SubAntarctic

my experience:

I have visited the sub-antarctic islands in 2010 and 2011, working as a biologist guide, lecturer and zodiac driver, as part of the expedition team on board Orion.

the region:

The sub-Antarctic islands are those islands in the southern Ocean that are located north of the Antarctic continent and south of the major continents of Australia, New Zealand, Africa and South America. Most of the sub-Antarctic islands accessible from the Australasian region politically belong to New Zealand: including the Snares, Auckland and Campbell island groups. However, even though Macquarie Island is a point on an underwater ridge that comes out from New Zealand, it belongs to Australia. Many people report that the sub-Antarctic is underrated compared to the Antarctic, and it is often considered the 'secret' part of the Antarctica experience. The Sub-Antarctic islands have a desolate windswept lonely feel, but there is often vegetation, even large flowers on the islands in summer. But best of all, this is where you get a much higher diversity of seals, whales and dolphins, penguins, and other sea birds such as albatross and petrels.

how to access:

the sub-Antarctic islands include some of the most remote places in the world. Getting there is usually fairly pricey and involves joining an expedition cruise, such as with Orion, Heritage, and Aurora. Most companies visit the sub-Antarctic islands on the way to Antarctica, but some companies also have trips that focus specifically just on those islands.