A world of wonder and ice, from the shores of Australia & New Zealand.
Depart from Australia and New Zealand and navigate breathtaking icy landscapes and enjoy rare wildlife encounters—from minke whales to Emperor penguins—as you this remote, magical landscape. Embrace an adventure that’s closer than you think.
Navigate the icy realms of the Ross Sea, Commonwealth Bay, and the enigmatic coast of East Antarctica. Follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers like Scott, Shackleton, and Mawson, as you explore this remote and seldom travelled region. Be entranced by the graceful flight of wandering albatross, revel in the playful antics of sea lion harems and yellow-eyed penguins, and if you’re lucky, spot orcas and emperor penguins amidst the breathtaking majesty of Antarctic ice shelves that seem to defy belief.
Antarctica Expeditions Departing Australia & New Zealand 2025/2026
Why travel to Antarctica from Australia & New Zealand?
Wildlife Encounters
The Ross Sea and East Antarctica are remote yet teeming with life, offering a wildlife haven in one of Earth’s most extreme environments. Before you embark, experience Australia and New Zealand's unique wildlife, from the emblematic Kiwi, to Tasmania's wallabies and potoroos.
In East Antarctica Adélie penguins nest in vast coastal colonies, with the world’s largest at Cape Adare, while emperor penguins breed on the sea ice, making sightings rare but unforgettable. Seals are abundant, from Weddell and Crabeater seals to the sleek leopard seal, an apex predator that preys on penguins and other seals. The surrounding waters host humpbacks, fin whales, and Antarctic minke whales, while orcas occasionally hunt in the icy depths. Above, albatrosses, petrels, skuas, and fulmars soar.
Unique Experiences
Aurora Expeditions’ Ross Sea & East Antarctica voyages offer an unforgettable journey into one of the most remote and pristine regions on Earth.
Explore towering icebergs and pristine sea ice on thrilling Zodiac cruises, watching for seals lounging on ice floes and penguins darting through the water. Step ashore at legendary sites such as Cape Evans or Cape Royds, where historic explorers' huts remain frozen in time, and embark on guided hikes offering panoramic views of the icy wilderness.
Depart from Australia & New Zealand
Embark these voyages in picturesque Hobart or Dunedin! These convenient ports are the perfect setting off point for adventures to rarely visited East Antarctica and Australia and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands.
Before stepping on board your purpose-built ship, enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of Hobart or Dunedin's celebrated restaurants, or perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll along the historic Hobart waterfront or the picturesque Otago harbour. In Tasmania, make extra time to explore the unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes that this unique island offers, and New Zealand's pristine national parks and unique biodiversity are not to be missed!
Australia & New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands
Immerse yourself in the remote and rarely visited outposts of Auckland and Campbell Islands, which serve as Australia and New Zealand’s gateway to Antarctica. Perched on the Antarctic Convergence, Australia & New Zealand’s subantarctic islands are home to some of the most abundant and unique wildlife on Earth.
Keep a lookout for New Zealand sea lions basking on sandy beaches and, if you’re lucky, the elusive Hooker’s sea lion, one of the world’s rarest and most endangered species. Bird lovers will be enchanted by majestic albatross soaring overhead, playful penguins waddling along rocky shores, and endemic species like the yellow-eyed penguin and royal albatross nesting along rugged coastlines.
Natural Beauty
The Ross Sea and East Antarctica are among the most untouched and awe-inspiring regions on Earth. Towering icebergs, expansive ice shelves, and vast stretches of sea ice define this pristine wilderness, where the Antarctic ice sheet meets the Southern Ocean. The towering peaks of the Transantarctic Mountains form a dramatic backdrop, creating an otherworldly landscape that few have the privilege to witness.
These remote frontiers offer an unmatched combination of natural beauty and historical significance. They remain a place of scientific discovery and adventure, where the spirit of exploration endures, and the untouched grandeur of Antarctica continues to inspire.
Fascinating History
Follow in the footsteps of legends like Scott, Shackleton, and Mawson. Retrace the historic voyages of Sir Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition, and as you adventure in this remote and seldom-travelled region, prepare to uncover the secrets of history hidden within the iconic huts of explorers past.
Reflect on the remarkable achievements of the Heroic Age explorers and brace yourself for tales of extraordinary endurance against the harshest elements, and bear witness to the breathtaking majesty of Antarctic ice shelves that seem to defy belief.
Antarctica from Australia & New Zealand FAQs
Choosing an expedition cruise with Aurora Expeditions immerses you in the untamed wilderness and unique wildlife of Australia and New Zealand. You’ll experience breathtaking landscapes, rich indigenous history, and diverse marine life. Our expeditions offer educational opportunities through expert-led lectures and guided excursions, ensuring that every day is filled with discovery and unforgettable encounters with nature.
Our Australia and New Zealand cruises offer a blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Highlights include exploring Tasmania’s rugged coastlines, visiting remote Subantarctic Islands like Auckland Island and Campbell Island, spotting endemic species such as the Tasmanian devil and royal albatross, and enjoying guided hikes, wildlife watching, and Zodiac cruises.
How long does it take to cruise the Australia & New Zealand Subantarctic Islands?
The duration of cruises from Australia to New Zealand varies depending on the itinerary. Typically, our expeditions range from 10 to 15 days. Expeditions that include additional stops at Subantarctic Islands, Tasmania, or even Antarctica may extend the journey to 20 days or more.
A Ross Sea cruise specifically focuses on the Ross Sea region of Antarctica, known for its pristine environment, historical sites, and unique wildlife. It often includes visits to historic huts from early explorers.
Highlights include visiting the historic huts of explorers like Shackleton and Scott, seeing vast ice shelves, spotting unique wildlife, and experiencing the remote and untouched beauty of the Ross Sea region.
Ross Sea cruises are usually longer than other Antarctica cruises, often lasting between 24 to 34 days, due to the remote location and extensive itinerary
You can expect to see emperor penguins, Adelie penguins, Weddell seals, minke whales, orcas, and various seabirds. The Ross Sea region is known for its rich biodiversity.
Our Expedition Team will guide you on excursions to witness breathtaking landscapes, activities may include guided shore excursions, wildlife watching, photography workshops, lectures by experts, and for those seeking even more adventure we offer option activities like sea kayaking.
Our comfortable open seating dining area is where you will share tales of the day and be fuelled with delicious meals cooked by our onboard chefs.
The cost of cruises to Australia and New Zealand can vary widely based on the length of the voyage, the type of stateroom selected, and the specific itinerary. For example, a 25-day Ross Sea Odyssey expedition can start from USD $27,356. Shorter cruises, like an 11-day Coastal Tasmania expedition, can start from AUD $12,316.
Aurora Expeditions specialises in unique expeditions to Australia, New Zealand, and the Subantarctic Islands. We offer a range of itineraries that provide an in-depth exploration of these regions. Our expeditions are designed to give you an unforgettable experience, blending adventure, education, and stunning natural beauty.