Binoculars in the Backcountry: Auckland Islands

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Auckland Islands - New Zealand (Day 2)

Google Map Link

Auckland Island hike track link

Just above the landing spot on Auckland Island

Our second day in the Auckland Islands had the ship moved south and into the large sheltered straight between the main Auckland Island and Adams Island. These relatively protected water provided for some better sailing and ability to do some zodiac cruising and a shore landing. We decided to do separate activities today. Susan did a zodiac cruise having repeat looks at things we saw on the hike yesterday and Bob joined a small group of intrepid souls who hiked up to take photos of nesting White-capped Albatross.

The landing for the albatross hike was dodgy - jumping off a bobbing zodiac onto a rock shelf at shore. No photos since all the gear was packed away for a potential swim in the drink... But all ended well with everyone making it ashore with no more than wet boots. The hike to the albatross colony was short but steeply up a very muddy track through Rata trees and waist high tussock grass. Fun, fun, fun! Once up the slope the scene opened to magnificent views of the islands and ocean below. Once again we had magical (for the Furious 50's) weather. After an ascent of about 800 feet in a little over a mile we were at the breeding colony.

We spent most of an hour watching the antics of the albatross before continuing a short distance to the top of the ridge for a view one of the few pairs of nesting "Gibson's" Wandering Albatross. What a treat!

All good things must end so it was back to the ship for the long sail south to Campbell Island.