New Zealand Subantarctic Islands

New Zealand Subantarctic Islands

The New Zealand Subantarctic Islands are located on the shallow continental shelf off the southwest coast of New Zealand. They include five island groups (the Snares, Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, and Campbell Island) in the southern and southeastern waters of New Zealand, as well as the 12-nautical-mile surrounding marine areas.

These islands are situated in waters between the Antarctic and subtropical zones, boasting rich resources and diverse ecosystems, including wildlife, unique birds, plants, and invertebrates. Notably, they host large colonies of seabirds and penguins with remarkable diversity. There are 126 bird species in total, including 40 seabirds, five of which are found nowhere else in the world. The Auckland Islands alone have 233 species of vascular plants, of which 196 are native, six are endemic to the islands, 30 are classified as rare, and three fern species reach the southernmost limit of their global distribution.

The Snares Islands feature extensive forests primarily composed of tree daisies that grow up to five meters tall. Comparable forests do not exist on Campbell Island or the Antipodes Islands, although both have woody shrublands.

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands

Must-visit reason: One of the most diverse seabird archipelagos

Continent where the attraction is located: Oceania

Country/region where the attraction is located: New Zealand

Province/state where the attraction is located: Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland Regions