New Zealand Sub Antarctic Islands

A Comprehensive Guide to the Enchanting Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand

The New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands are a collection of remote and rugged islands, renowned for their unique wildlife, pristine landscapes, and dramatic isolation. This archipelago, stretching south from the mainland, offers an unparalleled experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts seeking untouched beauty and incredible biodiversity.

This guide will delve into the fascinating world of these islands, offering insights that may be helpful for adventurous travelers:

I. Introduction:

  • Welcome to the Sub-Antarctic Islands! This remote archipelago, located south of New Zealand’s South Island, offers a breathtaking glimpse into a world untouched by human development.

  • A hidden gem: The Sub-Antarctic Islands are less known than mainland destinations but hold immense value for their natural and cultural significance.

  • Remote and Untouched: The islands are home to unique flora and fauna due to their isolation and harsh environment.

  • Important Conservation Area: Their fragile ecosystems are a treasure trove of biodiversity, making it a crucial area for conservation efforts.**

II. About the Islands:

The Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand are a group of islands in the Southern Ocean, south of the mainland. They are renowned for their unique and rugged beauty, attracting visitors from all over the world who seek an experience beyond the ordinary.

  • Location: The guidebook describes the exact location of the islands (Southern Ocean, southwest of New Zealand’s South Island).
  • Climate: Expect a chilly and unpredictable climate with strong winds and frequent rain due to their sub-Antarctic location.

III. The Islands: A Closer Look

A. The Auckland Islands:

  • Location: Approximately 450km south of the main islands.

  • Highlights: These islands are home to a variety of unique wildlife, including the New Zealand sea lion, the Auckland Island parrot (a critically endangered species), and many species of penguins.

  • Things to Do:

    • Wildlife Viewing: The Auckland Islands are known for their diverse and abundant wildlife, particularly the rare and endemic wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Keep an eye out for:

      • New Zealand sea lions: These majestic creatures are a highlight for visitors to the Auckland Islands. They are one of the rarest sea lion species in the world, with a population estimated at just over 10,000.

    • Explore the Rugged Landscape:

      • Hiking: The islands offer numerous hiking trails through their dramatic and varied landscapes. Explore lush forests, towering cliffs, and windswept beaches.

      • Fishing: Cast a line into the pristine waters surrounding the islands and try your luck at catching some of the world-renowned fish species.

      • Photography: Capture stunning images of the unique wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and incredible geological formations.

    • Wildlife Photography: The Auckland Islands are a photographer’s dream come true!

  • Location:

  • Things to see:

IV. Wildlife Encounters:

  • Seabirds: The islands are home to a vast array of seabirds, including:

    • The Sub-Antarctic Island group: A crucial breeding ground for several species of penguins, including the Snares Islands, Auckland Islands, and Campbell Island.

  • Unique Species:

    • New Zealand Sea Lions (Phocarctos hookeri): The islands boast one of the most important breeding colonies for this species in the world.
    • The Royal Albatross: The majestic largest albatross found on the mainland, but also on these remote islands, are a sight to behold.

  • Endemic Species: Witnessing the rare and endemic Auckland Island pipit (a small songbird) or the Antipodes Island Island rail (another endangered bird) is a unique experience.

  • Birdlife: The islands are home to a variety of unique and endemic bird species.

V. Conservation Efforts:

  • World Heritage Site: The islands are part of the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands World Heritage Site, recognized for their exceptional natural values.
  • Protected Status: This protected area is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of rare and endemic wildlife, including:
    • The Auckland Island parrot (or kea):

This critically endangered species is the subject of intensive conservation efforts by the Department of Conservation.

  • The Bounty Islands: A marine reserve protects these islands from fishing and other forms of exploitation.

  • Conservation Groups: The islands are home to the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust, a group dedicated to protecting the rare and endemic wildlife.

  • Importance of Preservation:

The Sub-Antarctic Islands are crucial for the conservation of many species.

VI. Planning Your Trip:

A. Getting There:

  • Flights: Flights are typically the most convenient way to reach the Auckland Islands, with connections available through Dunedin.

