Birding Down Under:
Spectacular Subantarctic Islands

December 3 - 19, 2026 from Queenstown, New Zealand

Aboard the Heritage Adventurer

With George Armistead and Alvaro Jaramillo

The Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia offer an otherworldly, remote wilderness, with a remarkable array of endemic birds. Breath-taking scenes involve thousands of penguins, staggering aggregations of albatrosses, and often close-up experiences with seldom-seen cetaceans. Partnering with Heritage Expeditions and Alvaro's Adventures, Hillstar Nature is proud to offer this trip of a lifetime. Explore one of the most spectacular wildernesses on Earth with George Armistead & Alvaro Jaramillo.

Photo by Lysle Gwynne/Heritage Expeditions

  • Seven legendary & historic island groups: Snares, Auckland, Campbell, Macquarie, Bounty, Antipodes, & Chatham Islands.

  • Seven species of Penguins are likely, including: Yellow-eyed (world's rarest), Royal, Erect-crested & Snares. Macquarie Island features massive colonies of Royal and King.

  • Seabird extravaganza! World's most diverse area for seabirds, with 10 species of breeding albatross & a total of 40 species of breeding seabirds overall. Chances at special tubenoses like: White-headed Petrel, Grey Petrel, Magenta Petrel, and Chatham and Buller's albatrosses.

  • Rare island endemics. Seek the Antipodean Parakeet, Reischek's Parakeet, Chatham Island Gerygone & Subantarctic Snipe, among others.

  • Marine Mammals abound. Whales & dolphins often put on a fabulous show, and eared seals number in the 1000s. Possibilities include Orca, Hourglass & Dusky dolphins, Arnoux's Beaked Whale, Strap-toothed Beaked Whale, & more.

Photo by Aaron Russ/Heritage Expeditions

A variety of cabin types are available. Enjoy amazing landings & thrilling zodiac cruises, and time at sea for seabirds and cetaceans. Of course there is ample opportunity to enjoy the fabulous social atmosphere too, with a great group of leaders and friends. The well-appointed Heritage Adventurer is our home for this expedition. With capacity for 140 guests, she is often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Exploration Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design.


To learn more about your leaders George & Alvaro, have a listen to Life List: A Birding Podcast, which they host with Mollee Brown.

Video courtesy of Heritage Expeditions