In the Footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson

East Antarctica is one of the most isolated places on the planet. Here, the massive polar ice cap rolls down to a sea rich in wildlife. It is also where explorers both heroic and modern day have landed and lived in the face of nature. Ninety-seven years ago Mawson, David, and Mackay were the first to reach the South Magnetic Pole (in January 15th, 1909) after trekking some 1000 miles. To celebrate that achievement you sail to the South Magnetic Pole. You also visit remains of Mawson?s Hut in Commonwealth Bay, an Antarctic base, and several islands that were also visited during Mawson?s expedition. This voyage is an opportunity to experience a seldom-visited part of Antarctica, rich in history and wildlife.

The 12/14/2009 voyage is 28 days, two days longer than the itinerary shown below.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Invercargill

Meet in your central city hotel in Invercargill for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Museum visit / Embarkation in Bluff

A visit to Southland Museum?s Subantarctic Island hall before you transfer to your port of departure, Bluff, embark ship and commence the adventure.

Day 3: The Snares, Sub-Antarctic Islands

At Snares you witness the sooty shearwater population departing at daybreak. Zodiac cruising gives excellent views of endemic Snares crested penguins, tomtits and fernbirds.

Day 4: Enderby Island

Enderby Island with a day for exploring gives time to observe the inhabitants daily patterns from shy yellow eyed penguins, majestic Southern royal albatross to the male New Zealand sealions fighting for space on their main breeding beach at Sandy Bay.

Day 5: Carnley Harbour, Auckland Islands

Climbing from Carnley Harbour to the White Capped Albatross Colony, zodiac cruising past Fairchild?s Garden or visiting one of several historic sites these are myriad experiences in this southernmost harbour at the Auckland Island.

Day 6: At Sea

A day of pelagic observations and lectures in preparation for Macquarie Island.

Days 7-8: Macquarie Island

An upthrust of the earths crust this sliver of land supports teeming wildlife mainly endemic royal penguins and the inquisitive king penguins. Gentoo and rockhopper penguins also breed on Macquarie Is along with Southern elephant seals, a total sensory overload of wildlife. Australia has a base at Buckles Bay which you visit.

Days 9-12: At Sea

As you make your way across the Southern ocean your eyes will scan for pelagic species, listen for the call of "whale", watch in awe as you cross their path. Your daily programme will prepare you for your time in East Antarctica with informal lectures and discussions. As the days lengthen your ice experience will begin.

Days 13-18: Cape Dension Commonwealth Bay / Dumont d'Urville

First stop is Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, Mawson?s base where his hut still stands. Adelie penguins have colonies in this area for you to visit and observe the antics of these determined birds. Wildlife is abundant with snow petrels and Wilson?s storm petrels nesting on the continent. Emperor penguins breed at Dumont D?Urville further to the west with your program including time to visit this area.

The current position of the South Magnetic Pole is off the coast of East Antarctica which you will sail to.

Days 19-22: At Sea

Departing from the spectacular ice carved nature of Antarctic you cruise northwards to Campbell Island with time to recover from the extensive daylight hours of Antarctica.

Days 23-24: Campbell Island

Your ship anchors in Perseverance harbour, site of the former New Zealand Meteorological station. After a visit to the station, walk to Col- Lyall saddle and observe the Southern Royal albatross which gather there to nest. On this stunning island you see megaherbs and witness other wildlife such as Campbell Islands shags, Light mantled sooty albatross and sealions.

Day 25: Sailing towards Bluff

A last day at sea to reflect on the experiences you have had as you proceed to Bluff, the port of Invercargill.

Day 26: Port of Bluff / Disembarkation

Arrive at Bluff for disembarkation and transportation to Invercargill for onward travel.