TOLL FREE: 1300 36 88 55 Tel +61 7 4080 4080 | Fax +61 7 4080 4077 Email [email protected] 1/321 Sheridan Street Cairns North QLD 4870 www.PNGholidays.com.au EXPEDITION DOSSIER 13TH MAR – 12TH APR 2020

WESTERN PACIFIC ODYSSEY

INCLUDING BONIN ISLANDS! © A Russ INCLUDING WESTERN PACIFIC ODYSSEY BONIN ISLANDS!

© B Mercer © L Dunhill

Known in birding circles simply as the ‘WPO’, this expedition incorporates many of the key birding areas in the South West Pacific. First offered in 2007, it is now considered one of the ‘must do’ expeditions for any birder because of its opportunities to see some of the rarest pelagic seabirds in the world, plus many island endemics. But it is not just for ‘birders’. The cetacean list can only be described as outstanding. And if you ever tire of birding or cetacean watching then there are options for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing.

After departing the Port of Tauranga Next stop is Truk Island (Federated States in New Zealand, we sail for the rich of Micronesia) for some more intensive waters of the Hauraki Gulf where birding. We will then set a course for there are numerous speciality the Bonin Islands south of Japan; our seabirds, including the recently route will take us to Chichi-jima, the discovered New Zealand Storm- largest island in the archipelago. We will petrel. From there it’s northward then continue north to Torishima Island to . Next stop is New (where we hope to get great views of Caledonia where we search for the the Short-tailed Albatross) before we amazing Kagu and other endemic arrive at to our last island destination species in the Parc Provincial de of the voyage, Hachijo-jima, where we la Rivière Bleue. will look for the last specialities of the expedition. We then spend six exciting days in the Solomon Islands birding on Nendö, Our voyage will then conclude at Santa Ana, Makira, Guadalcanal (Mt the Port of Yokohama in Japan. This Austin), Tetepare and Kolombangara, expedition is accompanied by some of before cruising across the New the best pelagic birding guides in the Britain Trench, an area known to be world who have extensive experience extremely rich in cetaceans. As we sail of the seabirds of the West Pacific along the coasts of Bougainville and and have visited the islands we will be New Ireland, we will look for two rarely landing on multiple times. Birding starts seen seabirds: Heinroth’s Shearwater at dawn and finishes at sundown. Our and the critically endangered Beck’s guides are there throughout the day Petrel which was only rediscovered in to assist you and the ‘reading of the 2007, both of which we have seen on bird list’ each evening is legendary almost all our previous expeditions in for its detail and discussion. This is one this region. expedition you can’t afford to miss.

