Auckland Island Things to Do

Just what exactly should be the plural of albatross? Is it still just (eg) two albatross, or albatri, possibly albatrice, or maybe even albatrocities?

Either way, at The Snares you will see many albatrosses (that seems easiest), some nesting and some circling overhead. This pair are Bullers Albatrosses, one of the four species of albatross to breed there. It must be said that there are such fine points of detail differences between some species of albatrosses that identification is nearly impossible - fortunately, with their eyeshadow markings and two-toned beaks, the Bullers Albatrosses are reasonably straightforward. They also are photogenic.

1 more image

The Snares are made of tough granite, which has been sculpted into steep sided islands with interesting outcrops. Cruising around them in a zodiac was a highlight.

Unfortunately there is little shelter at The Snares, so apparently there are many occasions when cruise ships are unable to use zodiacs: if you are planning a visit, keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

It seems that the Snares Crested Penguin colony at the sloping rock is famous in New Zealand.

The colony is among the shrubbery at the top of the rock, maybe 30 metres above sea level. As can be seen, the rock is very steep and, with the sea lapping at the bottom, it must be slippery - but these little chaps use it as the main road to their colony. Yes, it is impressive!

The Snares Crested Penguin is another of the penguin species which is endemic to a particular subantarctic island. These are related to other crested penguins, such as the rockhopper, but it must be said that their "Dagwood hair styles" are much better groomed than most.

They nest among the shrubbery on the islands, well above water level. As tourists are not allowed on land, we must take the word of the Conservation Department that they even perch on tree branches, which is unique for a penguin!

After about 150 years since it was abandoned, there isn't much left to show of the former Enderby settlement on Port Ross: rata forests have taken over the area entirely (as have some belligerent Hooker Sea Lions, which limited searching!).

We managed to find this old brick among the ferns and rata trees.

1 more image

The most southern forest in this part of the world is found on Auckland Island. It consists of dense stands of trees known as Rata. There are no trees on the more southern Macquarie and Campbell Islands.

The trees have crimson flowers, which drop to form a thick carpet underneath. The old Enderby settlement area is a good place to see the forest, which surrounds the walkway to the cemetery.

1 more image

Sandy Bay is on the Port Ross side of Enderby Island. It is a favoured place for Hooker Sea Lion harems and their beachmasters. At the right time of year (late December to January is ideal) you also will see the seal pups. Waiting on the outskirts for their chance to take over the harems are many unattached bull sea lions.

It is interesting to see the interactions between them all. It is almost certainly more prudent to not be among them on foot! (See the "warnings" tip). So cruising past in a zodiac is the best way to see them and, curiously, they take little notice of the zodiacs.

You will find the historic cemetery not far from the old Enderby settlement ruins at Port Ross, on the northern end of Auckland Island. It is an easy walk through the forest, following a wooden walkway.

There are some sad gravestones in this lonely place, but most deaths on the island were from the passengers and crews of shipwrecks, mainly in the sailing ship days. This poignant headstone tells of a fate which was all too common.