SNARES ISLANDS

I widely underestimated the Snares Islands. Being so close to the mainland, I assumed they wouldn’t compare to the likes of the Sub-Antarctic Islands further south. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Never have I ever felt as if I was living out my David Attenborough childhood dreams more so than zodiac cruising around the shores of this island group. I felt as though I had entered a realm untouched by time—a place where the forces of nature reigned supreme and wildlife thrived in abundance. Everywhere I looked, I saw colonies of nesting seabirds, their raucous cries filling the air as they went about their daily rituals.

Among the most remarkable encounters were with the hundreds upon hundreds of Snares crested penguins, with their distinctive yellow crests and playful demeanour. Watching these charismatic birds waddle clumsily down the rocky cliff slides or porpoising effortlessly through the water was a epic sight - a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of life in the wild.

But the wildlife encounters didn't end there. As we ventured further, we came across colonies of New Zealand fur seals basking in the sun, their sleek bodies shimmering with droplets of seawater. New Zealand sea lions followed us in the water inquisitively spy hopping and checking us out. Much to my excitement we also came across a leopard seal sunning itself on the rocks, a true apex predator and as we drifted past it lifted its head and gave us a toothy grin. From the Sub-Antarctic tree daisies casting shade and relief from the suns heat to the beautiful sea caves and turquoise water that had me yearning for a dive, this untouched corner of the world speaks to mother nature’s resilience when left alone.