posted 13th December 2023
Australia & New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand both offer beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and are a contrast of lush mountains and stark bushlands. Separately, Australia offers urban energy, natural landscapes, including places like the Great Barrier Reef, the breath-taking sites of Uluru, or embrace the bustling city life and iconic attractions of Sydney, Brisbane or Perth . New Zealand offers history, incredible natural beauty, and is a great adventure destination, North or South Island will give you some amazing memories to take home.
Best time to go:
While cruises around Australia operate year-round, the main period - known as the Wave Season - runs from October to April. This is when temperatures warm up with the summer months from December to February being the peak. It can be the hottest time and also the busiest. However, cruises to Australia's Top End and Great Barrier Reef generally operate during the winter months from April to October. The cyclone season runs from November to April, with storms most likely in March and April.
New Zealand's main cruise season follows a similar pattern with sailings from October to April with the summer peak from December to February, though its
weather tends to be more changeable with a higher risk of rain. North Island has more of a subtropical climate during summer while South Island is cooler.
New Zealand
TOP TIPS:
* With long distances between Australian Cities, be prepared for several sea days. Australia to New Zealand involve a two day crossing of the Tasman Sea, which can be choppy. Calmer waters here are between November and March.
* Its a long way so why not book a stay and cruise, you could even look at stopping in Dubai or Singapore or California as part of the trip.
* Sail or Fly - if you've time to spare, hop aboard a world cruise to sail Down Under. Depending on how many stops it can be between 32-50 days generally.
