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 jacket.

Australia and New Zealand cruises

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

Find Australia and New Zealand cruises

View all cruises from Sydney

Explore Australia and New Zealand

Discover the ports we visit and gain insight into the exceptional cruising experience with Cunard in Australia and New Zealand.

Ports we sail to in Australia and New Zealand

Find out more

Brisbane city skyline and Brisbane river at twilight in Australia; Shutterstock ID 657755617; Invoice Number: -

Our guide to cruising in Australia

Find out more

Beautiful sunset over the bend of the river Clutha with Southern Alps peaks on the horizon, New Zealand

Our guide to cruising in New Zealand

Find out more

1 of 3

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

Melbourne city skyline at twilight in Australia - Shutterstock ID 652935751

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

Featured Australia cruise destination

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 to be missed.

Discover Tasmania

Australia and New Zealand cruises Special Offers

Enjoy our limited-time offers on our Australia and New Zealand cruises. An adventure Down Under is filled with dramatic landscapes, varied wildlife, and buzzing cities.

More destinations to explore

Asia

Find out more

Beautiful view of Otemanu mountain on Bora Bora island; Shutterstock ID 112411886; Invoice Number: -

South Pacific

Find out more

1 of 2

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 meter 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 harbor 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 jacket 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