Antarctica and New Zealand Subantarctic Islands Wildlife Cruise
How this vacation makes a difference
Environment
The main focus of our company is conservation and conservation advocacy. Our aim with all our voyages is to promote the unique and precious conservation values of the islands we visit. With our emphasis on natural history, we work principally in unpopulated areas. Our southern Ocean program visits the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia, and the Antarctic continent. All of the islands are nature reserves, and the majority are World Heritage Parks. With our long involvement in these islands (over 35 years) we have been instrumental in developing responsible visitor guidelines.
All waste generated on our expeditions is disposed of in a responsible manner. The vessel complies with MARPOL where possible and allowable we practice recycling, otherwise all non-recyclable waste is brought back for disposal at approved sites. We have invested heavily in ensuring its machinery and plant functions efficiently. Since January 2010 we have utilised an organic fuel additive to reduce our marine diesel usage by up to 20%.In a worldwide first, we have been trialing bio-fuel on its Southern Ocean expeditions.
We make significant annual donations to the New Zealand Department of Conservation and the Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service. These donations are put back into the administration and protection of the Subantarctic Islands. We operate a “Cruise for Conservation” to the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands and 5% of the fare is given to a specific conservation cause. The following agencies have benefitted: Save the Albatross, Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust and Marine Mammal Research Trust.
We have taken a proactive role in research, funding and publishing books on these islands. To date the company has published two books, “Straight through from London” a history of the Bounty and Atnipodes Islands; and the “Galapagos of the Antarctic – Wild Islands south of New Zealand”.
Community
We provide heavily subsidised transport and conservation workers and equipment to the Southern Ocean islands. Money is raised from the sale of photographs, books and DVD’s to support the reforestation of an area of native New Zealand forest purchased by the company. The company employs a part-time conservation officer.
We partner with Enderby Trust to provide Scholarships for young people, who could not otherwise afford to travel, to join their expeditions. We have active membership in a number of conservation and travel organisations, including IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators). Group sizes are kept small to minimize impact and enhance visitor experience. Extensive pre-departure material is circulated to participants to ensure they have the maximum opportunity to prepare for their expedition.
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