AUCKLAND ISLAND

A glassy Victoria Passage out to the West Coast of the Auckland Island is almost unheard of but we got it and it was epic. Huge cliffs filled with white caps sitting on nests and elaborate light mantled sooty flying displays. A pilgrimage of albatross of the best kind…

Southwest Cape has always eluded me during voyages down to the main Auckland Island. On this day, the stars aligned and near perfect weather and swell made a landing site achievable amongst the forests of kelp. Immediately we were met by an abundance of pig prints and rooted vegetation, a harsh reminder of the desperate need for pest eradication on this magical island. A short but steep climb following the pig tracks took us to the ridgeline and hundreds of albatross sitting on nests. A brutal place to live when there is a westerly but I can see why they endure it for that view!!!