Australasia & Pacific expedition cruises cover one of the most varied regions on the expedition map. The Kimberley's red sandstone gorges, New Zealand's fjords and subantarctic islands, the coral atolls of the South Pacific and the cultural depth of Papua New Guinea. Small ships reach the anchorages, reefs and remote communities that larger vessels cannot.
Australasia & Pacific Expedition Cruises
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Our top picks
Seabourn Cruises
10-Day Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls & Wanjinas
From Broome to Darwin
6 Jul - 16 Jul 2026 (10 Nights)
From £8,244 per guest
Ponant Explorations
Australia's Iconic Kimberley
From Broome to Darwin
9 Jul - 19 Jul 2026 (10 Nights)
From £9,450 per guest
Ponant Explorations
Australia's Iconic Kimberley
From Darwin to Broome
12 Jul - 22 Jul 2026 (10 Nights)
From £11,070 per guest
Silversea Expeditions
Wild Beauty of the Kimberley Coast
From Darwin to Broome
12 Jul - 25 Jul 2026 (13 Nights)
From £13,770 per guest
Our Insight
Highlights of Australasia & Pacific expedition cruises
This is a region you cannot cover in a single voyage, and that is the point. Each sub-region rewards a dedicated trip and most guests come back for a second.
Australia expedition cruises focus on the Kimberley in the country's far northwest, a coastline of sandstone gorges, tidal waterfalls and ancient rock art. Tasmania and the Great Barrier Reef add scope at the southern and eastern edges.
New Zealand expedition cruises split between the dramatic fjords of the South Island, the volcanic landscapes and Māori cultural sites of the North Island, and the rarely visited Subantarctic Islands south of Stewart Island. Several itineraries also use New Zealand as the gateway to Antarctica's Ross Sea.
South Pacific expedition cruises take in Fiji, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and beyond. Coral atolls, palm-fringed lagoons, small-village landings and excellent snorkelling and diving.
Papua New Guinea expedition cruises bring some of the region's most culturally rich experiences, with traditional village visits, sing-sing performances and reef ecosystems that few travellers ever see.
The expedition difference in Australasia & Pacific
This region is where luxury Australasia expedition cruises have built their reputation, because the geography demands small ships. The Kimberley's enormous tidal range and remote coastline rule out larger vessels. New Zealand's Fiordland and Subantarctic Islands have strict landing permits and narrow inlets that need ships built for the conditions. The South Pacific and Papua New Guinea offer many anchorages that are best reached by small expedition vessels with Zodiac capability.
The expedition mode shifts by sub-region. Australia and New Zealand lean toward the cultural-immersion end, with day-by-day flexibility, naturalist-led shore programmes and a mix of cultural visits and wilderness landings. South Pacific and Papua New Guinea expedition cruises sit closer to the polar-style expedition experience, with Zodiacs often the primary way ashore, snorkelling and kayaking from the ship, and itineraries that flex with weather and local conditions.
Ships are small, typically carrying 100 to 250 guests, with expedition teams including naturalists, marine biologists and cultural guides on board. This is the scale at which small ship cruises in Australasia genuinely earn their place.
Australasia & Pacific expedition cruise itineraries
Australasia & Pacific expedition cruise itineraries run from 7 nights up to 30-plus. Shorter sailings focus on a single sub-region: a Kimberley cruise from Broome to Darwin, a New Zealand fjords loop from Dunedin, a Fiji or French Polynesia island-hop. Longer voyages link regions, often combining New Zealand with Australia or running between Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Several lines use the region as a gateway to Antarctica's Ross Sea, with multi-week itineraries departing from Dunedin or Hobart and crossing the Southern Ocean to the seventh continent.
Cruise lines sailing Australasia & Pacific
Many of our luxury small ship partners operate Australasia & Pacific expedition cruises, with different lines specialising in different sub-regions. Some focus on the Kimberley and Australian coast, others on New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands and several have built strong South Pacific and Papua New Guinea programmes around cultural exchange and reef ecosystems.
For tailored recommendations across the region, speak to us.
The best time to cruise Australasia & Pacific
Season varies by sub-region, and getting this right matters more here than in most parts of the world.
- Kimberley expedition cruises run from April to October during the dry season, with the tidal waterfalls at their most dramatic earlier in the season.
- New Zealand expedition cruises focus on the southern summer, November through March, with December and January offering the best conditions for the Subantarctic Islands and Ross Sea departures.
- South Pacific expedition cruises run year-round, though the drier months between May and October are generally more reliable, with conditions varying across Fiji, French Polynesia and the wider region.
- Papua New Guinea expedition cruises typically run in the dry season, May to November, when shore access is at its easiest.
If you are combining regions, the best months tend to sit between October and March, when most of the area is in its prime window.
Travel tips and FAQs for Australasia & Pacific expedition cruising
Are Australasia & Pacific expedition cruises suitable for first-time expedition travellers?
Yes, particularly New Zealand and the Kimberley, which offer expedition extras alongside well-organised infrastructure. South Pacific expedition cruises and Papua New Guinea expedition cruises are more adventurous and suit travellers ready for Zodiac-based days, simple shore conditions and a more flexible programme.
How active are the shore excursions?
A mix. Australia expedition cruises and New Zealand expedition cruises offer a wide range of options from gentle to demanding. The South Pacific is built around snorkelling, kayaking and beach landings. Papua New Guinea focuses on village visits and reef snorkelling, with many landings by Zodiac.
How long does it take to get there?
The flights are long. Sydney and Auckland are around 22 to 24 hours from the UK, Cairns and Darwin similar. Most guests build a few days of land time into the trip on either side. We can help arrange this.
Can I combine sub-regions in one voyage?
Yes, and the long flight makes a strong case for it. Common combinations include New Zealand with Australia, Fiji with French Polynesia, or Papua New Guinea with the Solomon Islands. Some itineraries also link Australasia with Antarctica via the Ross Sea.
What is the wildlife like?
Region-dependent. Australia and New Zealand deliver marsupials, kiwis, albatross, fur seals and dolphins. The South Pacific is reef-focused, with sharks, rays and tropical species. Papua New Guinea sits within the Coral Triangle, which is among the most biodiverse marine areas on earth, and itineraries often include both reef and rainforest excursions.
What is the onboard atmosphere like?
Relaxed, conversation-led and informal. No black tie. Evenings centre on briefings for the next day, lectures from the expedition team and quiet drinks with fellow guests.
collections
Highlights of Australasia and the Pacific
Australia
Australia is a vast and unique country, home to a collection of weird and wonderful wildlife that seems somehow tailor-made for the landscape of otherworldly deserts, rocky coastlines and tropical rainforests.
Learn more
New Zealand
The islands of New Zealand are a spectacular showcase of the earth’s raw geological power, from scalding geysers and towering mountains to vast glaciers and impossibly blue lakes.
Pacific Islands
The ocean remains central to the day-to-day life of the peoples of the Pacific, and many of the islands retain a fascinating and unique culture that has resisted outside influence.
