Zodiac expedition around Enderby Island, NZ.........

Before signing off from Enderby Island...................a few more images of the amazing giant kelp beds surrounding the rocky shores.

This kelp grows up to two feet a day making it one of the fastest growing plants in the world.

Gas bladders keep the kelp plants afloat in clear, cold water.

 Kelp is the largest marine algae...........plants live up to six years. 

No roots as they are floating on the surface, instead they have a 'holdfast' which does just that, anchoring them to the rocks such as this.  Note how thick and leather-like they are, and amazing shades of green, gold and brown.

 The Yellow-Eyed Penguin......hanging out on the rocky shore above the kelp.

The ever watchful sea lion.............always posing for a portrait!

A Shag colony on the cliff top.

Leaving the beautiful colors of Enderby Island after a sunny afternoon expedition, we had a day at sea ahead as we sailed toward Macquarie Island, Australia.

It was one of the roughest nights at sea but oh was it worth it!  Come back to see Macquarie Island.........BEAUTIFUL in sunshine and snow!!!!

The Auckland Islands...........

...........where our landing was on Enderby Island, the northernmost island of the large group..........a World Heritage Site.

The early morning landing in Sandy Bay was perfect - bright sunshine, flat water, and the Yellow-Eyed penguins were watching out for our arrival.

Orion at anchor in Sandy Bay, Enderby Island - large colonies of seals and Hooker sea lions lazing around on the beach.

Easy landing - quite warm temperatures made it pleasant for walking.

These islands only permit a specific number of tourists annually.......all arrive by expedition ships.

A few old rusting buildings remain on Enderby where a small research station once operated.............loved the daisies.

The seals were playing in the area known as 'penguin alley'................. 

............and on the sandy beach...........

........some just snoozing in the warm sun as we walked quietly by.

The Yellow-Eyed penguins on their way to the water for some serious swimming......

..............and diving from the pristine beach.

A wonderful morning on Enderby Island and then back to the ship for lunch.  In the afternoon we returned for a Zodiac expedition around the shoreline.............

..........the penguins were still watching from the rocky cliffs.  More pics coming of this lovely place.