Overnight, the bridge team of National Geographic Orion navigated from Dunedin, New Zealand on the South Island to Stewart Island. We started our day with a hiking excursion on Ulva Island. Invasive species have been eradicated and local native birds are abundant on this small, biodiverse island off the shores of larger Stewart Island. Highlights on our nature walk were the New Zealand kākā and the weka, as well as the country’s smallest bird, the titipounamu! After our lovely forest walk, guests enjoyed a Super Bowl Sunday barbecue on the back deck of National Geographic Orion. In the afternoon, we headed ashore on Stewart Island to the historic town of Oban. We visited an incredible local history museum and meandered the streets to see what life is like in a small New Zealand island town. What a fantastic and unforgettable day!
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 13 Feb 2023
Stewart Island, New Zealand, 2/13/2023, National Geographic Orion
- Aboard the National Geographic Orion
- Australia and New Zealand
Lisa Hornak, Naturalist/Photographer
Lisa Hornak is a visual journalist and filmmaker based in San Diego, CA, who has worked for newspapers, magazines and wire services worldwide since 2004. She focuses her work on women’s issues, human rights and the impacts of climate change. Her awar...
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