Photo Gallery
photos by Gavin Bieber
![The main tour component of our trip takes place on a comfortable Princess Cruise Lines ship.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549371252_c517918608_b.jpg?)
The main tour component of our trip takes place on a comfortable Princess Cruise Lines ship.
![Although the ship offers loads of amenities and activities in an often opulent setting,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549141911_302bd17c35_b.jpg?)
Although the ship offers loads of amenities and activities in an often opulent setting,
![we tend to spend much of our onboard time on the bow.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548643023_30905b0e6c_b.jpg?)
we tend to spend much of our onboard time on the bow.
![For the 2021 cruise we'll cross the Tasman Sea twice, looking for a wide range of exciting pelagic species, like White-headed Petrel,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548637838_a05ce62a9c_b.jpg?)
For the 2021 cruise we’ll cross the Tasman Sea twice, looking for a wide range of exciting pelagic species, like White-headed Petrel,
![Gould's Petrel,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549379077_38ceec12fb_b.jpg?)
Gould’s Petrel,
![the sometimes common Cook's Petrel,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548651353_69b665a621_b.jpg?)
the sometimes common Cook’s Petrel,
![striking Buller's Shearwater,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549381007_1dd6c2174a_b.jpg?)
striking Buller’s Shearwater,
![huge Wandering Albatross,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549138296_37df95d112_b.jpg?)
huge Wandering Albatross,
![White-chinned Petrels,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549136936_57cd2c494d_b.jpg?)
White-chinned Petrels,
![and flocks of Fairy Prion.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549379412_a2f24f8507_b.jpg?)
and flocks of Fairy Prion.
![Cetaceans can appear at anytime, with one of the more colourful species being these Southern Right-Whale Dolphins.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548642278_f0d1e3f526_b.jpg?)
Cetaceans can appear at anytime, with one of the more colourful species being these Southern Right-Whale Dolphins.
![When we get close to New Zealand we'll start seeing our first White-fronted Terns, and once ashore at our first port of call in Auckland](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549366577_01f5d20b21_b.jpg?)
When we get close to New Zealand we’ll start seeing our first White-fronted Terns, and once ashore at our first port of call in Auckland
![we'll start rapidly picking up our first New Zealand endemics like this handsome Variable Oystercatcher,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549138456_81b3ec62fb_b.jpg?)
we’ll start rapidly picking up our first New Zealand endemics like this handsome Variable Oystercatcher,
![sprightly New Zealand Fantails,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549377567_3e7bcf1111_b.jpg?)
sprightly New Zealand Fantails,
![and the gaudy Tui, one of the countries two endemic species of honeyeaters.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549368832_fc956a1ebc_b.jpg?)
and the gaudy Tui, one of the countries two endemic species of honeyeaters.
![At our second port of call, the small coastal city of Tauranga, we'll head inland towards Whirinaki Forest Park,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548638968_e3eca0a5be_b.jpg?)
At our second port of call, the small coastal city of Tauranga, we’ll head inland towards Whirinaki Forest Park,
![along the way we should spot a few New Zealand Scaup dabbling around in volcanic lakes.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548646508_c199193f44_b.jpg?)
along the way we should spot a few New Zealand Scaup dabbling around in volcanic lakes.
![Once in the forest we'll look for chattering groups of Whitehead,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548637643_5e2b32b706_b.jpg?)
Once in the forest we’ll look for chattering groups of Whitehead,
![inquisitive North Island Robins,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549374852_e974e2365d_b.jpg?)
inquisitive North Island Robins,
![and, with luck, the scarce Blue Duck.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549381162_25f073d70a_b.jpg?)
and, with luck, the scarce Blue Duck.
![In Wellington we'll spend out time mainly in a fenced-in sanctuary just a few kilometers outside the city.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549137701_9afdc0f736_b.jpg?)
In Wellington we’ll spend out time mainly in a fenced-in sanctuary just a few kilometers outside the city.
![Where North Island Saddlebacks lurk in the shrubs,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549144776_50533b1665_b.jpg?)
Where North Island Saddlebacks lurk in the shrubs,
![New Zealand Pigeons can be surprisingly common,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549146061_ac3045d3e3_b.jpg?)
New Zealand Pigeons can be surprisingly common,
![Nosiy New Zealand Kaka can be quite confiding,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549148936_5af2508784_b.jpg?)
Nosiy New Zealand Kaka can be quite confiding,
![hulking Takahe might be along the creekbed,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549369927_a28bfea8b6_b.jpg?)
hulking Takahe might be along the creekbed,
![and where we might find our first Red-crowned Parakeets sitting quietly in the understory.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548644118_7716f1e517_b.jpg?)
and where we might find our first Red-crowned Parakeets sitting quietly in the understory.
![Here too we will look for the reintroduced population of Tuatara, an ancient lizard-like reptile that is slowly recovering in predator free parts of the country.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549139186_4a3274e049_b.jpg?)
Here too we will look for the reintroduced population of Tuatara, an ancient lizard-like reptile that is slowly recovering in predator free parts of the country.
