Arrive in the South Island city of Dunedin, with its Scottish heritage and historic and cultural attractions.  You’ll transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay, during which you’ll get acquainted with your fellow voyagers and expedition staff for a casual get-together over dinner. The following morning you will be transferred to nearby Otago Harbour where you will embark the Spirit of Enderby for your thrilling voyage to the Galapagos of the Southern Ocean.

Settle in for a voyage of spectacular sights and memorable experiences as you depart Otago Harbour on the Spirit of Enderby. This purpose-built expedition vessel is infused with the spirit of adventure having been originally built for polar and oceanographic research. Carrying up to 50 passengers, it features an area that combines as a bar lounge and library, as well as dedicated lecture theatre room and comfortable cabins – all with windows or portholes.

Also known as ‘Tini Heke’ – its Maori name – The Snares comprise a cluster of remote and uninhabited islands lying 200km off the coast of southern New Zealand. The T-shaped North East Island is the largest of the islands and is home to an immense seabird population ranging from red-billed gulls to Antarctic terns. Cruising its jagged coastline in a Zodiac, you’re also likely to spot crested penguins along the shore and Buller’s albatross soaring over the sheer cliffs. The Snares remain one of the last areas in New Zealand unscathed by modernity.

Enderby Island is the largest of the Auckland Islands archipelago and a place that’s teeming with native wildlife thanks to all introduced species being eradicated in the 1990s. This included a healthy rabbit population, introduced by Australians in the 19th century to provide food for anyone unfortunate enough to be shipwrecked. Visit Sandy Bay, the main breeding ground for the rare New Zealand sea lion and just one of three breeding grounds on the Auckland Islands. You could also observe the southern royal albatross, northern giant petrel, yellow-eyed penguin and many more avian species.

Now uninhabited, the Auckland Islands have seen settlers come and go over the centuries, with whalers, farmers and sealers all attempting to establish themselves in this untamed landscape. Off the islands lie numerous shipwrecks from days gone by and its main residents these days are seals and birds. Weather and sea conditions permitting, you could climb to the South West Cape shy albatross colony where Gibson’s wandering albatross nest among the tussocks.

As you make your way through an area known as the Furious Fifties in the foaming waters of Southern Ocean, learn more about the fascinating flora and fauna ahead of your arrival at Macquarie Island. Along the way there are excellent bird-spotting opportunities, with numerous albatross species, northern and southern giant petrels and shearwaters to keep a look-out for, as well as abundant marine life churning up the waves.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Macquarie Island is the only place in the world where the crested royal penguin breeds, while three other species of penguins – namely the king, rockhopper and gentoo - also breed here. Witness the captivating drama of a thriving penguin colony, with territorial disputes, chick-rearing, and elaborate courtship displays all played out before your eyes, with southern elephant seals also watching the action from their own vantage point. Your time here will be under the guidance of experienced scientists and Park Rangers.

This windswept land was once considered so inhospitable that proposals to turn it into a penal colony were rejected. These days Macquarie Island is populated by no more than 40 non-permanent residents. Several seal species can be found on the island, including Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals, while the abundant marine life in the waters surrounding the island include southern right whales and orcas.

Find a spot on board to take in the scenery as you head north from Macquarie Island through waters teeming with diverse seabirds towards Campbell Island. You could even join the captain on the bridge where you could scan the ocean for signs of whales, with several species found in this region. Today there will also be briefings and lectures on Campbell Island ahead of your visit.

Reaching Campbell Island, you’ll spend two days exploring its coves, rocky islets and sea stacks. Enjoy a gentle walk to the nesting site of the southern royal albatross and then trek across the hills to Northwest Bay where beautiful megaherbs – large herbaceous flowers – bring a splash of floral vibrancy to this otherwise rugged terrain. These large pink and yellow plants have thrived despite the the harsh conditions.

As you sail to the South Island’s Port of Bluff, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on your expedition at a farewell dinner. Make a toast to new-found friends and crew as you savour the last leg of your voyage around this remarkable region of the southern hemisphere.

Arrive at the Port of Bluff early in the morning and say farewell to fellow passengers and crew before disembarking and boarding the complimentary coach to downtown Invercargill or Invercargill Airport.