Heritage Expeditions
Western Pacific Odyssey
This expedition is a unique opportunity for “birders”, “cetacean watchers” and the romantics who simply love the thrill of a cruise in the South Pacific that includes remote Islands and Atolls.
After departing Auckland we spend a day “birding” in the rich waters of the Hauraki Gulf where there are numerous endemic species including the recently re-discovered NZ storm petrel. From there it is northward to Norfolk Island and New Caledonia where we make shore excursions for the island endemics. Landfall in the Solomon Islands is at remote Rennell Island.
We plan a total of four days with a number of landings in the Solomon Islands before sailing north across the Britain Trench, an area known to be rich in cetaceans to Micronesia. We have landings scheduled for Truk in the Caroline group before sailing to the Bonin Islands and as close as allowed to Torishima Island to hopefully see short-tailed albatross. The journey will end at Yokohama in Japan.
Western Pacific Odyssey Itinerary:
Day 1:
Embark “Spirit of Enderby” in Auckland.
Day 2:
During our transit of the Hauraki Gulf we will watch for species common and uncommon within this area including grey ternlets and New Zealand storm petrel.
Day 3 & 4:
Enroute to Norfolk Island birds watching for petrels and albatross of the region.
Day 5:
On landing at Norfolk Island we visit an area of lush rainforest for the endemics Norfolk Island parakeet and Norfolk gerygone.
Day 6:
North of Norfolk we cross a large underwater sea mount, a productive area for Tahiti, Kermadec and grey-faced petrels and hopefully our first Polynesian storm petrels.
Day 7:
Arrive at New Caledonia with time to explore the Noumea.
Day 8:
Our early morning start today takes us in search of Kagu and Crow honey eater. Other birds we will seek include crested parakeet, cloven feathered dove, yellow-bellied robin, New Caledonian (Goliath) imperial pigeon, southern strikebill and horned parakeet.
Day 9 - 11:
Leisurely days at sea with a daylight pelagic watch for both birds and cetaceans.
Day 12:
Arrive at Rennell Island and ashore look for the Rennell starling, Rennell shrikebill, bare-eyed white-eye, Rennell fantail and Rennell white-eye. Other species include the Imperial pigeon, silver-capped fruit dove, singing parrots, Melanesian flycatcher, cardinal myzomela, Finches pygmy parrot and island thrush.
Day 13:
At Makira Island we will seek the endemic sooty myzomela, San Cristobal melidectes, white-collared monarch, mottled flowerpeckers, White headed fruit dove and rufous fantail. Other species could include rainbow lorikeets, red-knobbed and Imperial pigeon, San Cristobal singing and metallic starling, Brahminy kite, pied goshawk, Pacifc baza, cardinal myzomela. We enjoy the hospitality of the people in nearby Anuta Village before departing for Honiara.
Day 14:
Our early morning excursion to nearby Mount Austin will give us a opportunities for yellow-eyed, white-bellied and Solomons cuckoo strike, cicadabird, brown-winged and singing starling, yellow-faced myna, chestnut bellied and black and white monarch, steely blue fly catcher, mottled flowerpiercer, olive-backed sunbird and the black faced myzomela.
Day 15:
A day at sea through the Solomon Islands, species that could be observed include Heinroth’s shearwater, wedge-tailed shearwater, sooty terns, black and brown noddies, great and lesser frigatebirds.
Day 16:
A day at Kolombangara where we hope to see white-capped monarch, Solomon white-eye, yellow-vented myzomela and hopefully the Roviana rail. Other species could include Blyth’s hornbill, superb fruit dove, red-knobbed imperial pigeon, steely blue fly catcher, Melanesian and yellow-eyed cuckoo strike, metallic and singing starling and the Solomon sea eagle.
Day 17:
We will spend as much time as possible over a deep water canyon on the southwest side of Bougainville – from experience it is a very productive area. We hope to see Heinroth’s shearwater and Beck’s petrel in this area.
Day 18:
We spend the day off the coast of New Ireland, our target today is Beck’s petrel.
Day 19- 21:
At sea and during this time we will cross the equator. Our daylight pelagic watch for birds and mammals will continue. Species to watch for include Bulwer’s petrels, wedge-tailed shearwaters and white tailed tropic bird, white and sooty terns and frigate birds.
Day 22:
Arrive at Chuuk (‘Truk’), Caroline Islands mid morning, after clearing Customs the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the island, the islanders and their hospitality. You can enjoy some birding this evening, it is also a great place for snorkelling and diving.
Day 23:
We will start early this morning to visit areas of Weno Island. Species include myzomelas, reed warbler, swiftlet and ground dove. We depart Chuuk late morning for the Bonin Islands.
