The document describes a tour group's visit to Macquarie Island where they encountered various local wildlife including elephant seals and several types of penguins. The penguins were initially curious about the visitors but went about their daily activities, while the elephant seals engaged in play fights. The tour group also witnessed a large rookery of tens of thousands of royal penguins and their chicks before departing on their ship.

1. The Meandering Matriarch’s Excellent Adventure My Expedition Cruise to New Zealand and the Sub-Antarctic on the Orion

2. A Wet Landing on Macquarie Island

3. The Elephant Seals Aren’t Bothered

4. But the Penguins Are Curious

5. And some are confused

6. The Welcoming Committee Turns Out to Greet Us

7. They seem eager to show us around

8. The King Penguins disagree about who’s in charge

9. So a Gentoo goes to get help

10. The Royal Penguins are busy

11. Some have other things on their minds

12. But someone finally takes things seriously

13. A parade is organized The King Penguins do themselves proud

14. Approval from the Royals “Well done, lads”

15. Following the parade, we had time to mingle with the locals

16. We were clearly more interested in them than they were in us.

17. They seem to get along with each other well enough. At least on land…

18. The elephant seals had their own version of a parade

19. The juvenile males spent their time play-fighting; training for when they grow up.

20. As if the beauty of the place, and the locals on the beach weren’t enough, we were directed to a boardwalk up to a royal penguin rookery.

21. And, oh, my! What a sight!

22. Tens of thousands of royal penguins and their chicks

23. How cute are these little guys!

24. Royal Penguins just seem to have more fun. Are they doing the Happy Dance?

25. But, alas, our ship is waiting…

26. And it’s time to say ‘goodbye’ to Macquarie Island “I thought they’d never leave”