Subantarctic Islands
Best Time to Visit.
A short season in the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties.
The Subantarctic season runs November to March. Within it, timing is shaped by three things: the megaherb bloom on Campbell Island, penguin breeding across the groups, and albatross nesting on Adams and Campbell. The weather is unpredictable throughout and can shift from sun to gale-force winds in minutes.
The season
November to March. These are the only months when expedition ships operate to the islands, and every landing within that window still depends on weather and on the operator’s permit.
Timing against the wildlife
Three events shape the choice of departure: Campbell Island’s megaherbs producing their massive blooms, penguin breeding at the Snares, Enderby, the Bounty group and Macquarie, and albatross nesting — Gibson’s Wandering Albatross on Adams Island and the Southern Royal Albatross on Campbell.
- The megaherb bloom. Campbell Island’s giant wildflowers, including the Pleurophyllum, produce massive, colorful blooms to trap the rare warmth of the subantarctic sun.
- Penguin breeding. Snares Crested, Yellow-eyed, Erect-crested, Royal and King Penguins are all on their colonies during the season.
- Albatross nesting. Adams Island is the primary breeding site for Gibson’s Wandering Albatross; Campbell Island is the home of the Southern Royal Albatross.
We have not published month-by-month bloom, breeding or nesting dates here, because we would be guessing. If your trip depends on catching a particular stage, ask us and we’ll get the current dates from the operator running the voyage.
Weather
These islands sit in the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties. The weather is famously unpredictable, often shifting from sun to gale-force winds in minutes, so high-quality waterproof layers and sturdy boots are essential in any month.
Frequently asked questions
- When can you visit the Subantarctic Islands?
- The season runs November to March. Outside those months there are no scheduled expedition voyages to the islands.
- What should I pack for a Subantarctic expedition?
- High-quality waterproof layers and sturdy boots are essential. The weather is famously unpredictable, often shifting from sun to gale-force winds in minutes.
Back to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands.
Written by your expedition advisor
Chris Commisso · Expedition Expert
Chris and Erika have personally sailed 18 expedition ships and explored eight expedition regions.
Last updated .
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