Into the Wild — Exploring New Zealand's Subantarctic Megaherbs
Discover the raw beauty of New Zealand and Macquarie Island during an unforgettable 13-day expedition of the Subantarctic Islands. Sail aboard the Heritage Adventurer and explore some of the world’s most remote, pristine shorelines by Zodiac. See Campbell Island's unique megaherbs, which thrive in the harsh conditions there; and encounter rare wildlife, including southern royal albatrosses and yellow-eyed penguins, while exploring unspoilt landscapes. Join expert Botanical Guides for this immersion into natural wonders and discover the ongoing research of these isolated ecosystems. This journey is a celebration of nature’s resilience and extraordinary diversity.
Megaherbs of the Subantarctic
Between the New Zealand mainland and Antarctica lie the Subantarctic Islands. Among the many wonders found along their remote shores are a range of curious flora known as megaherbs. Their isolation in this otherwise inhospitable environment has enabled them to grow largely unrestrained. These botanical phenomena thrive here, exhibiting their gigantic leaves and vibrant flowers. On Campbell Island, we see the distinctive purple flowers of Pleurophyllum speciosum. Known to grow more than a metre in diameter, they are a striking ornament along the expansive hilly meadows of the island. Complementing them is the Ross Lily – Bulbinella rossii – whose yellow flowers rise from between its strap-shaped leaves. The contrast of these ethereal plants set against the rugged coastal landscape inspires awe.
Further south, on Macquarie Island, the Stilbocarpa polaris, or Macquarie Island cabbage, punctuates the windswept terrain. Although they are still somewhat shrouded in mystery, it is believed these titans of nature may have arrived on the islands as a result of their seeds having been dispersed by birds, wind, or ocean currents, owing to their shared ancestry with species elsewhere in New Zealand and South America. Notwithstanding this, their alluring colour and impressive size make them a sight to behold during our Subantarctic travels.