A cruise is an efficient way to see Australia and New Zealand, which are large and spread out. In one trip you can see Sydney Harbour, New Zealand’s fjords and small coastal towns. It suits travelers with at least two weeks who want to cover a lot of ground without long drives.
When to go
The seasons are the reverse of North America. The cruise season runs roughly October through April, during the southern spring and summer.
| When | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| October to November | Spring. Mild weather, fewer crowds and green landscapes in New Zealand. | New Zealand scenery, comfortable sightseeing |
| December to February | Summer and peak season. Warmest weather and longest days. Australian school holidays make ships busier. | Beaches, Great Barrier Reef, holiday sailings |
| March to April | Autumn. Settled weather, warm seas and fewer families on board. | New Zealand fjords, Tasmania, wine regions |
| May to September | Winter. Few sailings, as many ships move to Asia or Alaska. | Limited options |
Itinerary types compared
New Zealand
Many New Zealand cruises are round trips from Sydney or one-way trips between Sydney and Auckland, often about 12 to 14 nights. Expect a couple of sea days crossing the Tasman Sea, which can be rough. Common stops include the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Akaroa or Lyttelton near Christchurch, and Dunedin. Most include a day of scenic cruising in Fiordland, which may cover Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, weather permitting.
Australian coast
Southern routes link Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart in Tasmania and Adelaide. Queensland sailings head north toward the Great Barrier Reef, with stops such as Brisbane, the Whitsunday Islands and Cairns or Port Douglas. Reef trips are usually shore excursions by boat from these ports. Snorkeling and reef boat trips depend on sea conditions, so keep a backup plan in mind. Longer circumnavigation voyages sail all the way around Australia, including the remote northern and western coasts.
South Pacific islands
Short and mid-length cruises from Sydney and Brisbane visit New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. For more island options, see our Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific cruises.
Where cruises leave from
Sydney is the main hub, and sailing in or out past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge is a highlight. Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland are also common start and end ports. Some long voyages begin in Honolulu, Vancouver or Los Angeles and cross the Pacific with stops in Hawaii and the South Pacific.
Which cruise line?
- Princess Cruises has a large, long-running presence in Australia and New Zealand, with many itinerary choices.
- Royal Caribbean sails big, activity-rich ships from Sydney and Brisbane in season.
- Celebrity Cruises offers modern premium ships on New Zealand and Australia routes.
- Holland America Line sails longer itineraries with more time in port and a relaxed style.
- Oceania, Viking Ocean, Silversea, Seabourn and Cunard visit on longer voyages and world cruise segments.
Packing and travel documents
You will need a valid passport. Both Australia and New Zealand typically require visitors, including US citizens, to arrange travel authorization before arrival. Requirements change, so check current rules with each country and with your advisor. Our US passport page covers applying and renewing.
- Strong sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. UV levels are high, even on cloudy days.
- Layers and a waterproof jacket for New Zealand, where weather changes quickly.
- Clean hiking shoes. Both countries have strict biosecurity rules, and you must declare food, plant and animal products.
- Plug adapters for Australian and New Zealand outlets.
See current sailings on our Australia and New Zealand cruises page, or request a quote and an advisor will help you plan flights and a pre-cruise stay.