Day 24 - 28:
We have over 1200 nautical miles to run to the Bonin Islands. The time will be spent “pelagic watching” and/or simply relaxing and enjoying the tropics. Birds that we could see include Matsudaira’s storm petrels, Bonin and Bulwers petrels, wedge-tailed and Bannerman’s shearwaters.
Day 29:
We call briefly at Bonin Islands to complete arrival formalities for Japan. A walk in the vicinity of the harbour introduces us to Japan and its birdlife.
Day 30:
Arrive at Torishima Island, landings are not allowed so we plan to cruise close inshore for one of the seabird highlights of the trip, the short-tailed or Steller’s albatross.
Day 31:
We continue cruising north towards Japan. If weather and sea conditions permit we will zodiac cruise around the rocky stacks of Ko Jima Island for Japanese murrelets.
Day 32:
Today we visit Miyake–Jima where forest walks give chances to see a number of species including the endemic Izu thrush, Ijima’s leaf warbler, Japanese wood pigeon, Japanese robin and pygmy woodpecker.
Day 33:
Arrive at Yokohama with disembarkation.
Landings at the Islands are by permit only as administered by the relevant Governments.
Heritage Expeditions is committed to providing the highest quality natural history expeditions and specialise in remote regions and difficult to see species. As part of our expeditions we have for many years used the practice of chumming and/or oiling to give people the opportunity to see species that they are unlikely to see otherwise or appreciate aspects of seabird ecology such as impacts from interactions with fishing vessels. Heritage Expeditions believes that chumming has an important part to play in a successful seabird watching expedition but it is a tool which is used with moderation and always for a specific purpose.
Circumstances may be encountered during our voyage which will make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. These circumstances include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed during the voyage.
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Western Pacific Odyssey
Voyage # 2566 17 March 2009 - 18 April 2009 |
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Western Pacific Odyssey
Voyage # 2667 13 March 2010 - 14 April 2010 |
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 | Western Pacific Odyssey - 2397 Adobe Acrobat Document: 1.02 MB, 2.5 minutes @ 56kbps |
Western Pacific Odyssey - 2497
| Western Pacific Odyssey - Bird Checklist 2008 Adobe Acrobat Document: 169 KB, 25 seconds @ 56kbps |
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 Spirit of Enderby ©
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Our vessel, the 'Spirit of Enderby' is perfect for Expedition Travel. The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodation (refurbished in New Zealand Nov '04). The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs. Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Capitan and crew. The 'Spirit of Enderby' measures 72 metres in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two 1,560 horse power diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots. What makes this Expedition Vessel absolutely unique is the equipment we carry including: a) our fleet of RIB’s, (rigid inflatable boats) sometimes referred to as zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places. b) Our specially designed and built Hovercraft (2) give us unprecedented over ice capability in Antarctica allowing us to land in places that are inaccessible to other ships. |
Technical description:
- Classification: Russian register KM ice class
- Year built: 1984
- Accommodation: 48 berths expedition
- Shipyard: Finland
- Main engines: power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw)
- Register: Russia
- Maximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines),
- Cruising speed: 10 knots(one engine)
- Bunker capacity: 320 tons
Deck and Cabin plan:
Rollover a room for more information
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Upper DeckMiddle DeckLower Deck
Spirit of Enderby
Fully ice-strengthened for Expedition Travel our vessel carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodation. Onboard are some of the most experienced naturalists and guides who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas we visit.
Heritage Suite
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed, single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers, and fridge. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows with great views.
Mini Suite
A small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower. toilet and washbasin. This suite has windows.
Superior Plus
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Superior
Cabins have one bunk (an upper and lower – two), wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Main Deck
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Main Deck Triple
Main deck triple cabin: This cabin has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Bar Lounge
Equipped for the use of laptops, video and digital cameras, opening hours are variable depending on the activities of the day. We have a well stocked library you are welcome to use at any time, and a range of beverages available.
Dining Room
Our chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available prepared according to your special dietary needs (as per information specified on your booking form). Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are not available.
Dining Room
Our chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available prepared according to your special dietary needs (as per information specified on your booking form). Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are not available.
Life onboard ‘Spirit of Enderby’
The ‘Spirit of Enderby’ was designed and built as a Research Vessel and still undertakes some research work when not involved with work through Heritage Expeditions. Ship amenities and services include:
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Bar: ‘Globe’ It is situated on the Middle deck aft (400 level cabins). We have a range of beverages available (beers, wines, soft drinks and spirits). Opening hours are variable, depending on the activities of the day onboard (e.g. lectures, landings). Opening hours are indicated on daily programmes. |
Dining Room: ‘Ice Culture’
Our Australian and New Zealand chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available. Our chefs onboard can prepare food according to your special dietary needs (providing this information in advance of departure date, specified on the booking form). We regret to inform that Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are NOT available onboard.
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