Subantarctic Islands
Subantarctic Islands Wildlife.
Endemic penguins, wandering albatross, and the rare New Zealand Sea Lion.
The Subantarctic Islands hold species found almost nowhere else: the Snares Crested Penguin, the Yellow-eyed Penguin (Hoiho), the New Zealand Sea Lion, Gibson’s Wandering Albatross, the Southern Royal Albatross, Salvin’s Mollymawk, the Erect-crested Penguin, the Antipodes Island Parakeet, and — on Macquarie Island — Royal Penguins and King Penguins.
Penguins
Each island group has its own penguins. The Snares Crested Penguin is endemic to the Snares, the Yellow-eyed Penguin nests on Enderby Island, the Erect-crested Penguin crowds the Bounty rocks, and Royal Penguins breed only on Macquarie Island alongside hundreds of thousands of King Penguins.
- Snares Crested Penguin. Endemic to the Snares and the star of the group. They are watched from a Zodiac as they use the “Penguin Slide,” a smooth granite rock face between the churning sea and their forest burrows.
- Yellow-eyed Penguin (Hoiho). Nests on Enderby Island in the Auckland group, reached by a boardwalk through gnarled, crimson-flowered Rata forest.
- Erect-crested Penguin. Thousands nest on the Bounty Islands, where every inch of the 22 granite rocks is claimed by life.
- Royal Penguin. Breeds only on Macquarie Island.
- King Penguin. Hundreds of thousands share Macquarie’s beaches with the Royals, turning them into a metropolis of feathers and noise.
Albatross and seabirds
Adams Island is the primary breeding site for Gibson’s Wandering Albatross. Campbell Island is the undisputed home of the Southern Royal Albatross, whose wingspans exceed three meters. Salvin’s Mollymawks fill the Bounty Islands, and millions of Sooty Shearwaters burrow into the fragile soil of the Snares.
- Gibson’s Wandering Albatross. Adams Island, the southernmost of the Auckland Islands, is entirely pest-free and is the primary breeding site.
- Southern Royal Albatross. Nests among the hills of Campbell Island, seemingly indifferent to the fierce winds that howl across the ridges.
- Salvin’s Mollymawk. Thousands nest on the Bounty Islands and create a deafening wall of sound against the crashing waves.
- Sooty Shearwater. Millions burrow into the honeycombed soil beneath the Snares’ tree daisy forests — the reason landing there is prohibited.
Mammals and land birds
The rare New Zealand Sea Lion basks on the beaches of Sandy Bay, Enderby Island. On the volcanic Antipodes, the Antipodes Island Parakeet has been known to scavenge carcasses and prey on small seabirds to survive its harsh environment.
- New Zealand Sea Lion. Found on the beaches of Sandy Bay on Enderby Island.
- Antipodes Island Parakeet. Endemic to the Antipodes, and unusual among parrots for its scavenging and predatory habits.
Frequently asked questions
- Which penguins are found in the Subantarctic Islands?
- The Snares Crested Penguin at the Snares, the Yellow-eyed Penguin (Hoiho) on Enderby Island, Erect-crested Penguins on the Bounty Islands, and Royal Penguins and King Penguins on Macquarie Island.
- Where do the albatross colonies sit?
- Adams Island in the Auckland group is the primary breeding site for the Gibson's Wandering Albatross. Campbell Island is the home of the Southern Royal Albatross, and thousands of Salvin's Mollymawks nest on the Bounty Islands.
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 .
Ready to Explore the Southern Frontier?
Tell us which species matter most and we’ll match the voyage to them.
Request a Quote