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Australia & New Zealand

From the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef to the stunning fjords of New Zealand’s Milford Sound, discover why Australia and New Zealand are the ultimate bucket-list cruise destinations for adventurous travelers.

Set Sail to the Land Down Under & Beyond

Australia and New Zealand represent the voyage of a lifetime—a chance to explore two extraordinary countries where ancient landscapes meet vibrant modern cities. From Australia’s sun-kissed coastline and rugged Outback to New Zealand’s dramatic fjords and geothermal wonders, an Australasia cruise delivers breathtaking scenery at every turn. The cruising season runs primarily from October through April, aligning perfectly with the Southern Hemisphere’s warm summer months, with temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F.

Norwegian Fjords
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Spectacular aurora borealis dancing in vibrant green and blue hues above snow-covered mountains and a calm fjord waters. The dramatic night sky illuminates the rugged winter landscape with ethereal light.
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A large MSC cruise ship docked at the pristine Ocean Cay marine reserve in the Bahamas, with a white lighthouse and turquoise waters surrounding a white sandy beach.
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A breathtaking coastal scene featuring a small boat, seals on rocky shores, and bald eagles soaring against a vibrant sunset in a lush Alaskan landscape with snow-capped mountains.
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Breathtaking Natural Wonders

From the Great Barrier Reef and dramatic fjords to volcanic landscapes and pristine rainforests, nature puts on an unforgettable show.

World-Class Cities

Explore vibrant Sydney, cosmopolitan Melbourne, charming Auckland, and adventure capital Queenstown—each with its own personality and allure.

Unique Wildlife & Culture

Encounter kangaroos, koalas, and kiwis, and immerse yourself in ancient Māori and Aboriginal traditions found nowhere else on Earth.

Explore the Australasia Regions

Australasia cruises offer three distinct regions to explore, each delivering a completely different experience. Our expert cruise advisors will help you choose the perfect itinerary—or combine them for the ultimate Down Under adventure.

An aerial view of a white luxury yacht floating on deep blue waters, with a person relaxing on the bow deck. Sunlight sparkles across the water's surface, creating a dazzling effect.
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Australian Coast

Key Ports: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Hobart (Tasmania), Adelaide, Perth (Fremantle)

Known For: Great Barrier Reef, iconic harbours, world-class wine regions, unique wildlife encounters

Ideal For: First-time Australasia cruisers seeking a mix of cities, nature, and culture

Duration: 7-14 nights

A modern, spacious cruise ship suite with a large angled window offering an expansive ocean view. The room features a plush gray sectional sofa, minimalist furniture, and a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
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New Zealand

Key Ports: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch (Lyttelton), Dunedin (Port Chalmers), Tauranga, Napier, Fiordland

Known For: Milford Sound fjords, geothermal areas, Māori culture, Lord of the Rings landscapes, wine country

Ideal For: Nature lovers and adventure seekers wanting dramatic scenery

Duration: 10-14 nights

A picturesque view of a colorful Alaskan fishing harbor with vibrant boats docked along wooden piers, backed by snow-capped mountains and a distant glacier at sunset.
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Australia & New Zealand Combined

Key Ports: Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland

Known For: The best of both countries in one voyage, trans-Tasman crossings, maximum variety of experiences

Ideal For: Bucket-list travelers who want to see it all in one incredible journey

Duration: 12-21 nights

Compare Australasia Cruise Regions

Feature Australian Coast New Zealand Australia & NZ Combined
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 10–14 nights 12–21 nights
Main Departure Ports Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane Auckland, Sydney Sydney, Auckland
Best For City lovers, reef enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs Nature lovers, adventure seekers, cultural explorers Bucket-list travelers wanting maximum variety
Highlights Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour, Tasmanian wilderness, Barossa Valley wines Milford Sound fjords, Māori culture, geothermal wonders, Hobbiton Best of both countries, trans-Tasman crossing, diverse landscapes
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Our Australasia cruise advisors will help you plan the voyage of a lifetime.

An Australia and New Zealand cruise is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that often turns into a lifelong passion. You can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, stroll through Sydney’s iconic harbour, sample world-renowned wines in the Barossa Valley or Hawke’s Bay, cruise through the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound, experience a traditional Māori hāngi feast, explore the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, and discover Tasmania’s pristine wilderness. Some itineraries even extend to the South Pacific islands of Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. If that list has you feeling overwhelmed and you’re not sure where to start, that’s exactly why we’re here. Our team of 23+ expert advisors has real cruise experience—we’ve sailed these waters and we know these ports. Talk to a cruise expert today and let us help you plan the perfect Australasia cruise!