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ITINERARY finding the critically endangered New Zealand Storm-petrel and we will possibly chum or use fish oil to Day 1: Tauranga, New Zealand attract these . Other species Make your way to a central city that we might see in the vicinity meeting point (reporting times include White-faced Storm-petrel, and the departure time of the Grey-faced Petrel, Little Shearwater transfer will be confirmed with and Black Petrel. This evening as your voyage documents). The we cruise up the east coast of the township of Tauranga is situated on North Island, we will undoubtedly be the east coast of the North Island accompanied by some Albatrosses in the Bay of Plenty. The bay was with the possibilities including © A Russ given its name by Captain James Campbell, Shy, Buller’s and Cook while circumnavigating Wandering. New Zealand in 1769, when he was impressed by the region’s Days 3 to 4: At Sea welcoming people and abundant Heading north to Norfolk Island, we resources. Nothing has changed. will take the opportunity to offer some lectures or presentations The captain and expedition on seabird identification as well team will be waiting to greet you as briefings on what we can on arrival and show you to your reasonably expect to see once cabin. You will then have the ashore on Norfolk Island. Species opportunity to unpack before that have been encountered on this exploring the ship and meeting the © A Russ leg previously include Grey-faced, other expeditioners. After formal Black-winged, Kermadec and introductions to the team, followed By mid-afternoon, we will say White-necked Petrels. Both Wedge- by safety briefings, we plan to sail in farewell to Norfolk and begin tailed and Short-tailed Shearwaters, the late afternoon. cruising north. The birding will as well as White-bellied and White- continue from the ship and we will faced Storm-petrels, and White Day 2: Hauraki Gulf be on the look out for White-bellied Terns and Red-tailed Tropicbirds Storm-petrel, Providence Petrel We arrive early morning in the have been recorded here. and Little Shearwater – all species Hauraki Gulf and plan to start the we have seen previously in these day near the Mokohinau Islands Day 5: Norfolk Island looking for Grey Ternlets which are waters. Before, or as we land here we will regularly present here. Other birds have to clear Australian Customs. that we might encounter include Day 6: At Sea (Please check whether you require Buller’s Shearwaters, Australian It should be good ‘birding’ today an Australian visa as otherwise Gannets, and possibly Little Blue especially for petrels which could you might have to spend the day Penguins. Later in morning we will include Tahiti, Collared, White- aboard.) Norfolk Island was a go to an area where previously we necked, Providence and Kermadec former Penal Colony and the island have had considerable success with Petrels. has been significantly modified, however, there are still some areas Day 7: of and that is where we will visit. The four species we are This small and tropical island has keen to locate are the endemic been described as a taste of France Norfolk Island Parakeet, Slender- in the Pacific, where Melanesian billed White-eye, Norfolk Robin and traditions blend with French Norfolk Gerygone. Sadly the White- sophistication. New Caledonia bellied White-eye appears to have is a fragment of the ancient followed several other endemics supercontinent of Gondwana, and and is now considered to be extinct. it is believed that New Caledonia Other birds recorded here include detached and became an island the Pacific Emerald Dove and Grey tens of millions of years ago. It is © A Russ Fantail. this isolation which explains both

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We plan to sail around the possibilities include Red-bellied Fruit- southern tip of New Caledonia and dove, Pacific Imperial-pigeon and amongst the species we will be Cardinal Myzomela. looking for is the ‘New Caledonian Storm-petrel’. This intriguing Day 12: Santa Ana, Solomon Islands bird was first found on the WPO Santa Ana, also known as Owaraha expedition in 2008 and has been or Owa Raha, is a relatively small seen several times since. Although coral island which was first sighted seemingly closely related to New by Europeans in 1568. Located just Zealand Storm-petrel, there are a a few miles offshore from Makira number of important differences Island, Santa Ana is one of the most © T Palliser and it is now considered that this easterly of the main islands in the is a long-lost species which was the extent of biodiversity and the Solomon Islands archipelago. collected in Samoa more than 200 incredible levels of endemism on this years ago, and has not been seen delightful tropical island. Santa Ana has a distinctive since! avifauna so we can expect to

