Arctic
The Arctic has acquired notoriety in recent months for being the home of the unpronounceable Icelandic volcano that has wrought merry hell with travel plans of tens of thousands of Europeans and more than a few Kiwis. For us though it is one of the last great untouched wildernesses and high on the wishlist of many of our team and clients.
"The Arctic" - from the Greek Arktikos – ‘Country of the Great Bear’ because it sits underneath the constellation Ursa Major. This is very apt, because the most famous resident of this world is the awesome Polar Bear!
Only in summer, once the pack ice has broken up sufficiently, does this savage land of rock and ice unlock its secrets. There are also Reindeer, Walrus, Musk Oxen, Arctic Wolves and many whale species, including Bowheads, (the white) Belugas and the ‘horned’ Narwhal. Greenland alone is home to eight different whale species and two million seals! For birdwatchers, there are gyrfalcon, snowy owls, murrs, puffins and kittiwakes, to name but a few.
Make the most of the long daylight hours of the Northern summer, and take a voyage of discovery aboard an icebreaker or ice-strengthened expedition ship.
Please note: Booking enquiries for the Arctic should start one year prior to travel
Recommended
Spitzbergen Explorer
Travellers are taken for an in-depth look at Spitsbergen, the major island of the Svalbard archipelago. During this journey you'll venture north of 80 degrees, high above the Artic Circle, as far as the ice and weather will permit. This ten night voyage gives travellers the chance to witness the abundant wildlife that exisits including Polar Bears, Walruses, Beluga whales and birdlife unlike no other, in this very special part of the world. Along with an option to hike to Scott Glacier and see the exquisite views.
Iceland, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic
The exciting 15 night voyage begins in Iceland, visiting remote Inuit communities, Viking settlements and watching for wildlife as you round the tip of Greenland whilst also looking out for the amazing North Lights, and across to Baffin Island in Canada.