Australia & New Zealand Expeditions

View itineraries

We're a winner of Conde Nast Traveler's 2022 Readers Choice Awards

Aboriginal Art, Fjords, Waterfalls

Australia & New Zealand—two vastly distinct countries with exceptional ways to explore them.

Discover Australia's best kept secret—the majestic Kimberley—a land so old that vast tracts predate fossils, and see it in the manner befitting its immense scale: by sea. A rare look at the stunning, isolated northwest coast of Australia, see spectacular gorges formed by geological forces, extraordinary Aboriginal cave paintings, and remarkable wildlife. Then venture into Indonesia for incredible snorkeling and meet welcoming people who live close to their ancestral traditions. Plus, search for Komodo dragons, crocodiles, and more.

And when a film script calls for a backdrop of stunning scenery, New Zealand steps up with its dramatic peaks, scenic fjords, and white-sand beaches. The last country to be inhabited by humans, New Zealand’s pristine landscapes impress with endemic flora and fauna. Add Māori culture, cities known for their quality of life, the beautiful Subantarctic Islands, and celebrated wines and gastronomy, and it’s easy to understand the country’s longstanding appeal.

*Important note: Australia permits are pending; guests will be notified immediately if there are itinerary changes due to permits.

NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.

Australia and New Zealand

New Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Māori History, and Abundant Wildlife

Special Offers

Duration

16 days

Jan
Feb
Oct
Nov

From

$23,330

Prices are per person

Special Offers (4)

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

New Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Māori History, and Abundant Wildlife

Duration

16 days

Jan
Feb
Oct
Nov

From

$23,330

Top Highlights

On guided walks through a rare podocarp forest, a rainforest, botanical gardens, and arboretums, learn about the country’s fascinating plant life
Visit sites important to Maori history and culture, Napier’s well-preserved art deco city center, and cosmopolitan Auckland, “the City of Sails”
New Zealand’s celebrated wines and culinary specialties add to the many pleasures of this inspiring expedition

View Itinerary Book Now

Special Offers

AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5000
Book by June 30, 2023. Airfare included up to a ticket value of $2,500 per person when booking a Category 1-4 cabin, including solo cabins, or up to $5,000 per person when booking a Category 5 cabin or higher. To qualify for the offer, it must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions. In the case that airfare at the time of booking is higher than $2,500 or $5,000 per person (as applicable), guest will be required to pay any amount in excess of $2,500 or $5,000 per person (as applicable). Valid on select departures, for new bookings only, subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers, and is not applicable on extensions. Baggage fees may be additional and seat assignments may not be guaranteed. Call for details.
20% OFF BACK-TO-BACK NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION VOYAGES
FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED
SOLO OFFER

View Itinerary Book Now

Australia and New Zealand

New and Noteworthy

New Kimberley Expedition: Australia’s Wild Northwest

Special Offers

Duration

14 days

Jun
Jul

From

$11,150

Prices are per person

Special Offers (2)

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

New and Noteworthy

New Kimberley Expedition: Australia’s Wild Northwest

Duration

14 days

Jun
Jul

From

$11,150

Top Highlights

Zodiacs take you up the spectacular King George River, where you’ll feel dwarfed by the towering red rock canyon walls, then cooled by the mist of King George Falls.
View an outdoor Aboriginal art gallery, portraying images of the Wandjina spirits.
Explore the Ord River, one of the most stunning river systems in Australia.
Visit Montgomery Reef, where the tide drops so rapidly that waters trapped atop the reef create a raging torrent as they escape.

View Itinerary Book Now

Special Offers

AIR INCLUDED UP TO $2500
International airfare included with 2023 departures of Kimberley Expedition: Australia’s Wild Northwest in a Category 3 cabin or higher. Airfare must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions on the recommended flights to/from Los Angeles, for a value up to $2500 per person. In the case that the airfare at the time of booking is higher than $2500 the guest will be required to pay the airfare amount over $2500. Baggage fees may be additional. Valid for new bookings only, may not be combined with other offers, and is subject to availability.
FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED

View Itinerary Book Now

Australia and New Zealand

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

New and Noteworthy

New Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Special Offers

Duration

18 days

May
Jul
Aug

From

$15,610

Prices are per person

Special Offers (1)

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

New and Noteworthy

New Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Duration

18 days

May
Jul
Aug

From

$15,610

Top Highlights

Zodiac up the King George River to explore it at water level and experience its towering red rock canyon walls.
Zodiacs land virtually anywhere and take you up close to the unique wildlife in this Region -- see crocodiles, migrating humpback whales, and endearing wallabies.
Visit the world-renowned Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to go in search of the legendary Komodo dragon.
Snorkel and dive remote reefs with galaxies of colorful fish in Indonesia and pristine Rowley Shoals in Australia.