We plan to arrive at Nouméa in find an interesting mixture of birds Days 9 to 10: At Sea the early morning; as soon as the including small island species such ship is cleared we will set off for the As we head north from New as Silver-capped Fruit-dove mixed Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue. Caledonia, new seabirds could with some of the Makiran endemics This reserve is home to the unique include Polynesian Storm-petrel, like White-headed Fruit-dove, Sooty Kagu, we hope to get good views Tropical Shearwater, Providence Myzomela, Makira Honeyeater, of this extraordinary bird as well as Petrel, Petrel, Collared Makira Flycatcher and White- many other endemics and localised Petrel and Tahiti Petrel. Our route collared Monarch. Santa Ana is also species. These could include New should also take us relatively close home to an endemic and highly Caledonian (Goliath) Imperial- to the area where in 2019 we saw distinctive subspecies of Rufous pigeon, Cloven-feathered Dove, several individuals of a mysterious Fantail and we will also be looking New Caledonian (White-bellied) petrel dubbed the ‘Heritage Lava for Sanford’s (Solomon) Sea-eagle Goshawk, New Caledonian and Petrel’ which has so far defied and Oriole Whistler. Horned Parakeets, New Caledonian identification. Myzomela, New Caledonian Whistler, New Caledonian Crow, This is also time to catch up New Caledonian Cuckooshrike, with diaries, checklists and New Caledonian Friarbird, Crow and downloading of photos. Barred Honeyeaters, Yellow-bellied Robin, Green-backed White-eye and Day 11: Nendö – Temotu Province Red-throated Parrotfinch. Nendö is the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands, which lie to the Day 8: New Caledonia and At Sea south-east of the Solomon Islands. After a night at the wharf in Nouméa, The Spanish navigator Álvaro de we plan to leave the ship well Mendaña de Neira unsuccessfully © A Russ before dawn in order to arrive on tried to establish a colony here the forested slopes of Mount Koghi in 1595. Biologically these islands prior to first light. Several specialities share more in common with are generally easier to find here Vanuatu. The Temotu Province than at Parc Provincial de la Rivière offers a historical and culturally Bleue and we will be looking unique history, with practices such for New Caledonian Goshawk, as red feather money, sourced South Melanesian Cuckooshrike, from the Scarlet Honeyeater. Streaked Fantail, Southern Shrikebill, The remote island of Nendö New Caledonian Crow and New is home to several localised Caledonian Grassbird as well as endemics and during our time Striated Starling and Metallic Pigeon, ashore we hope to find Temotu before returning to the ship for a late Whistler, Sanford’s White-eye © A Russ morning departure. and Santa Cruz White-eye. Other

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Day 13: Anuta Island in the Before departing we will enjoy the Makira Group local hospitality in nearby Anuta Makira Island is located in the Village, where the people are eastern Solomons. It is the most welcoming and the children are easterly of the main islands in inquisitive. the archipelago. Anuta is a small inshore island on the western side. Day 14: Honiara We anchor close to Anuta and We will anchor off Honiara. It local guides escort us along a is an early morning departure disused forestry road that winds from the ship to rendezvous up and inland where there is still with a fleet of 4WD vehicles to © A Russ some decent forest. Here we can take us to nearby Mt Austin. The expect to see an exciting range of birding is quite exceptional here new species including many which (it is a well known ‘birding’ spot) eyed White-eye. Other possibilities are either endemic to Makira or and there is the potential for a include Melanesian Scrubfowl, otherwise only occur on a few other good list of endemics and other Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, Island islands. These could include White- localised specialities. These could Imperial-pigeon, Buff-headed headed Fruit-dove, Chestnut-bellied include Ultramarine Kingfisher, Coucal, Crimson-rumped Myzomela, Imperial-pigeon, Makira Honeyeater Yellow-eyed, White-bellied and Cockerell’s Fantail, Kolombangara (San Cristobal Melidectes), San Solomons Cuckooshrikes, Common Monarch and, if we are extremely Cristobal Starling, Makira Flycatcher, Cicadabird, Chestnut-bellied fortunate, both Nicobar Pigeon Makira Cicadabird, White-collared and Black-and-white Monarch, and the extremely poorly known Monarch, Sooty Myzomela and Steel-blue Flycatcher, Midget Solomons Nightjar. Mottled Flowerpecker. Other Flowerpecker, Brown-winged and species could include Red-knobbed Singing Starling, Yellow-faced Day 16: Kolombangara Island and Island Imperial-pigeon, Myna, Olive-backed Sunbird and Kolombangara is a dormant or Brahminy Kite, Pied Goshawk, the Black-headed Myzomela. semi-extinct volcano, 1,800 metres Pacific Baza and Sanford’s There should also be numbers of high and last active probably about (Solomon) Sea-eagle. parrots and pigeons including the 10,000 years ago. We plan to land Cardinal and Yellow-bibbed Lory, at the settlement of Ringi Cove and Singing and Eclectus Parrot, Finsch’s gain some altitude as we head Pygmy Parrot, Ducorps’ Cockatoo, up into the hills to the Imbu Rano Mackinlay’s Cuckoo Dove, Red- Conservation Area. This conservation knobbed Imperial-pigeon and reserve was set aside by the elders of Claret-breasted and Superb Fruit- the island who decided that logging doves. of indigenous would cease 400 metres above sea level. Below Day 15: Tetepare Island the 400 metres mark a sustainable Located in the New Georgia forestry industry of exotic timbers group of islands, Tetepare is an has been established growing excellent example of a community mainly teak and eucalyptus. The conservation project as the entire lodge at the gateway to the reserve island has been set aside as a provides an uninterrupted view of community run reserve. Long and the enormous forested crater of the rugged, this island is cloaked in lush Kolombangara volcano. Birdlife will tropical forests and fringed with be plentiful and we hope to see the reefs that are teeming with marine spectacular Sanford’s (Solomon) life; it is the largest uninhabited Sea-eagle, Cardinal, Duchess and tropical island in the Southern Meek’s Lorikeets, Kolombangara Hemisphere. and White-capped Monarchs, Crimson-rumped Myzomela, There are a number of new Ducorps’ Cockatoo and Metallic Solomon endemics to look for here and Singing Starling. We may also including the highly localised Dark- © A Russ

