Spore Ag said:

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NZ sub Antarctic Islands are amazing. They do not quite match S. Georgia but still. I was there early March. Be open minded about landing potential as some it may be impossible. Dress for total weather fluctuations and expect rain. Also some have environmental controls so clean your Kit from debris, seeds, soils etc, as it will save you a lot of time. There are unique species like the yellow eyed penguin. Actually 13 out of the 18 penguin species are in NZ.

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Hey SporeAg. Wanted to give you an update that our trip to the Sub-Antarctic islands was fantastic. Great weather and got to visit and hike at every destination. Our ship personnel told us that never happens. Also wanted to let you know they told us New Zealand limits tourism on the Sub-Antarctic islands to around 1500 people per year. So you have definitely visited the road less travelled.

Also a big thank you. Your advice was all good.

Just got back from 10 days on the South Island. We did a guided hiking trip (staying at inns/hotels in the evening) and it was fantastic!

Our guides were locals, and it felt like we were traveling with family. The contrast of mountains with ocean with tropical-like forest is incredible.

One thing I was surprised by was the lack of wildlife (although, it makes sense to me now). Really all we saw were a few species of birds. I learned that the only native species of mammal on the island are two types of bats.

Many of the Kiwis we met on the trip were traveling to the South Island from the north - even they said South Island is the place to visit!

I know we didn't even scratch the surface, and I prob won't be back (that plane ride home was brutal), but it was a special trip.