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Isolated, windswept, beautiful and fragile, New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands are unique and irreplaceable, a privileged visit. Described by the United Nations Environment Program as “The most diverse and extensive of all sub-Antarctic archipelagos”, all five island groups - the Bounty Islands, the Antipodes Islands, the Snares Islands, the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island - were honoured with World Heritage status in 1998. These locations are a birders and photographers paradise.

The New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands are blessed with the most significant populations of many species, such as the Southern Royal Albatross, the Yellow-Eyed Penguin and the New Zealand Sea Lion. They are particularly notable for the large number and variety of pelagic seabirds and penguins that nest there. There are 126 bird species in total, including 40 seabirds, five of which breed nowhere else in the world. The sub-Antarctic islands are located in the Southern Ocean, south east of New Zealand in the stormy latitudes of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties, also known as the Albatross Latitudes. Much like Orion’s Antarctic explorations, itineraries, landings and access to these areas will be influenced by permits and prevailing weather conditions.

Day 1 - Auckland, New Zealand – Embark

In the Maori language Auckland is known as Tamaki Makau Rau, the city of 100 lovers, having earned the name because it was a place desired by all and conquered by many. The setting is spectacular, the city being nestled upon three harbors - the Waitemata, the Manukau and the Kaipara. Don't miss the chance to dine out in Auckland as the city has perfected the style of cuisine called "Pacific Rim", blending Asian and Pacific flavors. Seafood features prominently on restaurant menus so be sure to try New Zealand green lipped mussels and succulent Clevedon Coast oysters - all matched with an excellent New Zealand wine.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Days 2-3 - At Sea

Get accustomed to your new home away from home. Explore the fabulous ship, and meet your fellow cruisers while relaxing and enjoying this time at sea.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Chatham Islands

Chatham Islands were once the home of the Moriori. European and American whalers and sealers, not to mention Maori tribes, began to arrive from the mainland. The Moriori are believed to be Polynesians who sailed to the islands from New Zealand between 900AD and 1500AD. By the beginning of the 20th century, there were just 12 full-blooded Moriori left. There are now believed to be around 300 Moriori descendants living amongst Maori and Pakeha (Europeans) on the Chatham Islands. A feature includes the unusual statue of the ‘Last Moriori’, Tommy Solomon. The Chathams are nearly halfway between the equator and the South Pole, and perch on the International Date Line.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - At Sea

Catch up on some rest and relaxation as we cruise towards our next exciting destination. Make a stop in the library for some literature on your next visit or enjoy a deep tissue massage. Whatever you fancy, make this time yours!

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Bounty Islands

The Bounty Islands are comprised of 135 hectares of a small group of 13 granite islets and rocks in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the South Island of New Zealand. They are part of the Antipodes sub-Antarctic Islands tundra eco-region, uninhabited by humans, but heavily populated by penguins and albatrosses. Another 19th century popular hunting ground for sealers, the Bounty Islands were discovered by Captain William Bligh just months before the infamous mutiny in 1788.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Antipodes Island

First named the Penantipodes, the group was discovered in 1800 by Captain Waterhouse of H.M.S. Reliance. An American sealer under the command of Captain Pendleton was the first to station a sealing gang on the Antipodes. The brig, “Union of New York” left an officer and 11 men there in 1804. On returning to Sydney via Fiji the ship was lost and the entire crew massacred. The sealing gang was eventually rescued in 1805 after more than a year on the Antipodes and an accumulation of almost 60,000 skins. By the 1830’s the seals were all but extinct and there was no further sealing. In the early 1880’s there was renewed interest in these islands for the penguin skin trade to meet a demand for fashionable ladies’ muffs.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - At Sea

Another day to admire the beauty and relax aboard Orion.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Campbell Island

Campbell Island was first discovered in January 1810 by Captain Frederick Hasselburg, master of the sealing brig, Perseverance. He named the island after his employers Robert Campbell and Co. of Sydney and sadly drowned later that year after a boat capsized in Perseverance Harbor. Campbell is a volcanic island with fascinating rock formations. 50 years ago, between 2 and 3 million Rock Hopper Penguins were nesting on the island but since then 90% have been decimated by bacterial infection. Erect Crested Penguins are found here in small numbers and less than 20 pairs of Wandering Albatross nest. Approximately 8,500 pairs of Royal Albatross and about 74,000 pairs of Black Browed Mollymawk also call the island home. Over 40 other breeds of birds including the Southern Royal Albatross have also been observed on Campbell Island.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - At Sea

Spend the day enjoying the scenery from the top deck while soaking in the jacuzzi or lounging in the bar.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Macquarie Island

Often described as one of the "wonder spots" of the world, the sub-Antarctic island of Macquarie has been said to rival South Georgia in its magnificence, scenic diversity and prolific wildlife. Designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1933 and a World Heritage Site in 1977, Macquarie now operates a full-time manned station where biological and meteorological research is conducted. The station, located on the isthmus at Buckles Bay, is from where we will collect the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife rangers who will be our guides.

Sandy Bay, situated halfway down the island's eastern seaboard, is our planned landing site. The Zodiacs will traverse breakwaters of giant kelp before reaching rocky beaches where landing conditions can best be described as "wet and challenging". Once ashore you'll find the bay, with its rugged backdrop of mountains and tussock covered headlands, is home to 20,000 breeding pair of royal penguins, king penguins, rock hopper penguins, gentoo penguins and elephant seals. This profusion of wildlife wasn't always so protected, the rusting remains of machinery used by whalers being stark reminders of the exploitation which took place on the island during its early history.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - At Sea

These couple of days at sea make way for great conversations with fellow travelers. As the delightful crew and staff wait on your every wish, enjoy the onboard activities and lectures about the wonderful New Zealand regions you have just explored.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 - Auckland Islands – Scenic Zodiac Cruising

Orion's guests will cruise in Zodiacs in Sandy Bay on Enderby Island at the northern end of Auckland Island, to view a large Hooker Sea Lion colony with pups all jostling for position. If we are fortunate, we may see the rare Yellow-Eyed Penguin as they move to and from their nests in the forests beyond the beach.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 - At Sea

Last day at sea while Orion makes her way towards Dunedin New Zealand. Take full advantage of the wonderful amenities and friendly staff.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15 - Dunedin, New Zealand – Disembark

The Otago region was settled by Maori's over four centuries ago, with Scottish migrants establishing a small town in 1848. After gold was discovered Dunedin rapidly developed to (then) become New Zealand's biggest city and the country's industrial and commercial heart, with many ornate heritage buildings dating from this period still standing today. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for flights home or spend some time visiting this wonderful city.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Included: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programs, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Exclusions: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Room Configurations: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests

Arrival & Departure: The Exploration of the Antipodes cruise begins in Auckland, New Zealand and ends in Hobart, Tasmania. Embarkation time is between 3:00 – 4:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 9:00 – 10:30am. Please schedule flights based on these time frames.

Payment & Cancellation: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties. Day on Which Notice is received Penalty:
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilising our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.


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