View Itinerary Book Now

Special Offers

FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED

View Itinerary Book Now

Australia and New Zealand

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Special Offers

Duration

18 days

Jan
Feb
Oct
Dec

From

$15,610

Prices are per person

Special Offers (4)

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Duration

18 days

Jan
Feb
Oct
Dec

From

$15,610

Top Highlights

Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures from the Māori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomons, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions
Venture to the former penal colony of Norfolk Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the unusual trees called Norfolk Island pines
See the stunning limestone geology of New Caledonia at Isle of Pines and visit a cave filled with primitive tree ferns
Visit important World War II sites, including the wreck of the S.S. President Coolidge and the Battle of Guadalcanal
See the fantastic fishing canoes of the people of Utupua and take a Zodiac ride along their mangrove-studded lagoon

View Itinerary Book Now

Special Offers

AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5000
Book by June 30, 2023. Airfare included up to a ticket value of $2,500 per person when booking a Category 1-4 cabin, including solo cabins, or up to $5,000 per person when booking a Category 5 cabin or higher. To qualify for the offer, it must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions. In the case that airfare at the time of booking is higher than $2,500 or $5,000 per person (as applicable), guest will be required to pay any amount in excess of $2,500 or $5,000 per person (as applicable). Valid on select departures, for new bookings only, subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers, and is not applicable on extensions. Baggage fees may be additional and seat assignments may not be guaranteed. Call for details.
SOLO OFFER
20% OFF BACK-TO-BACK NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION VOYAGES
FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED

View Itinerary Book Now

Antarctica

Australia and New Zealand

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands

Special Offers

Duration

22 days

Jan
Nov
Dec

From

$34,790

Prices are per person

Special Offers (3)

Highlights

Antarctica

Australia and New Zealand

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands

Duration

22 days

Jan
Nov
Dec

From

$34,790

Top Highlights

Immerse yourself in unparalleled beauty: scenic beaches and lush native forests in the North Island and deep fjords and dramatic landscapes in the South Island.
Discover the history and dynamic culture of New Zealand and the Māori people.
Explore the sub-Antarctic islands which remain almost completely protected from human activity and are home to a diverse collection of endemic plant and animal species
Delve into New Zealand’s cultural riches – from Napier’s Art Deco architecture, to historical Maori sites.
Visit Abel Tasman National Park where we’ll discover its golden sand beaches, abundant bird life, and native forests.

View Itinerary Book Now

Special Offers

AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5000
Book by June 30, 2023. Airfare included up to a ticket value of $2,500 per person when booking a Category 1-4 cabin, including solo cabins, or up to $5,000 per person when booking a Category 5 cabin or higher. To qualify for the offer, it must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions. In the case that airfare at the time of booking is higher than $2,500 or $5,000 per person (as applicable), guest will be required to pay any amount in excess of $2,500 or $5,000 per person (as applicable). Valid on select departures, for new bookings only, subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers, and is not applicable on extensions. Baggage fees may be additional and seat assignments may not be guaranteed. Call for details.
FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED
SOLO OFFER

View Itinerary Book Now

Expedition Highlights

Travel to a part of the world where the landscapes are ancient, the air and water pristine, and the wildlife rare and abundant. National Geographic Orion, purpose-built to explore the most remote places while providing maximum comfort and safety, is the perfect “base camp” to discover all the nooks and crannies of Australia and New Zealand.

See more Highlights

Discover

The Remote Kimberley: Australia's Best-Kept Secret

This trip was classic Lindblad. Excellent staff, weather challenges creatively addressed, beautiful and inspiring places that are very difficult to visit. The superb National Geographic Orion staff continue to provide a remarkable sense of world-class hospitality that makes the ship home.

Guest aboard Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands, January 2023

Life Aboard

It is a privilege to visit Australia and New Zealand, two richly diverse and culturally fascinating geographies. And to the privilege of cruising around Australia and New Zealand, National Geographic Orion adds the luxury of comfort—a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and revitalize body, mind, and spirit.

