New Zealand Subantarctic Islands



New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands are five groups of uninhabited and windswept islands in the Southern Ocean far to the south or east of Stewart Island. Once a hazard in the days of sailing ships, the islands are now wildlife preserves which, due to their isolation, are only visited occasionally, mostly by scientists or conservation workers. The islands are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Understand
In Nov 2013, contributors to the respected journal Science chose these Sub-Antarctic Islands as one of 78 protected areas around the globe as the most critical for preventing the extinction of mammals, birds and amphibians.

These Sub-Antarctic Islands provide nesting sites for hundreds of thousands of seabirds, and the waters surrounding them harbour the endangered New Zealand sea lion.

Get in
Access to these islands is generally by, or with the support of, a boat. The islands are beyond the (return) range of most helicopters and there is no airstrip for fixed wing aircraft. Access is generally by permit only. Companies offering trips visiting the islands include:


 * Heritage Expeditions

Do

 * Bird and wildlife watching
 * Southern Lights (aurora australis)
 * Photography

Stay safe
Weather in this part of the world can be extreme.

Go next

 * Antarctica