Exploring Enderby Island
Katrina Goddard, Forest & Bird’s Marine Advocate is exploring the sub-Antarctic Islands with Heritage Expeditions. This is her diary from day 3 of the trip.
We arrived at the Auckland Islands during the early hours after a fantastic sleep – what a spectacular view to wake up to. I was up at the crack of dawn watching Enderby Island emerge. All I could think was is this a dream. We probably couldn’t have asked for better weather.
I feel incredibly privileged to have spend the whole day walking around Enderby.
Arriving via zodiac at Sandy Bay and watching NZ sea lions bathing in the morning sun was a dream come true.
We had the choice of doing a short board walk or a longer walk around the entire island. There was no stopping me I wanted to see everything. The Heritage Expeditions staff were all so knowledgeable and I didn’t miss any little creature. They knew where to see snipe, where to spot teals and many other treasures.
My highlights for today were seeing the first of the seasons sea lion pups and yellow eyed penguins waddling along. Also watching the Auckland island teal play in rock pools and the light-mantled sooty Albatross surf the waves.
I am not a botanist and normally forests don’t overly excite me, I’m usually a bring on marine biodiversity any time kind of girl. But I surprised myself, the Rata forest blew my mind – words can’t describe how stunning this forest is. It’s like something out of a movie.
Today has been a dream come true I’m not sure any other island in the world will compare to how stunning and diverse Enderby Island is. After a full day of walking and soaking up all Enderby had to show us I definitely have my appetite back and I’m looking forward to our 5 start dinners.
I’m so grateful that the Department of Conservation has eradicated Enderby Island of pests and domestic animals as even today there was still evidence where the cattle had been. Looking across from Enderby at the main Auckland Island and knowing there are still pests is heartbreaking – these remote island are world heritage and have our highest conservation status yet they need our help.
