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Australia & New Zealand

Venture to the far reaches of the Southern Hemisphere, where the Sydney Opera House gleams against a sparkling harbour, Milford Sound rises in towering emerald walls, and the Great Barrier Reef pulses with kaleidoscopic life beneath the surface. Australia and New Zealand await your discovery.

Your Down Under Voyage Starts Here

A cruise through Australia and New Zealand is unlike anything else on the water. Picture golden mornings along the Gold Coast giving way to afternoons exploring Tasmania’s untamed wilderness, followed by evenings under a canopy of Southern Hemisphere stars. From the surf culture and urban buzz of Melbourne to the geothermal wonderlands of Rotorua and the majestic fjords of the South Island, every single day at port delivers something remarkable. With the cruising season stretching from October through April—perfectly timed for North American travelers looking to trade winter for summer—conditions are ideal for exploring two of the planet’s most captivating countries.

A picturesque harbor view of Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring colorful waterfront buildings, fishing boats, and mountains at golden hour, showcasing the town's maritime character.
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A large group of emperor penguins gathered on a snowy landscape with a massive white ice shelf in the background under a cloudy gray sky. The penguins are densely clustered across the frozen terrain, showcasing the harsh Antarctic environment.
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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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A picturesque Alaskan coastal scene featuring a traditional Orthodox church, totem pole, marina, and the Alaska Raptor Center wooden building in the foreground. Misty mountains and forested landscape provide a dramatic backdrop.
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Awe-Inspiring Landscapes

Towering fjords carved by glaciers, smouldering volcanic plateaus, and rugged coastlines that stretch endlessly—Australia and New Zealand serve up a natural spectacle at every port.

Extraordinary Marine Life

Dive into the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant coral gardens, watch humpback whales breach along the coastline, and encounter wildlife found absolutely nowhere else on Earth.

Ancient Cultures & Living Heritage

Step into the world’s oldest continuous cultures through Aboriginal Australian storytelling and New Zealand’s powerful Māori traditions—woven into the fabric of every destination you visit.

Discover the Australasia Cruising Regions

This corner of the world offers three compelling ways to cruise, each delivering its own character, scenery, and sense of wonder. Our expert advisors—many of whom have sailed these waters personally—will guide you toward the itinerary that matches your travel style perfectly.

A pristine swimming pool on a luxurious cruise ship with white lounge chairs and a modern design, featuring a smiling passenger in a red floral dress standing with outstretched arms
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Australian Coast

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

Known For: Great Barrier Reef snorkelling, world-famous cityscapes, celebrated wine regions, one-of-a-kind wildlife encounters

Ideal For: Travellers seeking a dynamic blend of cosmopolitan cities, beach escapes, and natural wonders

Duration: 7–14 nights

An elegant cafe interior on a cruise ship featuring a curved bar, warm lighting, and yellow and brown color scheme. The 'Caffe Italia' sign highlights the Italian-themed dining area.
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New Zealand

Key Ports: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch (Lyttelton), Dunedin, Tauranga, Napier, Milford Sound (scenic cruising)

Known For: Glacier-carved fjords, bubbling geothermal fields, Māori heritage, film-famous landscapes, award-winning vineyards

Ideal For: Nature enthusiasts, active adventurers, and anyone craving authentic cultural immersion

Duration: 10–14 nights

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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Trans-Tasman & Combo

Key Ports: Sydney, Auckland, Melbourne, Wellington, Hobart, Dunedin, plus ports spanning both countries

Known For: Two nations in a single sailing, the Tasman Sea crossing, extraordinary port diversity from reef to fjord

Ideal For: Cruisers who want the complete Down Under experience without booking two separate trips

Duration: 12–21 nights

Compare Australasia Cruise Regions

Feature Australian Coast New Zealand Trans-Tasman & Combo
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 10–14 nights 12–21 nights
Main Departure Ports Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane Auckland, Sydney Sydney, Auckland, Melbourne
Best For City explorers, beach lovers, wine enthusiasts Nature lovers, adventure seekers, culture devotees Those wanting the full Down Under experience in one voyage
Highlights Great Barrier Reef, Harbour Bridge, vineyard tours, wildlife sanctuaries Milford Sound, geothermal wonders, Māori heritage, spectacular fjords Best of both nations, diverse scenery, extended sailing adventure
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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Let our Australasia cruise experts chart the course for your dream voyage.

When the sheer number of options feels overwhelming, that’s exactly where our team shines. On the Australian side alone, you could wander through Sydney’s harbourside neighbourhoods, snorkel the vivid coral of the Great Barrier Reef departing from Cairns, savour vintages in the Barossa Valley outside Adelaide, explore the pristine wilderness of Tasmania from Hobart, or chase sunshine along Queensland’s Gold Coast. Then there’s New Zealand: the steaming geysers of Rotorua, Napier’s art deco streetscapes, Wellington’s legendary café scene, and the breathtaking stillness of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Many voyages also weave in South Pacific stops—Fiji, New Caledonia, or Vanuatu—adding even more variety to your itinerary. With 23+ expert advisors who’ve sailed these waters and explored these ports firsthand, we’ll narrow the choices down to the perfect Australasia cruise for you. Talk to a cruise expert today—no fees, ever.

