Cruise to the Snares islands (Sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand)
24 November 2007

The Spirit of Enderby ship reaches The Snares (also called Snares Islands) early in the morning. Because of the unique ecosystem found on the island, with many endemic species not present in any other part of the world, it is not permitted to land on the island, but only to do a zodiac cruise along part of the coast.

(Click on a picture to see an enlarged version)

The Snares, sub-antarctic islands of New Zealand The Snares, sub-antarctic islands of New Zealand
The Snares, sub-antarctic islands of New Zealand The first zodiacs leave the ship for an exploration of the coast.

 

Olearia trees, The Snares, sub-antarctic islands of New Zealand Olearia trees, The Snares, sub-antarctic islands of New Zealand
Olearia trees, The Snares, sub-antarctic islands of New Zealand The typical vegetation of The Snares includes Olearia lyallii and about 20 endemic species, part of an unique ecosystem.

 

Snares crested penguin colony, New Zealand Snares crested penguin colony, New Zealand
Snares crested penguin colony, New Zealand Snares crested penguin colony, New Zealand
A colony of Snares Crested penguin. They like to form their colonies over steep rocks, where they climb jumping from stone to stone.

 

Snares crested penguin, New Zealand
Snares crested penguin, New Zealand
Snares crested penguin, New Zealand
Pictures of Snares Crested penguins, with their elegant feathers on the head.

 

Snares crested penguin, New Zealand, sub-antarctic islands A large group of penguins are foraging out onto sea.

 

Snares crested penguin, New Zealand
Snares crested penguin, New Zealand Group of penguins return from the sea, while others depart.

It is now time to go back to the ship and continue the journey southward.

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NEW ZEALAND PICTURES - SUB ANTARCTIC ISLANDS PICTURES

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