A walk on the wild side
We’ve scaled the globe to find the top five destinations to visit if you want a wildlife experience
SOMETIMES it’s not the people that draw you to a place, but the furry and feathery kind that will steal your heart over and over again. With an earth smothered in unique species and incredible animals, it’s no wonder people plan their holidays around the wildlife.
We caught up with the experts at Cruise Traveller to define a list of the top five wildlife wonderlands of the world so you know where to book your next expedition cruise.
1. Subantarctic Islands
So close to home, yet worlds away, the Subantarctic Islands are the number one go-to destination for anyone with a passion for wildlife. Made up of clusters of islands, this region between southern New Zealand and Antarctica remains a truly natural wonderland - pristine and untouched. As the breeding ground for the king penguin, the second-largest of the penguin family, this is one of the only places in the world you can see them. But it doesn’t stop there. Macquarie Island is home to enormous penguin colonies as well as a hive of seal species including New Zealand fur seals, Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals. The seabirds, like the albatross, are mesmerising to watch as they soar above the stunning landscapes and don’t miss the Auckland shag among the Auckland Islands group. The best way to see all of these incredible places and animals is by ship, so get on the water and brace for a surreal experience. If it’s wildlife you’re after, and want somewhere close to home, the Subantarctic Islands need to be at the top of your list.
2. Antarctica
Welcome to the white wonder that is Antarctica – an ice-crowned continent where wildlife roams free and the sheer vastness of the place will leave you speechless. Home to some of the world’s most extraordinary species of wildlife, of which have had to adapt to their environment over time to survive, you’ll find millions of seabirds, numerous penguin species, seals and enormous whales frolicking around the mainland as you meander through icebergs and frozen cliffs. With no permanent population inhabiting Antarctica, and most guests being scientists and researchers, the only way to see this continent is via ship – and it’s a warm bed at night you’ll absolutely need.
3. Svalbard
With more white fluffy bears than people, Svalbard is the polar bear capital of the world. Midway between Norway and the North Pole, the island cluster is also home to about 30 species of birds, the Arctic fox, reindeer and marine mammals like whales, walruses and dolphins. The average summer temperature ranges from 4-6 degrees Celsius, so take a heavy-duty jacket or three!
4. The Kimberley
Right on our doorstep, The Kimberley is a wildlife-lover’s dream. But it’s not immediately obvious to the tourist eye. Don’t expect the giant mammals of Africa or Canada to be prancing around this Northern Australia gem, it’s the smaller guys you should keep an eye out for. Dingoes, reptiles, wallabies, bandicoots, echidnas, lizards and jabirus are just a few that call The Kimberley home. This is where you’ll get the true-blue Aussie experience – and the landscapes and indigenous art is simply breathtaking. If you’ve been before, make sure you go by ship next time to see a totally different side to the region you can’t get to via land.
5. Papua New Guinea
Still relatively unexplored by scientists and researchers, the number of wildlife species in PNG remains vague, but as a starting point, there are at least 190 species of mammals to check out on this stunning island, many closely related to Australian animals. Along with the possums and wallabies, you’ll also find endemic tree kangaroos jumping from tree to tree. PNG is home to all things tiny like the smallest frog species in the world, and the world’s smallest parrot, the red-breasted pygmy parrot. On the other end of the scale, you’ll also find the world’s largest pigeon, the southern crowned pigeon and the longest lizard, Salvadori’s monitor lizard.
Once you start to discover the massive wildlife populations out there waiting to meet you, you’ll be hooked.