A couple of people holding hands pass through a passage of pure rock, treading soft white sand

Making Landfall on Remote Macquarie Island

Only 1,000 permits are approved each year for Australia’s remote Macquarie Island. Pair that with the fragile weather systems which can make landfall difficult, and it quickly becomes a destination that very few people are privileged to see. But as guests aboard National Geographic Orion recently discovered, those who arrive are richly rewarded with dazzling sights that include 800,000 breeding pairs of the endemic royal penguin.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Australia’s Kimberley Region

One of the least populated areas on Earth, the Kimberley is as remote as it is spectacular. Here are five things you didn’t know about this ancient and wildly scenic corner of the world.

Photo Tip: Shooting Waterfalls in Kimberley, Australia

From Crocodile Creek in Australia's Kimberley region, National Geographic Photography Expert Jeff Maurtizen provides tips on the best camera settings and equipment to use when capturing the motion of a waterfall.

The Wild, Wonderful & Weird Birds of New Zealand

Discover some of New Zealand’s most delightful feathered fauna, including one of the world’s largest flying birds, smallest penguins, and a flightless owl-parrot.

The Culture and Customs of New Zealand’s Māori

Māori comprise around 16.5 percent of New Zealand's population, and many proudly work to keep their heritage alive—both by interweaving Māori values with modern life and by sharing their cultural taonga (treasures) with visitors.

New Zealand's Extraordinary Subantarctic Islands

The remote and wildly beautiful subantarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia, teeming with endemic wildlife and plants found nowhere else in the world, are rarely seen by humans. In fact, they are some of the Earth’s least-disturbed places.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

Expedition Leader

Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.

Undersea Specialist

Undersea specialists are your eyes on the world that lies beneath the waves. Using an array of tools including a high-definition camera, our Cousteau-like undersea specialist dives frequently during the voyage to show you strikingly clear images of the seldom-seen world beneath the ship.

Certified Photo Instructor

Every expedition aboard a ship in our National Geographic-flagged fleet offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings and the basics of composition, and to help you become a better, more confident photographer.

National Geographic Photography Expert

Shoot with a National Geographic Photography Expert at your side, on deck and in the field, who will inspire and advise you. They share their secrets and tips and actively lead special photo walks on shore or on Zodiac cruises to help photographers of every skill level capture the best shots possible.

1.800.397.3348

Daily Expedition Reports

Daily Expedition Reports

3/12/2023

Read

National Geographic Orion

Owaraha, Solomon Islands

The morning sun found a few early travelers on the bow of National Geographic Orion searching for birds with naturalist Mike Greenlander. By 7:00 a.m. we were within view of our destination. The views of Owaraha Island and the varying shades of aquamarine in the surrounding reef were simply breath taking. The coral island of Owaraha in the Solomon Islands is a touch over twenty-five square kilometers, with three separate villages and just under 4,000 inhabitants. A very personal feeling of magic was felt – plunging your feet through the water and into the soft white sand beneath as you walk along the beach. We were guided through the village by elders and ecstatic children slapping five and asking our names. The center was lined with wood carvings and abalone shells. We left with more than a few souvenirs. Our guests were shaded from the sun beneath a shelter and treated to a truly remarkable experience of local heritage. As musicians in grass skirts played vibrant songs, throngs of dancers took center stage. The first songs told stories of butterflies, the collection of food, and life on the island. As the show went on it built to a battle of the mud men, with villagers covered in black mud defeating those in red for the favor of the women of the village. The two-mile trail over the hill where the school lies leads to the village on the opposing white sandy beach. All along the way, children surround us. Near the water is an open walled sacred structure known as the spirit house. To enter you must climb over a few logs that serve to mark the space. Inside, on opposing sides, the ancestral clans of Turtle and Snake are represented. In those spaces lie the bones of each clan’s chiefs. It is believed that the spirits of these chiefs live within this house. When we left, the sun was hanging directly over us and the walk back was a challenge. The guests of National Geographic Orion earned the drinks awaiting them on board. There was a playful energy throughout lounge as our freshly showered guests laughed and reminisced about the day and settled in for the journey to Vanuatu.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/11/2023

Read

National Geographic Orion

Utupua, Solomon Islands

National Geographic Orion entered the barrier reef of Utupua just after sunrise, and we anchored in a sheltered bay. Soon after breakfast, we went ashore and were greeted by smiling faces and a traditional welcome. We learned about life in the village and observed some incredible dances. Later, it was time to explore. A Zodiac ride through the mangroves, self-exploration of the school, and kayaking amongst the mangroves were enjoyed by many. My favorite part was how the local kids played with us on the kayaks and Zodiacs. It was absolutely incredible to see how much fun could be had. We set sail in the afternoon, leaving the village behind. Until next time!

