Australia & New Zealand Expeditions

Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice award logo

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.

(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. Oct
  3. Nov

From

$19,419

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. Oct
  3. Nov

From

$19,419

Top Highlights

  • Glide into three phenomenal fjords: the legendary Milford Sound; Doubtful Sound, New Zealand’s deepest; and the lesser-known Dusky Sound
  • Delve into the rich culture of the Māori on a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Look for little blue penguins on the beaches of the Otago Peninsula, and hike the rainforests of Stewart and Ulva islands to spot rare birdlife

Australia and New Zealand

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

Asia

Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Duration

16 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul

From

$16,745

Prices are per person

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

Asia

Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Duration

16 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul

From

$16,745

Top Highlights

  • Experience both Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art dating from 4,000 to 12,000 years in age
  • Zodiacs land virtually anywhere and take us up close to the unique wildlife in this region—watch for crocodiles, migrating humpback whales, and endearing wallabies
  • Visit the remarkable Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to go in search of the legendary Komodo dragon

Australia and New Zealand

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Duration

15 days
  1. Jan
  2. Oct
  3. Dec

From

$12,994

Prices are per person

Highlights

Australia and New Zealand

French Polynesia & Pacific Islands

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Duration

15 days
  1. Jan
  2. Oct
  3. Dec

From

$12,994

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
  • Visit the island nation of New Caledonia, made up of immaculate beaches and steep coral cliffs, and hike into the tropical forest to a vanilla plantation or enjoy world-class snorkeling among diverse coral species

Antarctica

Australia and New Zealand

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands

Duration

22 days
  1. Nov
  2. Dec

From

$28,962

Prices are per person

Highlights

Antarctica

Australia and New Zealand

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands

Duration

22 days
  1. Nov
  2. Dec

From

$28,962

Top Highlights

  • Get immersed in 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

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

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

Call now

Make a reservation

Book Now

Sign up for our newsletter & special offers

sign up

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

Call now

Make a reservation

Book Now

Sign up for our newsletter & special offers

sign up

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

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

Sven-Olof Lindblad

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

Call now

Make a reservation

Book Now

Sign up for our newsletter & special offers

Sign up

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

Call now

Make a reservation

Book Now

Sign up for our newsletter & special offers

Sign up

View our brochure for more details