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.

Queensland, Australia. Whitehaven beach and Whitsundays from above; Shutterstock ID 524556397; Invoice Number: -

Cruises to Australia and New Zealand.

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.

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Featured Australia and New Zealand cruises.

Worth knowing.

Woman snorkeling dive in the Great Barrier Reef in the tropical north of Queensland, Australia; Shutterstock ID 419025787; Invoice Number: -

A change of scene.

Rainforests, reefs, deserts and mountains: visitors can experience almost every type of landscape here. New Zealand gems include the ethereal Milford Sound and the volcanic fields of Auckland. Australia features the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and a cattle ranch the size of Belgium.

Koala Bear Australia; Shutterstock ID 758018137; Invoice Number: -

A wild life.

This region isn't just a perfect home for humans. The fast-running emu, the poisonous platypus, and the well-known koalas and kangaroos can be found in Australia, whereas New Zealand has the Kakapo, the world's only flightless parrot, and the Hector's dolphin, the smallest in the world.

Fiord Milford Sound South Island New Zealand shutterstock 271692407

Freedom abounds.

Physical space is far from scarce in this part of the world: Australia is only slightly smaller than the USA, but has under 8% of the population. Not only this, but political freedom was offered faster here: New Zealand was the first country to give women a vote, in 1893, with Australia close behind in 1894.

Your Australia and New Zealand questions answered

Where we sail in Australia and New Zealand.

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.

Explore Adelaide

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.

Explore Auckland

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.

Explore Bay of Islands

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Make special memories in Australia and New Zealand.

Wine Centre Experience and Adelaide Hills.

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Akaroa Harbour Swim with Dolphins.

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

Caves and Canyon Views.

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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 eight wonder of the world".

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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.

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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.

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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.