Daily Expedition Reports

3/10/2023

Read

National Geographic Orion

Fenualoa, Solomon Islands

The early bird got the worm this morning aboard National Geographic Orion . In the wee hours, we circumnavigated the active volcanic island of Tinakula. Arriving around 4:00 a.m., those willing to wake up early were greeted by the sounds of rocks plopping into the ocean, the gurgling of the lively mountain, and sights of red-hot magma piercing through the darkness. It was a fitting start to a true expeditionary day. The afternoon brought us to the awe-inspiring Reef Island of Fenualoa. We were greeted by a few villagers who showed up for our arrival. Tradition is prominent in these off the beaten path villages, and our guests participated. After a welcome from the chief, we enjoyed cultural performances from the villagers and the musical talents of a conglomerate of nearby tribes. It was a true site to behold and a cultural display that will certainly remain in the memory bank. As the performances came to an end, the logical thing to do was refresh with a coconut and cool off in the waters off the beach. It was only right that all the kids joined in the fun. We had bonded with the tribe, and children were jumping off shoulders and playing games with everyone in the water. It was a truly sensational day. We capped off the evening with a Polynesian barbecue outside on our aft deck with decorations of palm fronds donated by the village.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/9/2023

Read

National Geographic Orion

Lo Island, Vanuatu, towards The Solomon Islands

This morning found National Geographic Orion in the Torres Islands, the northernmost island group of Vanuatu. We anchored off the coast of Lo, and the expedition team sprang into action to prepare for snorkel operations. This was our first opportunity to deploy the snorkel platform, a large and secure metal shelf suspended between Zodiacs anchored at the snorkel site. This ingenious structure makes it easy for snorkelers to enter and exit the water, without a need for ladders. Our snorkelers were soon in the water, enjoying perfect conditions – warm and calm, with extraordinary visibility. Meanwhile, the guests who preferred to stay dry were able to observe the coral reef from the comfort of National Geographic Orion’s glass-bottomed Zodiac. The reef had an abundance of massive stony corals, indicating that the area is subject to periodic strong swells. A variety of butterflyfish, damsels, surgeonfish, and parrotfish provided a wonderful introduction to the diversity of reef fish. The natural attractions weren’t only in the sea: from time to time, huge flying fox fruit bats winged slowly along the coastline. Once all were back aboard, it was time for lunch as National Geographic Orion set sail for the Solomon Islands. In the afternoon, naturalist Mike Greenfelder gave a great presentation on the biology of coral reefs, and the guests then went out on deck to enjoy the glassy seas, watch for flying fish, and admire the rainbow-tinted clouds. The appearance of a pod of beaked whales in front of the golden sunset completed our unforgettable day in the South Pacific.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/8/2023

Read

National Geographic Orion

Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

In the early morning, National Geographic Orion pulled alongside a dock just outside of Vanuatu’s second largest city, Luganville. After being hit hard by back-to-back tropical cyclones Judy and Kevin, we were the first ship able to clear into the country. The island of Espiritu Santo wasn’t hit as hard as some of the more southern islands, but our arrival was a welcomed distraction, nonetheless. Upon arrival at the dock, we sent out our passionate birders into the highland jungles in search of island endemics. These brave individuals endured heat, humidity, and a downpour, but luckily, our local guide brought along “natural umbrellas.” The rest of the group took a tour of a World War II museum that showcases the impacts of the war in the Pacific, specifically Vanuatu. The tour was followed by our first snorkel outing of the trip at Million Dollar Beach. The area gained the name because at the end of the war, it was too expensive to transport all the gear and vehicles back to the states, so the U.S. military essentially drove all the remaining vehicles into the water. The submerged relics are now home to corals and reef fish, and they offer an interesting and historical snorkel. Post snorkel, we were treated to kava, a local drink. In the afternoon, we took vans slightly north to a remote and secluded blue hole. We sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the beauty of Espiritu Santo in this freshwater oasis. Guests enjoyed swimming, swinging from a rope into the water, and just decompressing as they took in the view. We were also treated to a water performance. Women of the village create beautiful performances by singing and making beats using the percussive properties of water manipulation. The performance was enjoyed by all.

With deeply indented coastlines, unique cultures, varied coastal geology, and rare wildlife, New Zealand is perfect for exploring by expedition ship.

Sven-Olof Lindblad

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

View our brochure for more details

Australia & New Zealand 2023-25

Australia and New Zealand

Australia & New Zealand 2023-25

2023-2025 Voyages

View online Request Brochure