Welcome to Invercargill, New Zealand’s most southernmost city and where, like Dunedin, you’ll find a distinctly Scottish feel to its streets. With an overnight hotel stay ahead of your cruise, you could roam around the popular Queens Park, around which can be found several prominent landmarks, including the striking Victorian-era water tower and the excellent Southland Museum. The latter is home to Maori artefacts and a tuatara, a native reptile described as a “living dinosaur”.

After meeting your fellow travellers in an Invercargill hotel, you‘ll transfer to the Port of Bluff. Settle in for a voyage of spectacular sights and memorable experiences as you embark 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 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.

©Heritage Expeditions

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 19^th 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.

©T Kraakman

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.

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 harsh conditions.

®Heritage Expeditions

Today, on your final full day at sea, spend time on deck and look out for pelagic bird species and playful Dusky dolphins which sometimes surf the bow waves of the ship. A number of different whale species could also make an appearance if sea conditions permit. As well as the incredible scenery, the day is further enhanced by illustrated lectures relating to the areas you have visited.

Today you’ll return to the Port of Bluff where you’ll disembark after a final breakfast and farewells to crew and fellow passengers.