Campbell Island, Subantarctic, New Zealand
One of the most remote places a cruise ship can go, Campbell Island rewards expedition travellers with nesting Royal Albatross, seas of giant wildflowers, and a silence that feels prehistoric.
One of the most remote places a cruise ship can go, Campbell Island rewards expedition travellers with nesting Royal Albatross, seas of giant wildflowers, and a silence that feels prehistoric.
There is no dock. Expedition ships anchor in Perseverance Harbour and ferry passengers ashore by Zodiac.
💡 Pro move: Swell and weather can cancel or delay Zodiac operations with no notice. Wet-weather gear and waterproof boots are essential.
Campbell Island has no cruise pier; all access is by Zodiac inflatable from the anchorage.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition cruise lines (Heritage Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, Ponant, Silversea Expeditions, etc.) | Perseverance Harbour anchorage📍 | Tendered |
All activities are guided and limited to DOC-approved zones — the island's remoteness and strict conservation rules mean every moment ashore feels earned.
The signature Campbell Island experience. A boardwalk climbs through megaherb meadows to the saddle where Southern Royal Albatross nest at remarkably close range. The island holds 99% of the global breeding population.
Find subantarctic expedition tours →Campbell Island's megaherbs — Ross lilies, Campbell Island carrot, and Pleurophyllum daisies with dinner-plate-sized leaves — grow nowhere else. Guides explain how the eradication of rats and sheep allowed this flora to explode back across the hillsides.
Find subantarctic nature tours →Cruise Perseverance Harbour by Zodiac to spot New Zealand sea lions hauled out on the beach, fur seals, and seabirds including the endemic Campbell Albatross and light-mantled sooty albatross flying low over the water.
Find Zodiac wildlife cruises →The former NZ meteorological station at Beeman Cove tells a fascinating story of isolation. Campbell Island was permanently manned from 1941 (a wartime coast-watching station) until the base was automated in 1995, with staff spending year-long postings at the bottom of the world; the site is now heritage-listed and maintained by DOC.
Find Campbell Island history tours →Walking is strictly guided and confined to DOC-approved tracks — but those tracks lead to some of the most spectacular wildlife encounters on any cruise itinerary.
From the landing beach, the boardwalk winds up through megaherb fields to Col Lyall Saddle. Southern Royal Albatross sit on nests within a few metres of the track between November and March. Return the same way.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →A short guided walk along the harbour shore past sea lion haul-outs and tussock grassland. Good for those who want a gentler introduction to the island before attempting the boardwalk climb.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Campbell Island, Subantarctic, New Zealand (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 42°F / 6°C | 33°F / 1°C | 22 |
| Feb | 41°F / 5°C | 30°F / -1°C | 17 |
| Mar | 47°F / 8°C | 33°F / 1°C | 20 |
| Apr | 52°F / 11°C | 37°F / 3°C | 19 |
| May | 60°F / 16°C | 44°F / 7°C | 12 |
| Jun | 62°F / 17°C | 48°F / 9°C | 16 |
| Jul | 67°F / 19°C | 52°F / 11°C | 13 |
| Aug | 68°F / 20°C | 54°F / 12°C | 12 |
| Sep | 63°F / 17°C | 50°F / 10°C | 17 |
| Oct | 55°F / 13°C | 43°F / 6°C | 20 |
| Nov | 45°F / 7°C | 36°F / 2°C | 21 |
| Dec | 39°F / 4°C | 30°F / -1°C | 21 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Campbell Island, Subantarctic, New Zealand. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.