Australia & New Zealand Expeditions

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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.

(4) Australia and New Zealand Itineraries

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

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

Duration

16 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Oct
  4. Nov

From

$13,123

Prices are per person

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

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

Duration

16 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Oct
  4. Nov

From

$13,123

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

Australia and New Zealand

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Duration

18 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul

From

$16,577

Prices are per person

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Duration

18 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul

From

$16,577

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.

Australia and New Zealand

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Duration

18 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Oct
  4. Dec

From

$11,708

Prices are per person

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Duration

18 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Oct
  4. Dec

From

$11,708

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

Antarctica

Australia and New Zealand

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands

Duration

22 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$19,569

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Australia and New Zealand

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands

Duration

22 days
  1. Jan
  2. Nov
  3. Dec

From

$19,569

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.

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

Expedition Spotlight: Exploring Fiordland National Park

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

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

Sven-Olof Lindblad

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