Q – We are writing about our desire to do something really different next year, exploring the sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand, the Antipodes. We know the seas are rough but we wonder if there is anything in these waters we might consider? We’re thinking of, perhaps, seeing Campbell Island and the Bounty Islands, perhaps Macquarie. We’re in our mid-fifties, in good shape, and we’ve done four or five adventure trips and photography jaunts since my retirement as an international consultant.
A – It would be inaccurate to say that the Antipodes are hot right now, but they are slowly gaining interest among photographers, and particularly birders as islands with really amazing populations of large numbers of species. You will probably want to look first at Orion Expedition Cruises, a wonderful company that has just made our coveted listing of The World’s Top Ten Rated Cruise Lines. There is one sailing, on December 20th next year, that goes from Auckland to Dunedin, that will take you where you want to go.
Of course, we suspect you are aware that this area is known as “the Roaring Forties and the Furious Fifties”, a reference to their stormy latitudes. But if you are into both birds and nature photography, and you don;t mind traveling in five-star luxury, this is a uniquely wonderful opportunity. These islands were granted World Heritage Site status in 1998. But remember, you will be aboard 4,000 gross ton yacht with a capacity of 106 guests. You will be tossed around a bit, but we think the ride will be more than worth it. And the cocktail party bragging meter scores this trip a rare 100.