Extend Your Voyage Beyond Australasia

Plenty of Australasia itineraries connect seamlessly with neighbouring regions, turning a great cruise into an epic adventure.

  • South Pacific Islands – Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Tonga
  • Tasmania – Pristine wilderness, gourmet cuisine, and dramatic coastal cliffs
  • Papua New Guinea – Remote tribal traditions and untouched coral reefs
  • Southeast Asia – Repositioning sailings to Singapore, Bali, or Hong Kong
Amazon Pink Dolphin
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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.

When to Set Sail for Australia & New Zealand

The Southern Hemisphere’s seasons are the mirror image of North America’s—which means you can swap a grey February at home for sparkling summer sunshine Down Under.

Peak Season (December – February): This is summertime in Australia and New Zealand, delivering warm days, long evenings, and the broadest selection of sailings. It’s also the most popular window, so we recommend securing your cabin well in advance.

Shoulder Season (October – November, March – April): Spring and autumn bring comfortable temperatures, thinner crowds at port, and exceptional value. New Zealand’s autumn foliage is particularly stunning during March and April.

Repositioning Season (April – May, September – October): As cruise lines shift vessels between Australasia and Asia or the South Pacific, unique extended itineraries become available—often at attractive rates that represent outstanding value.

Holiday voyages over Christmas and New Year are a singular treat: Australians celebrate the festive season in full summer mode, giving Northern Hemisphere travellers a warm, sun-drenched holiday experience they won’t soon forget.

A sleek and modern retail space within a cruise ship, featuring merchandise displays with blue and white branding, branded clothing, and souvenirs in glass cabinets with mood lighting.
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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

Cruise season runs from October through April, lining up with the Southern Hemisphere’s warmer months. December through February is peak summer—think long sunny days and the widest choice of itineraries. If you’d prefer lighter crowds and better rates, the shoulder months of October–November and March–April are excellent. And here’s a favourite tip from our advisors: when it’s freezing back home in January, it’s glorious summer Down Under. What better reason to get on a ship?

From the U.S. West Coast, flights to Sydney or Auckland typically run 13–16 hours. We always suggest landing a day or two ahead of embarkation so you can shake off jet lag, explore the departure city, and start your holiday stress-free. Our advisors can arrange pre-cruise hotels and airport transfers—at no extra fee—so every detail is handled before you step aboard.

An Australian coastal itinerary keeps you within Australia’s waters—think Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Hobart, and Adelaide. A Trans-Tasman cruise crosses the Tasman Sea to include New Zealand ports as well, giving you two countries in one sailing. Trans-Tasman voyages are typically longer (12–21 nights) and deliver a remarkable range of scenery, from sun-drenched reefs to glacier-carved fjords.

It depends on how much you’d like to see. Australian coastal cruises generally run 7–14 nights, New Zealand-focused itineraries span 10–14 nights, and combined Trans-Tasman sailings often stretch to 12–21 nights because of the larger distances between ports. Your Cruise Help advisor will recommend the ideal duration based on your schedule, budget, and bucket list.

U.S. citizens require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Australia and a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for New Zealand. Both are quick online applications. Your advisor will walk you through the requirements well ahead of departure and send you timely reminders so nothing slips through the cracks—all part of our 365-day support.

Layers are your best friend. Although cruise season is generally warm, the South Island of New Zealand and Tasmania can be surprisingly cool even in summer. We recommend lightweight clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes for shore excursions, swimwear, high-SPF sunscreen (the Southern Hemisphere sun is intense), and elegant evening attire if your ship has formal nights. Ask your advisor for a customised packing guide tailored to your specific ports of call.

A broad range of lines sail these waters, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Cunard. On the luxury side, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and Oceania all offer stunning Australasia itineraries. Some lines base ships in the region year-round; others reposition seasonally. Our team of 23+ advisors will match you with the line that fits your style, cabin preferences, and budget—and we’ll monitor your fare weekly to make sure you always have the best rate.

It’s a fantastic family destination. Children love meeting kangaroos and koalas at wildlife sanctuaries, teenagers rave about bungee jumping in Queenstown and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, and everyone enjoys the penguins of Phillip Island. Major cruise lines offer robust kids’ clubs and family-oriented shore excursions, and the longer sea days provide wonderful quality time together. Talk to us about multi-generational group rates—we can accommodate your whole family.

In Australia, crowd favourites include Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and diving, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, day trips to the Blue Mountains, wine tastings in the Barossa Valley and Margaret River, and wildlife encounters at conservation sanctuaries. Over in New Zealand, don’t miss Milford Sound scenic cruising, the Hobbiton movie set near Tauranga, Māori cultural performances in Rotorua, jet boating or bungee jumping in Queenstown, and vineyard tours through Marlborough or Hawke’s Bay.

Absolutely—and this is where an Australasia voyage gets really exciting. Repositioning sailings frequently link Australia with Southeast Asia, including Bali, Singapore, and Vietnam. You can also extend into the South Pacific with stops in Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Tonga. A handful of grand voyages even connect Australia with Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. Ask your Cruise Help advisor about combination itineraries to build the ultimate bucket-list holiday—no booking fees, ever.