Expert advice

MICK Fogg has worked in the expedition cruising industry for 17 years, and is now the expedition manager for Ponant, Asia Pacific region, so travel is 100% in his wheelhouse.

We asked him for some expert advice for travellers heading to our number one wildlife destination - the Subantarctic Islands.

Here’s his top five tips:

1. GET OUTSIDE: You’re in the southern latitudes – get out on the deck of your ship as much as possible. Too many people don’t spend enough time outside – don’t waste any time. From the moment we leave New Zealand, we pick up all the albatross which follow the ship, and the species change every day as you move around the region.

2. LOOK LOWER: When ashore, the albatross stands out – it’s the world’s biggest chicken. But while everyone’s concentrating on them and the penguins, don’t forget the little guys. The little endemic birds like the pipets and parakeets which have so much charisma but people tend to forget about them. You’ll be walking down the path and these little guys will not get out of your way – they’re only three inches high, but they’re hilarious. Pay attention to them and they’ll give you some of the best photo opportunities of your trip.

3. TAKE IT ALL IN: Don’t miss the landscapes. People are sometimes so fixated on spotting wildlife they forget to take in the scenery; enjoy what’s around you, too.

4. DITCH THE LENS: Yes, your trip is going to be full of amazing photo opportunities, but do me a favour and get out from behind your lens. Sit and watch and appreciate where you are. There are few places in the world where the wildlife don’t see you as an invader, so just sit and enjoy this unique experience in the modern world.

5. BE PATIENT: Don’t search for the wildlife, let them come to you. Sit at their level and watch their actions. You’ll be able to pick the personalities of different animals like the king penguins roaming around like they own the place and the royal penguins are more like the bad schoolboys – they’re very entertaining.