What is the best time to cruise to Australia and New Zealand?

Cruises to Australia and New Zealand tend to operate between October and April, avoiding the colder winter months. December, January and February offer the warmest days, however the weather in this region (New Zealand in particular) can change very quickly. When you pack, prepare for a range of temperatures, and remember a waterproof.

the Twelve Apostles, Victoria,Australia; Shutterstock ID 246746236; Purchase Order: -

Australia and New Zealand voyages

Any adventure Down Under can combine unique wildlife and extraordinary landscapes. You’ll also step into friendly cities, and have the chance to learn about the rich aboriginal and Maori cultures.

View voyages

Where we sail in Australia and New Zealand.

Tasmania.

From boundless landscapes and fascinating wildlife, to refined culture and cuisine, a cruise to Tasmania is an undeniably luxurious experience. Home to several unique species of nature, captivating history, and some of the cleanest air quality in the world, Tasmania is not a place to be missed.

Explore Tasmania

Adelaide, SA, Australia.

With around 200 wineries a stone’s throw from the city, Adelaide is one of Australia’s best kept secrets. A charming city fringed by scenic countryside and sandy beaches, with a fantastic food market, captivating art scene, and plenty of options for sighting native Australian wildlife.

Find out more

Auckland, New Zealand.

In a nation where stunning scenery is a given, this water wonderland ‘City of Sails’ sparkles in the sunlight, surrounded by more than 48 extinct volcanoes in wild mountainous scenery. A natural joy.

Find out more

Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

North of Auckland, along the narrow Northland peninsula, lies a shady ‘cathedral’ of some of the world’s largest trees. These hulking specimens stand up to 170 feet tall, and are over 1,200 years old.

Find out more

1 of 3

View all ports

Featured Celebration offer Australia and New Zealand cruises

These Australia and New Zealand cruises are featured in the Cunard Celebration offer. Book by 31 July 2023.

Australia and New Zealand cruises 2023.

Australia and New Zealand cruises 2024.

Australia and New Zealand cruises 2025

Make special memories in Australia and New Zealand.

Leven Canyon and river in Tasmania, Australia; Shutterstock ID 501214000; Invoice Number: -

Find out more about Cunard Shore Experiences

Be inspired.

Australia and New Zealand are known for their dramatic landscapes, varied wildlife and buzzing cities. Read our articles and discover how to get the best out of your visit to this region, as well as the celebrated history of your vessel, Queen Elizabeth.

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand; Shutterstock ID 9134815; Invoice Number: -

Spectacular New Zealand.

Discover our highlights of this stunning and unique country, with a tour of Aotearoa, Dunedin and Christchurch. There's a reason Rudyard Kipling nicknamed it "the eighth wonder of the world".

Find out more

10 years of Queen Elizabeth.

There are few sights as beautiful and majestic as seeing Cunard's Queen Elizabeth sail into Sydney Harbour. A decade on from her launch, we look back on ten things that make her such a special member of our iconic fleet.

Find out more

G'day Melbourne.

Sunny, welcoming and cosmopolitan, Australia's original capital city is packed with must-see highlights, hidden gems – and not least, world-famous coffee. Join us as we discover what makes Melbourne such a great place to visit.

Find out more

1 of 3

Frequently asked questions about Australia and New Zealand.

In New Zealand, a cruise to Fiordland and along the Milford Sound is an ethereal adventure, with incredible views and lots of wildlife to spot from deck. If it's cities you prefer, New Zealand offers Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland: all bursting with culture and unique architecture.

Australia's Kangaroo Island offers kangaroos, just as you'd expect, but also wallabies, koalas, seals, sea lions and goannas, placid lizards that can grow up to a metre long. Wine country is conveniently accessible from Busselton: the vineyards of Margaret River are second to none, and the local caves are perfect for exploring. Finally, a cruise along Australia's east coast would be incomplete without a stop in Sydney. The sights of the harbour bridge and the opera house are known all over the world, and the Great Barrier Reef offers a diving experience unlike any other.

This region is large, and the weather is affected by several ocean currents and landmass size. New Zealand in particular can experience multiple seasons in a day! When you pack for your cruise, choose clothes that can be easily layered, so you can add or remove them for maximum comfort. Bring along a waterproof for rain, sun protection for sun, comfortable shoes for exploring, and a warm jacket for cooler evenings.

Each Cunard Queen is equipped with pools and spa facilities, so pack swimwear (perhaps more than one set if you plan on snorkeling or diving during port calls) and bring your best dresses and suits for our formal Gala evenings.

View Australia and New Zealand voyages