Final Week: End-of-Year Savings: 25% Off All 2023 Departures
Book August 14 - September 29, 2023. Save 25% on the cabin fare when booking any Category 1 cabin, including solo cabins, or Category SU on National Geographic Islander II, for departures in 2023 when you pay in full at time of booking. Valid for new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking, cannot be combined with other offers, and is not applicable on airfare or extensions. To qualify for the discount, non-refundable payment in full is due at the time of booking. Call for details.
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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
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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.
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.
Jan
Feb
Oct
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
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.
Jan
Feb
Oct
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
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.
May
Jun
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
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.
May
Jun
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.
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.
Jan
Feb
Oct
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
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.
Jan
Feb
Oct
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
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.
Jan
Nov
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
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.
Jan
Nov
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.
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
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.
Explore with National Geographic Experts: Photographing New Zealand with Ricky Qi
National Geographic Photography Expert Ricky Qi goes in-depth on the natural and cultural richness of New Zealand and the rewarding experience of teaching guests how to capture the region’s beauty.
Enter New Zealand’s Glenfern Sanctuary, a Haven for Native Wildlife
Join Cultural Specialist Alexander Hillary as he leads us through Glenfern Sanctuary, a haven of native plant restoration on New Zealand’s Aotea Great Barrier Island, and once the site of a colossal ancient forest.
Discovering New Zealand with Lindblad Expeditions
In our latest webinar, learn about the many penguin species you can only see in this region, where you can sip the best cup of cappuccino at sea, and the stunning remote islands we privately visit with our exclusive access.
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.
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.
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.
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.
See, do, and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades. Go with an expedition leader, naturalists, historians, and more.
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 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.
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.
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.
Guests awoke to beautiful sunlight and watched the first rays break across the jagged pinnacles of the Indonesian skyline. The closest and most distinct peaks belonged to the uniquely formed Satonda Island. This unusual landmass is the crater of a previously active volcanic pinnacle. Over time, this central crater has filled with seawater, leaving behind an almost perfectly circular ring of tropical forest that is home to a plethora of flora and fauna. Wellness specialist Belinda began the day with morning stretches for those inclined. On offer at a similar time was a sunrise hike. This was a great option for both avid birders and walkers alike. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by long-tailed macaques patrolling the beaches and a cacophony of enticing birdsong. The first point of interest was the central lake, which was a short walk from the landing. From here, guests had the option to take the ascent up to the nearest vista and enjoy stunning views of the island’s interior. Once back on the ship, guests enjoyed breakfast and prepped for their second excursion of the morning. We shuttled in Zodiacs to a nearby village. The local community prepared a fantastic welcome and performed an interactive, traditional dance. Guests had the opportunity to sample local food and drinks. One of the morning’s highlights was watching local children attempt to scale a greased pole to reach a reward strung from the pole’s apex. Due to poor sea state and a prevailing wind, our in-water activities for the afternoon were cancelled, unfortunately. All in all, today was another great day enjoyed by everyone.
On our third day of exploration in the many islands of Indonesia, we found ourselves anchored at one of the region’s most famous: Komodo Island. Komodo, whose dramatic ridgeline encircles a wide bay, is a household name because of the large reptilian residents that call the island home and the wildlife that we came to see. We disembarked on the island to join local rangers in search of the famous Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. The trail led us through a landscape of towering trees, vibrant orchids, and tangled vines. As we trekked, our guide shared fascinating insights into the island's rich biodiversity, highlighting the unique adaptations of its flora and fauna to the challenging environment, especially during the dry season. Almost immediately, everyone had close encounters with the massive reptiles as they slowly made their way across the brush of the forest floor. A truly fantastic sight in a mesmerizing landscape. Later in the afternoon, we repositioned to the nearby Pink Beach, where everyone explored the abundant coral reefs of the island. Some joined the undersea team for dives at the point while others snorkeled from the colorful pink beach. Cuttlefish, sharks, and a thousand types of reef fish were among the sightings. Together, it made for an unforgettable exploration both above and below water, showcasing the wide biodiversity of Komodo Island.
Today was an amazing day of activities on beautiful Sumba Island for guests of National Geographic Orion . The morning was spent swimming and enjoying sunny Puru Kambera Beach. We spent the afternoon enjoying the culture and traditions in the local village. We were given an amazing welcome.
We docked at Kopang in the morning and were greeted warmly by traditional dancers. We all jumped onto local buses for an excursion around town. We stopped at a Christian church and museum, the local market, and finally, a souvenir shop where we observed ladies making traditional cloth. After lunch, we headed off to the beach for water activities. Swimming and snorkeling in the clear, warm waters was a real treat, and the hotel team even arrived with ice cream! Many of the local children joined us and interacted with the guests, and the hotel team shared ice cream with them. It was a fun afternoon.
As we made our way across the calm ocean of the Timor Sea towards Indonesia, we enjoyed a brief rest on board the luxurious National Geographic Orion before our adventures begin again in West Timor. The Timor Sea is a shallow ocean covering the Australian continental shelf. It stretches far north before the subduction zone of the collision between the Australian Plate and the Sunda Plate to the north. At the edge of the continental shelf, the ocean dives to depths of 2000 metres. Photo caption and photographer: Chef Ruben Lourenco showcases his culinary skills with a cooking demonstration. Photo by Erin O’Brien
With deeply indented coastlines, unique cultures, varied coastal geology, and rare wildlife, New Zealand is perfect for exploring by expedition ship.
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