  • Accessibility:

The islands are accessible by boat from Invercargill, but travel is usually limited to scientific expeditions and organized tours.

B. When to Visit:

  • Weather Considerations: The best time to visit the islands depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. For wildlife viewing, aim for the breeding seasons:

    • Southern Sea Lion:

The majority of the year (except for a few months in the winter) * Brant Geese:

These migratory birds arrive in large numbers during the winter.

C. Things to pack:

  • Warm clothing: Layers are key! Pack warm base layers, fleece jackets, waterproof and windproof outerwear, waterproof boots, a sturdy hat, gloves, and scarf.
  • Binoculars: Essential for getting a good look at the birds without disturbing them.
  • Camera with zoom lens:

Capture those amazing wildlife moments! The islands are renowned for their birdlife, making a camera with a good zoom lens essential for any photographer.

V. Things to Consider:

  • Accessibility: This is a key factor when planning your trip. The islands are extremely remote and require a boat journey from the mainland.
  • Weather:

Be prepared for unpredictable weather! It’s best to pack versatile clothing options for rain, wind, and cold temperatures (it is the sub-Antarctic!)

  • Accessibility:

The islands are home to a variety of unique and endemic bird species that are rarely seen elsewhere.

VI. Top 5 Things To Do On The Auckland Islands:

  • Observe the Unique Wildlife: The Auckland Islands are home to an abundance of wildlife, including the endemic New Zealand sea lion (which is a critically endangered species)

  • Explore the Sub-Antarctic Wilderness: Embark on guided hikes through pristine landscapes.

  • Hike to the Top of Mount DAC: Hike to the highest point on the island for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

  • Witness the Natural Beauty: Visit the remote beaches and observe the unique flora and fauna.

  • Discover the History:

Learn about the early settlers and explorers who visited the islands.

VII. Photography Tips:

  • Respect the Wildlife: Remember to keep a safe distance from all wildlife, especially during breeding season. Avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
  • Pack for Weather Changes: The islands are known for their dramatic weather shifts. Bring gear to handle rain and heavy winds.
  • Capture Unique Moments:

Photograph the diverse birdlife, including the endangered Snares Island penguin (the rarest of all New Zealand’s penguins)

  • Consider the Time of Day: Lighting is crucial for photography. Aim to shoot during the golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for the most flattering light on your subjects.

  • Bring a Telephoto Lens: This will allow you to capture close-up shots of the wildlife without getting too close and disturbing them.

  • Pack Layers: The weather on the sub-Antarctic islands is unpredictable, so pack layers of clothing for all conditions.

B. When To Visit (for Photographers):

  • Seasonality: The best time to visit for photography depends on the species you want to capture.

Research the breeding season for the specific birds.

  • Photography Gear:

Bring a sturdy tripod, remote shutter release, and a variety of lenses (telephoto, wide-angle)

  • Weather Conditions:

Be prepared for unpredictable weather. Pack waterproof gear and extra batteries for your camera in case of cold temperatures.

C. Best Practices for Photography:

  • Respect the Environment: Remember to leave no trace and avoid disturbing the natural environment or wildlife.

  • Patience is Key: Wildlife moves on its own schedule, so be prepared to wait for the perfect shot. A long telephoto lens (300mm or longer) will be helpful for capturing distant subjects.

  • Wildlife Respect: Remember, a good photographer prioritizes the safety and well-being of their subject. Avoid disturbing wildlife nests, breeding grounds, or individuals by approaching them too closely.

  • Respecting Breeding Seasons:

Remember to check with local authorities about specific restrictions on photography during sensitive periods for different bird species.

  • Ethics:

Be mindful of your distance from the animals and their habitats. Remember that they are wild creatures and should be allowed to live in a natural way.

  • Patience:

Patience is essential when photographing wildlife, especially rare or endangered species.

VII. Respecting the Environment:

The Auckland Islands are home to many unique and vulnerable species. Remember:

  • Respect for Wildlife:

Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife.

