Campbell Island: New Zealand’s Remote Subantarctic Gem
Updated January 2026 (originally published April 2017)
Campbell Island (Motu Ihupuku) is New Zealand’s southernmost subantarctic island group, a UNESCO World Heritage site lying 700 km south of the South Island in the wild Southern Ocean. This uninhabited volcanic outpost spans 11,331 hectares and boasts dramatic landscapes, megaherbs in vibrant bloom, and thriving wildlife after successful eradication of introduced pests like rats and sheep.
Part of New Zealand’s five subantarctic groups (including Auckland, Snares, Bounty, and Antipodes), it’s a biodiversity hotspot with endemic species rebounding strongly.
How to Visit Campbell Island (2026 Update)
Access is strictly regulated—permits required, no independent landings. The only practical way is via small-ship expedition cruises, often from Invercargill/Bluff or Queenstown/Dunedin.
Leading operators for 2026/2027:
- Heritage Expeditions (pioneers in the region): Multiple voyages on Heritage Adventurer (140 guests), including “Galapagos of the Southern Ocean” (with Macquarie Island), “Forgotten Islands,” and “Birding Down Under.” Departures Dec 2026–Feb 2027.
- Ponant: 15-day expeditions on Le Soléal, e.g., Dec 28, 2026–Jan 11, 2027.
- Aurora Expeditions and others occasionally include it.
Expect Zodiac landings, guided hikes, and expert lectures. Weather-dependent; pack for wind, rain, and cold.
Weather
Subantarctic classic: windy (65+ kph gusts common), wet (300+ rainy/snowy days/year), cloudy, and cool year-round. Summer (Dec–Feb) offers best conditions for visits.
Highlights: Flora & Fauna
- Megaherbs: Giant endemic plants like Campbell Island daisy (Pleurophyllum speciosum), silver leaf daisy, and Campbell carrot—stunning summer blooms.
- Albatross Heaven: Six species breed here, including southern royal albatross (large colonies) and endemic Campbell mollymawk.
- Penguins: Rare yellow-eyed and eastern rockhopper.
- Seals & Sea Lions: New Zealand sea lions, southern elephant seals, fur seals in Northwest Bay.
- Other Birds: Campbell teal, snipe, shag, petrels, skua.
Must-Do Activities
- Hikes: Boardwalk trails through megaherbs to albatross colonies (e.g., Col Lyall Saddle).
- World’s Loneliest Tree: 100+ year-old Sitka spruce—the nearest tree is 222 km away on Auckland Islands.
- Zodiac Cruise: Perseverance Harbour’s dramatic basalt columns.
This pristine wilderness rewards intrepid travelers with raw beauty and rare wildlife. Questions about planning a trip? Ask below!