Beyond Australia & New Zealand

Many Australasia itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby destinations for an even more extraordinary voyage.

  • South Pacific Islands – Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu offer tropical paradise extensions
  • Tasmania – Pristine wilderness, gourmet food, and dramatic coastlines
  • Papua New Guinea – Remote cultures, coral reefs, and untouched natural beauty
  • Southeast Asia – Combine with repositioning cruises to Singapore, Bali, or Hong Kong
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Best Time to Cruise Australia & New Zealand

Remember, the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere! When it’s winter in North America, it’s summer Down Under—making this the perfect escape from the cold.

Peak Season (December – February): Southern Hemisphere summer brings warm weather, long days, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. This is also holiday season in Australia and New Zealand, so booking early is essential.

Shoulder Season (October – November, March – April): Wonderful weather with fewer crowds and great value. Autumn in March-April brings stunning fall colours to New Zealand’s South Island.

Repositioning Season (April – May, September – October): Cruise lines reposition ships between hemispheres, offering unique one-way voyages that combine Australasia with Asia or the South Pacific at exceptional rates.

Our advisors monitor prices weekly on every booking, so if a better rate becomes available after you book, we’ll adjust it automatically—no fees, no hassle.

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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Australia & New Zealand Cruise FAQs

The cruising season runs from October through April, which is spring through autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Peak season is December through February (summer Down Under), offering the warmest weather and longest days. For the best value, consider the shoulder months of October-November or March-April, when you’ll enjoy pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Repositioning cruises in April-May and September-October can also offer exceptional rates.

Itineraries vary significantly depending on the region. Australian coastal cruises typically run 7-14 nights, New Zealand-focused itineraries are usually 10-14 nights, and combined Australia and New Zealand voyages range from 12-21 nights. Some grand voyage itineraries can last 30+ nights and include the South Pacific or Asia. Your cruise advisor will help you find the perfect duration for your schedule and budget.

U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Australia and a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) for New Zealand. Both can be applied for online and are relatively straightforward. Your cruise advisor will guide you through the visa requirements well in advance of your departure to ensure smooth entry at every port.

Several major cruise lines offer Australasia itineraries, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea. P&O Cruises Australia also operates routes within the region. Our team of 23+ expert advisors will match you with the perfect cruise line based on your preferences, style, and budget—with no booking fees ever.

In Australia, Sydney is the standout with its iconic harbour, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Cairns is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne offers incredible food and culture, and Hobart showcases Tasmania’s natural beauty. In New Zealand, the fiords of Milford and Doubtful Sound are absolute must-sees, Auckland offers vibrant city life, Rotorua features unique geothermal activity, and the wine regions of Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough are unforgettable.

Top excursions include snorkeling or diving the Great Barrier Reef, climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge, touring Melbourne’s laneways and food scene, visiting Tasmania’s Port Arthur historic site, cruising Milford Sound’s fjords, experiencing a Māori cultural performance, exploring Hobbiton (the Lord of the Rings film set), jet boating in Queenstown, and wine tasting in the Barossa Valley or Marlborough Sounds.

Absolutely! Australasia is wonderfully family-friendly. Children are captivated by unique wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, and penguins. The beaches are spectacular for family days out, and many shore excursions cater specifically to families. Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Princess offer excellent kids’ clubs and teen programs. The longer voyage also means more sea days to enjoy all the ship’s amenities together.

We recommend booking 9-18 months in advance for the best cabin selection, especially for peak season sailings (December-February). Popular itineraries and suite-level cabins sell out early. However, don’t worry about missing a price drop after you book—we monitor prices weekly on every booking and automatically adjust if a better rate becomes available. That’s our commitment to treating every client like family.

Pack layers! Weather can vary significantly between ports, especially if your itinerary spans both countries. Bring light summer clothing for Australian coastal stops, a warm jacket and layers for New Zealand’s fjords and higher elevations, comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions, sunscreen and a hat (the UV can be intense Down Under), and formal attire for elegant evenings aboard. Your cruise advisor can provide a detailed packing list tailored to your specific itinerary.

Yes! Many cruise lines offer extended itineraries or repositioning voyages that combine Australasia with the South Pacific islands (Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu), Southeast Asia (Singapore, Bali, Hong Kong), or even transpacific crossings to Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. These longer voyages offer incredible value and the chance to see multiple regions in one trip. Talk to one of our expert cruise advisors about building your dream multi-destination itinerary.