![From Dunedin we'll reach another predator free sanctuary called Orokenui,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548645063_4acbffbf33_b.jpg?)
From Dunedin we’ll reach another predator free sanctuary called Orokenui,
![where New Zealand Bellbirds are common](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549377877_9f4eddf3b0_b.jpg?)
where New Zealand Bellbirds are common
![Outside of the sanctuary we'll spend the rest of the day birding along the coast, looking for Black-billed Gull,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549381477_5704891fa4_b.jpg?)
Outside of the sanctuary we’ll spend the rest of the day birding along the coast, looking for Black-billed Gull,
![pairs of Paradise Shelduck,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548644773_8b44c199be_b.jpg?)
pairs of Paradise Shelduck,
![and on the scenic Katiki Point...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548649403_09fe9b838d_b.jpg?)
and on the scenic Katiki Point…
![...we should see several Yellow-eyed Penguins loafing on the beach near their colony,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548637163_2f2fce4388_b.jpg?)
…we should see several Yellow-eyed Penguins loafing on the beach near their colony,
![perhaps in the company of dozy New Zealand Fur Seals.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549377397_1b02647d73_b.jpg?)
perhaps in the company of dozy New Zealand Fur Seals.
![Back in the harbor we should spot the striking Spotted Shag,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549140921_915bf6e9b4_b.jpg?)
Back in the harbor we should spot the striking Spotted Shag,
![and a few Northern Royal Albatross, which nest near the tip of the Otago Peninsula.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549374312_a2f37ee66d_b.jpg?)
and a few Northern Royal Albatross, which nest near the tip of the Otago Peninsula.
![As we round the southern end of the South Island we should start seeing Cape Petrels following the ship,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548651543_494a95b18c_b.jpg?)
As we round the southern end of the South Island we should start seeing Cape Petrels following the ship,
![Often we'll have multiple species of Albatrosses in view at once (here a Salvin's and a Royal),](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548643198_bae49567a7_b.jpg?)
Often we’ll have multiple species of Albatrosses in view at once (here a Salvin’s and a Royal),
![Grey-faced Petrels may be common,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549149051_d3bb3afc8f_b.jpg?)
Grey-faced Petrels may be common,
![and where we should see a few Mottled Petrel,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549147996_e4fdfd4cce_b.jpg?)
and where we should see a few Mottled Petrel,
![Little Shearwater,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549377967_76b5433a71_b.jpg?)
Little Shearwater,
![and the often curious Australasian Gannets.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549381622_caf5cca1ca_b.jpg?)
and the often curious Australasian Gannets.
![Our pre-tour this year will spend a few days around the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, where boisterous Laughing Kookaburra,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F6096%2F6345075428_1f6b64c623_b.jpg?)
Our pre-tour this year will spend a few days around the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, where boisterous Laughing Kookaburra,
![gaudy Rainbow Lorikeet,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549143491_f94e1ed62a_b.jpg?)
gaudy Rainbow Lorikeet,
![toylike Crested Pigeons,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549379932_68efaa1112_b.jpg?)
toylike Crested Pigeons,
![sparkling Superb Fairywrens,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F6050%2F6344267257_4875e5f48c_b.jpg?)
sparkling Superb Fairywrens,
![and comical Sulphur-crested Cockatoos will greet us in forested parks.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549370227_57e8c7cf37_b.jpg?)
and comical Sulphur-crested Cockatoos will greet us in forested parks.
![A trip out to the world famous Werribee Sewage works should reveal Cape Barren Geese,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49548652058_179ba1092f_b.jpg?)
A trip out to the world famous Werribee Sewage works should reveal Cape Barren Geese,
![Royal (and Yellow-Billed) Spoonbills,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F49549142426_5e00b06906_b.jpg?)
Royal (and Yellow-Billed) Spoonbills,
![and Red-necked Avocets will line the ponds.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5081%2F5236173656_8f59c3d316_b.jpg?)
and Red-necked Avocets will line the ponds.
![The post-tour will involve a week around the spectacular island of Tasmania, where Pacific Gulls line the shore,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5005%2F5371958390_d4724c17e5_b.jpg?)
The post-tour will involve a week around the spectacular island of Tasmania, where Pacific Gulls line the shore,
![Hooded Plover breed on secluded sandy beaches,](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4102%2F5394350200_8cd71a5536_b.jpg?)
Hooded Plover breed on secluded sandy beaches,
![and birds like this beautiful Pink Robin flit around in ancient Gondwanaland forests.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5294%2F5393750959_32cd5fb4ca_b.jpg?)
and birds like this beautiful Pink Robin flit around in ancient Gondwanaland forests.
![Of course, we'll see a few iconic mammals as well, from wallabies](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F1914%2F44912556894_1289c05f15_b.jpg?)
Of course, we’ll see a few iconic mammals as well, from wallabies
![to Wombats, and hopefully the amazing Tasmanian Devil.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5286%2F5236177870_dc5eeae47f_b.jpg?)
to Wombats, and hopefully the amazing Tasmanian Devil.