Scientists just back from an annual white-capped albatross census in the remote and windswept subantarctic islands are hopeful for the welfare of the iconic endemic seabirds.

Scientists are this week heading to the subantarctic Auckland Islands for an annual survey of white-capped albatross and New Zealand sea lion numbers in the remote and windswept region.

Science reporter Jamie Morton talks to Auckland Uni conservation ecologist Dr James Russell about the challenge to sweep islands clear of pest predators.

COMMENT: Tiny little specks of land hundreds of kilometres from New Zealand may hold key secrets about the future of our planet.

John Funnell was the search-and-rescue pilot who has saved the lives of thousands of victims, clocking up a staggering 19,000 hours of flight time.

Flying drones close enough to southern right whales to catch some of the bugs they blow out will help tell scientists more about the effects climate change is having on the planet.

I spent last week in the Auckland Islands, where only a few people get to go. DoC, the Navy and universities send people down a few times a year.

The marine animals and birdlife on the remote sub-Antarctic Islands captivate Isobel Marriner.

Kaikoura's world-renowned wild marine environment will be better protected by a new marine reserve.

Jim Eagles discovers that on the sub-Antarctic islands, great birds rule the roost.

This sub-Antarctic outpost, 660km south of Bluff, is the southernmost piece of New Zealand territory and home to a 106-year-old Norwegian spruce recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's loneliest tree.

Next month, Gareth Morgan will lead an expedition of 40 everyday Kiwis to Antarctica. The last of a 3-part series analyses the impact on wildlife of climate change and the race for resources.

Watch out for the sea lions when you're on the Auckland Islands, warns Jim Eagles.

Jim Eagles visits the remote Sub-Antarctic islands and finds thriving populations of rare birds and wildlife, as well as breathtaking flora.

Jim Eagles is granted rare access to the lonely but lovely Sub Antarctic islands.

Jim Eagles braves rough seas, icebergs and whipping rain to get to know some of the amusing inhabitants of the Sub-Antarctic islands.

The native parakeet, the Kakariki, has caused excitement amongst researchers after breeding on Motutapu in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.

Warnings are in place to protect ships from running into a group of icebergs approaching New Zealand.

A massive iceberg spotted southwest of New Zealand by scientists working on Macquarie Island could be moving closer.