howling wind. My short legs found the thick mud and huge grassy hummocks very challenging. It was where I discovered my waterproof boots were not waterproof!
 
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