For Immediate Release
Zegrahm Expeditions Offers Rare Visits To
New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands
SEATTLE, WA — With only 600 individuals permitted to visit per year, these sub-Antarctic islands remain a wind-tossed southern wonderland. On Campbell Island, elephant seals and Hooker's sea lions loll about on surf-washed beaches while overhead soar southern royal albatross, boasting a wingspan of up to 11 feet. In the Auckland Islands, the rare yellow-eyed penguin makes its nest amid a gnarled forest straight out of the Brothers Grimm and nesting albatross provide unforgettable photo opportunities.
Their inaccessibility, both physical and environmental, make these wildlife-rich islands one of the most hard-to-come-by travel destinations in the world. The lucky few who visit here must adhere to strict eco-tourism guidelines which include the scrubbing and bleaching of boots, giving all animals the right-of-way and following the basic code of travel to sensitive wildlife areas: Take Nothing, Leave Nothing, Disturb Nothing.
New Zealand's Department of Conservation recently granted Zegrahm Expeditions access to these islands. In January of 2001, Zegrahm will travel here as part of its Natural Wonders of New Zealand program. Led by a team of experienced expedition leaders including three New Zealand natives, one a representative of the Department of Conservation, the voyage includes a full circumnavigation of the country's South Island, with three full days devoted to exploring the sub-Antarctic islands.
After arriving and touring Auckland, participants will venture onto Christchurch where they board the Clipper Odyssey, a luxurious expedition vessel which carries a fleet of Zodiacs, the perfect means to explore this bountiful country's isolated beaches and coves. The ship will sail first to Dunedin, for visits to some of the city's architectural and historic highlights, then will sail south to visit the world-famous royal albatross colony along the Otago Peninsula.
The next three days will be spent exploring the sub-Antarctic islands, followed by visits to Dusky and Doubtful Sounds and two days in Fiordland National Park, a nearly uninhabited wilderness brimming with wildlife and spectacular scenery, including Milford Sound, dubbed by Rudyard Kipling as the "eighth wonder of the world." Other highlights of this 16-day voyage include a visit to a gold mine in Westport, two full days in Marlborough Sounds, significant for both its maritime history and its marine and bird life, and an unforgettable whale-watching tour in the rich waters off of Kaikoura, operated by members of the Maori tribe.
The Natural Wonders of New Zealand expedition operates January 8 – 23, 2001. Prices start at $7,390 per person. A portion of the price will go towards monitoring the New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands and protecting the wildlife there.
Zegrahm Expeditions is a 10-year-old adventure travel company specializing in expert-led adventure cruises, tours and submersible expeditions to remote locations around the world, such as Antarctica, the Arctic, the South Pacific, Asia and Africa.
Note to editors: Artwork available upon request.
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