Michelle Bowen, Destination "Albatross!" (TRAVEL 2025)

Remote and surrounded by the Southern Ocean, New Zealand’s Campbell Island is known for its wild weather, megaherbs and the fact that it’s home to 6 species of Albatross, including the largest in the world, the Southern Royal. A short hike along a very narrow boardwalk is involved to see the Albatross nesting but in strong, gusty winds, cold temperatures and rugged terrain the hike becomes arduous and at times, seemingly impossible. Fortunately, the tussock grasses, bays and inlets, weathered mountain ranges and colourful vegetation can shift one’s perspective to the journey, not the prize but that first glimpse of a Southern Royal Albatross nestled in the tussock grasses makes it all worthwhile.

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