  • Leave No Trace:

Pack out all trash you generate. Don’t leave any items behind, and avoid disturbing animals during their breeding season (usually October - April).

VII. Respecting the Weather:

The islands are known for unpredictable weather.

Be prepared for all conditions by packing a variety of clothing and gear.

  • Respect for the Elements:

Avoid going out in bad weather. The islands are exposed to the elements, so it’s important to be safe and avoid putting yourself or the wildlife at risk.

  • Respect for the Environment:

VIII. Specific Activities:

  • Wildlife Viewing:

The Auckland Islands offer a variety of unique experiences for photographers:

  • Seabird Colonies: Capture stunning images of the unique birds that call these islands home.

Remember to respect the wildlife and their habitats. Use silent shutter modes and avoid using flash or making loud noises.

  • Photography Tours:

Consider joining a photography tour, where you can be guided by experienced professionals to the best locations for wildlife photography.

  • Beaches and Hiking:

The islands are home to several beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Be sure to pack a camera with a telephoto lens and a sturdy tripod.

  • Photography Permits: Obtain necessary permits from the Department of Conservation (DOC) before photographing any wildlife or accessing certain areas.

  • Respectful Distance:

Maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife, especially during breeding season. Do not approach animals closer than they are comfortable with. Remember that the wildlife is wild and should be treated as such.

VIII. Respecting Wildlife and the Environment:

  • Respect for Wildlife:

Avoid disturbing their nests or young.

  • Observe from afar: Use binoculars or telephoto lenses to observe and photograph the birds without getting too close.

  • Respect for the Environment:

Be respectful of the environment:

  • Stay on designated trails
  • Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises

Follow local guidelines and regulations

  • Leave no trace:

Keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially when they are feeding or nesting.

  • Do not leave any gear or waste behind in the natural environment.
  • Respect the island’s fragile ecosystem by staying on designated paths and not touching or disturbing plants.

Remember, you are a visitor to the delicate ecosystem of these islands.

Leave them as you found it. The islands are crucial for conservation efforts.

  • Respect for the Environment:

Please:

  • Be mindful of wildlife during all activities
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Stay on marked trails and avoid disturbing vegetation or natural habitats.

Stay a safe distance from cliffs and nesting areas

  • Follow the “Leave No Trace” principles

  • Respect the environment: The islands are known for their unique flora and fauna. Be careful not to damage them with your actions.

  • Photography is key: To capture the beauty of the Auckland Islands, it’s important to be a responsible visitor.

Remember to respect the environment and the wildlife that inhabit it.

  • Respectful Distance:

Avoid close-up shots that involve disturbing the animal’s habitat or behavior.

Observe ethical considerations:

The Sub-Antarctic Islands are home to unique species, but they are vulnerable to disturbance.

  • Remember to be respectful of the wildlife and their habitats.

Keep a safe distance from animals, especially during nesting season.

  • Avoid disturbing their natural behaviors while you’re observing and photographing them.*

  • Use a telephoto lens so you can capture photos from afar without disturbing the wildlife.

**

Many of the islands are nature reserves:**
The Department of Conservation manages these areas to protect and preserve the unique wildlife and ecosystems.

To minimize disturbance and ensure responsible tourism practices:

  • Avoid using drones, unless you have explicit permission from the DOC.
  • Stay quiet and move slowly when in or near a wildlife area.
  • Remember that these islands are remote and fragile.

Respecting the environment is crucial for ethical wildlife photography.

  • Leave no trace:

Remember to pack out all your trash and belongings,

including biodegradable waste.

VIII. Sustainable Tourism Practices:

The Department of Conservation encourages visitors to follow sustainable tourism practices

  • Stay on marked trails and paths: This minimizes the impact of foot traffic on sensitive ecosystems.
  • Stay a safe distance from wildlife: Respect their space and natural behaviors.

Remember, these islands are a sanctuary for rare and endangered species.

  • Do not disturb the birds’ nests or approach them too closely.*

  • Be mindful of their habitat and nesting season.

  • Observe the “Leave no Trace” principles to minimize your impact on the environment.