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have an opportunity to look for the Heinroth’s Shearwater, so we will elusive Roviana Rail as we leave the also be on the lookout for this very reserve. localised species. This is another area where a number of different On past voyages we have species of cetaceans have been encountered cetaceans as we seen previously including Melon- sail these waters over the New headed Whale and Dwarf and Britain Trench, so all eyes will be Pygmy Sperm Whales. scanning the seas for the tell-tale signs of whale blows and leaping Days 19 to 20: At Sea dolphins. Birders will also want to Lazy and relaxing days at sea, you keep a lookout for the Heinroth’s can bird (under a special shade © A Russ Shearwater which also patrols this area on the top deck) download area. photos, write logs or notes, or Teardop (or Great Truk) White-eye and simply relax in the bar with a Chuuk Monarch. We complete customs formalities drink or a book. Our team will be here prior to departing the Solomon maintaining a constant pelagic If birding is not for you today, we can Islands tonight. watch for birds and mammals and arrange a dive or snorkel in this historic you are welcome to join them. harbour where there are countless Day 17: Off the coast of Bougainville There are a number of species Japanese ships and aircraft. These We are at sea today and our including Bulwer’s Petrels, Wedge- were sunk by the Americans in a target bird is Heinroth’s Shearwater tailed Shearwaters, White-tailed surprise attack on 17th February 1944. if we haven’t already seen it. Our Tropicbirds, White and Sooty course takes us up the coast of Terns and both Great and Lesser We continue north this afternoon. Bougainville before crossing a deep Frigatebirds that we could see and water canyon known as the New photograph. Days 23 to 26: At Sea Britain Trench. This area has proved More lazy relaxing days at sea. Just very productive for cetaceans on Days 21 to 22: Caroline Islands remember ‘God does not deduct previous voyages and the species We will enter the protected (and from one’s allotted life span time we have seen include Sperm historic) waters of the Chuuk (Truk) spent sailing’ so just relax and Whale, False Killer Whale, Fraser’s Lagoon late this afternoon. Once we enjoy. The birding is quiet in these Dolphin and both Dwarf and Pygmy are clear of Customs, and if there is latitudes, but if you put in the time Sperm Whales. time after clearance has been given, there are some good sightings to be you are welcome to go ashore and had. Birds that we may see include Day 18: Off the coast of New Ireland enjoy an evening of birding or a quiet Matsudaira’s Storm-petrels, Bonin and Our target bird today is the critically stroll through town. Bulwer’s Petrels, Wedge-tailed and endangered and poorly known Bannerman’s Shearwaters. Beck’s Petrel. We begin chumming We will (weather permitting) offer a at day-break in an area where we couple of options for birding on day As we approach the Bonin chain have found these birds on previous 22. On Weno Island where the ship of islands we will keep a particular occasions. This area is also one will be berthed, you can walk around lookout for the newly described where we have previously found and there is a good chance we can Bryan’s Shearwater. This area is also see species such as Purple-capped good for cetaceans, especially Fruit-dove, Oceanic Flycatcher, Humpback Whales which are known Caroline Reed Warbler, Caroline to occur here in reasonable numbers. Islands Swiftlet, Caroline Islands White- eye, Micronesian Myzomela and Day 27: Chichi-jima Island Micronesian Starling. We will clear Customs and Immigration into Japan at the largest of the Bonin The other option will be to take a Islands, Chichi-jima, before exploring long Zodiac ride to Tol South Island the settlement and the surrounding where after a very demanding climb area. Birds that we may see include (especially in the heat and humidity Japanese Bush Warbler, Blue Rock of these islands) there is a reasonable Thrush, Brown-eared Bulbul and © A Russ chance of seeing the endemic Japanese White-eye.

