Australia & New Zealand

With long coastlines, remote island groups, and countless inlets, Australia and New Zealand are best seen from the water. Small ships reach places larger vessels cannot, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, quiet beaches, and Indigenous lands. You will enjoy Zodiac excursions, expert-led hikes, and authentic cultural programming, with plenty of time ashore and fewer crowds.

From Milford Sound and the Bay of Islands to the rugged Kimberley and Lord Howe Island, small ship voyages give an immersive, flexible way to explore Australasia.

Sample Experiences on a Small Ship Cruise in Australia and New Zealand:

Cruise through Doubtful and Milford Sound in New Zealand, surrounded by waterfalls and wildlife

Explore the ancient landscapes of the Kimberley, with Aboriginal rock art, thundering waterfalls, and dramatic gorges

Visit remote wildlife sanctuaries in Tasmania, spotting endemic species in protected habitats

Snorkel over coral reefs and marine parks in the Great Barrier Reef

Discover Maori traditions and cuisine in Rotorua and the Bay of Islands

Explore Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage site rich in biodiversity

Take Zodiac landings at World Heritage subantarctic islands, home to penguins, seals, and rare birdlife

Cruising in this region is seasonal and varies with your itinerary:

Australia (Great Barrier Reef, Kimberley, Tasmania)

April to October: best for Kimberley expeditions and the tropical north, with dry conditions, warm temperatures, and plenty of wildlife.

November to March: best for Southern Australia and Tasmania, with mild summer weather and good sea conditions for remote islands and marine parks.

New Zealand (North and South Islands, Subantarctic Islands)

November to March: peak cruise season, with warm temperatures, active wildlife, and long daylight hours. Good for fjord cruising, vineyard visits, and Maori cultural experiences.

Late season (March to April): fewer crowds, autumn color, and continued access to the main highlights.

At Small Ship Travel we offer more than a cruise. We plan personalized, thoughtful journeys, and we have first-hand knowledge of Australia and New Zealand. We work only with reputable, responsible cruise lines in the region.

Through our trusted partnerships we provide perks such as cabin upgrades, shore excursion credits, and custom pre- or post-cruise extensions. From flights and visas to stays in Sydney, Auckland, Hobart, or Queenstown, we handle the details.