This is the beginning of Ngāi Tahu women Irene Schroder, Ramonda Te Maiharoa and Dian Munt’s journey to Antarctica. The trio are all daughters of fishermen and see this journey as retracing the footsteps of their fathers.

Departed Bluff 12.15am 14th January on Spirit of Enderby: relieved it wasn’t our scheduled day – Friday the 13th.

Spent the first 36 hours punching into southerly swell too rough to visit the Snares and dropped anchor at Enderby Island in Ross Harbour, part of Auckland Islands.

Sunday 15th, landed on Enderby Island in Zodiacs beside a colony of Hooker sea lions. Hiked north on boardwalk through low growing vegetation similar to Stewart and Titi Islands, then through megaherbs closer to the coast. Saw yellow eyed penguins, albatrosses and other birds, and had a close encounter with a young bull seal coming from behind. Having a great trip.

End Irene Schroder.