Auckland Islands, Subantarctic archipelago in Southern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand.
The Auckland Islands form a group of eight main islands in the southern Pacific Ocean, roughly 290 miles south of New Zealand's South Island. The largest, Auckland Island itself, takes up most of the space and shows deep fjords and steep grass-covered cliffs rising from cold ocean waters.
A British captain named Abraham Bristow reached the islands in 1806 and named them after a sponsor of his expedition. Over the following decades whalers and seal hunters tried to settle here but failed due to harsh conditions and largely abandoned the area by the late 19th century.
Archaeological findings on Enderby Island indicate Polynesian settlers reached the archipelago during the 13th century, leaving traces of their presence.
Visits are only possible with special permission from New Zealand authorities and are usually limited to scientific or rare tourist trips during summer. The waters can be very rough and the weather changes quickly so expect cold and damp conditions on any arrival.
New Zealand sea lions arrive in large groups at the beaches each year to give birth to their young, especially on Enderby Island. Several species of albatrosses also nest directly on the ground between low scrub and grassland here, allowing observers to watch these large birds up close during their breeding routine.
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