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We will, however, only have a limited be attracted include Black-footed time ashore as we need to reposition and Laysan Albatrosses, Streaked DATES the ship off the eastern side of the Shearwater, and both Tristam’s and Voyage #SOE2075 island by mid-afternoon to look for Matsudaira’s Storm-petrels. 13th March to 12th April 2020 the critically endangered Bryan’s Shearwater. This species is only known Day 30: Hachijo-jima Island PRICES to breed on a small islet off Chichi- Located in the Izu Islands archipelago, jima and during our 2019 expedition Hachijo-Jima is a picturesque Suite $13,900 pp* several individuals were seen as birds Has a separate bedroom with a double subtropical volcanic island. The bed, a lounge and private bathroom. Large returned to their burrows prior to dusk. island’s two main mountains are the windows. We should also see good numbers of volcanoes Mt Mihara in the south-east Superior Plus $11,700 pp* Bannerman’s Shearwaters which also and Mt Nishi in the north-west. The Has two lower berths and private bathroom. These cabins have windows. breed here. island is a major exporter of Phoenix Superior $11,100 pp* roebelenii palms and also cultivates Has one bunk (one upper and one lower Day 28: At Sea aloe vera, so you may pass numerous berth), and private bathroom. These cabins have windows. Relax at sea as we sail north from plantations of both. Main Deck $10,200 pp* the Bonin Islands. We will be on Has two lower berths and washbasin. the lookout for seabirds with the The island is home to the endemic The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins possibilities including Tristram’s Izu Thrush, Ijima’s Leaf-warbler and have a porthole. Storm-petrel, Bonin Petrel and Owston’s Tit. We will also look for * The price listed includes the additional Bannerman’s Shearwater. Japanese Wood Pigeon, Japanese discovery fund of $600 pp which is Pygmy Woodpecker and Japanese payable directly to the cruise director in Day 29: Torishima Island (Izu) Robin. We will end our birding USD cash upon arrival on-board the ship. Landings are not permitted at on the expedition by sailing close to (All prices are per person in USD) Torishima Island, but we cruise as close some islets where we hope to find Japanese Murrelet. to shore as the captain will permit in PRICE INCLUDES the hope of seeing the Short-tailed or Steller’s Albatross. Chumming will This evening we enjoy a final dinner Discovery fund (payable onboard), begin early morning and will continue on board Spirit of Enderby, and pre cruise transfers, all on board for as long as it takes to bring the birds prepare for our morning arrival ship accommodation with meals around. Other species that could tomorrow at the Port of Yokohama. and all expedition shore excursions, transfer from ship to Yokohama Day 31: Yokohama, Japan railway station. After breakfast and arrival formalities have been completed in to PRICE EXCLUDES Yokohama, we will disembark the All items of a personal nature, vessel. There will be a complimentary laundry, drinks, gratuities. transfer from the ship to Yokohama International/domestic flights, railway station. visas and travel insurance.

We ask you not to book any onward flights (Domestic or International) until mid afternoon to account for any delays and the time it takes to travel to the airports.

Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned 2075220719 excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. © A Russ

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