VIII. Sustainable Tourism:

Respect the delicate balance:

Remember that these islands are a crucial breeding ground for many species, including endangered ones. Treat them with care. *

Respect the wildlife and their habitats by observing them from a safe distance and avoiding flash photography.*

  • Leave no trace of your presence behind.

  • Respect the natural environment and follow all regulations*

**

The Boulders:**

  • A: Camera Safety:

Avoid disturbing wildlife on the islands.

Don’t approach nests or disturb nesting animals. *

Leave no footprints, but respect their habitats and don’t leave any trace of your presence.

A. Photography Ethics:

  • Use of flash: Avoid using flash as it can startle wildlife and disrupt their natural behaviors.

Avoid disturbing the environment.

  • Respecting the environment*

The principle of “Leave no Trace” encourages minimizing impact on the environment by:

  • Leaving no trace of the following:
    • Use of drones:

Respect the wildlife and their environment.

  • Avoiding littering:**

Pack out all trash, including food scraps and wrappers.

  • Leave no belongings behind, like trash or gear.

Remember to observe the birds from a distance.

A. Choosing the Right Time for Your Trip:

Avoid nesting season:

The *“Boulders”**,

They are home to unique species of penguins and other seabirds, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.* *

Remember to follow the guidelines for photography at the penguin colonies.

Conservation Efforts:

Keep a safe distance from wildlife. *

Don’t approach nests or disturb birds. *

Carry a “Leave No Trace” kit:**

Carry a reusable bag for collecting all trash and waste.*

Stay on marked trails:

This is crucial for preserving the islands’ fragile ecosystems and avoiding disturbing wildlife. *

Leave no trace of food scraps, litter, or footprints in the penguin colonies.

Bring a camera with a zoom lens to photograph from a safe distance.

  • Camera Safety:

The Sub-Antarctic Islands are home to many species that need protection from human disturbance.

Use a “Leave No Trace” approach to wildlife photography.* *

Consider the environment and the animal’s well-being when choosing your location and timing for photographs.

Ethical Considerations:

Respecting the natural environment:

The “Leave no trace” principle means leaving no impact on the islands and respecting their unique wildlife, which is the focus of a responsible trip. *

Leaving a minimal impact on the environment.

Remember to be a responsible tourist!

  • Bring a variety of lenses:

A telephoto lens will be essential for capturing the wildlife from a distance.

**

  • Respecting the natural environment:

  • Remember that the islands are a pristine environment and home to some rare species.

Stay on marked trails and paths and avoid disturbing vegetation in any way.

  • Respect the “Leave No Trace” principles and leave no trace of your presence behind.*

Keep a distance from wildlife:

Remember this is a natural environment and respect for the animal’s habitat and comfort is key.

Important:

  • Stay on marked trails.

  • Avoid disturbing wildlife, especially during nesting season.

  • Leave no trash or waste.

Always remember to prioritize the safety and well-being of the birds and the environment above all else.*

Remember:

  • “The Boulders” are a unique and fragile ecosystem.
  • You should always be respectful of their space and observe from afar.

Respecting wildlife is crucial for ethical wildlife photography.

B. Respecting the Environment:

  • Stick to designated viewing areas and trails:

Don’t wander off marked paths or approach nests.

  • Avoid feeding the wildlife, ever.*

Practice quiet observation:

Be mindful of noise levels when approaching wildlife.

  • Leave No Trace: Leave the environment as you found it.

**

Remember to leave no trace of your presence on the “Leave No Trace”

Ethical Considerations:

  • Do not touch or disturb wildlife.

  • Respect their natural behaviors.*

Dispose of waste properly and pack out everything you bring in.*

Respecting the islands’ fragile ecosystems:

  • Remember to stay on trails, especially when visiting the Snares Islands.

  • Respect the environment.

  • Stay safe!

Follow these guidelines for a fun and safe experience:

  • Stay a safe distance: This applies to all the sub-Antarctic Islands, but is crucial during the rare seabird breeding season.

**Respecting