Destination

Antarctica Tours from NZ/ Australia

View Tours

Cruising to Antarctica from New Zealand / Australia

Discover the highlights of Antarctica departing from New Zealand or Australia. Be amazed by breath-taking landscapes and amazing wildlife. It is a place like no other.

We do cruise to Antarctica from New Zealand. Although most Antarctica tours would depart from Ushuaia, in Argentina. It is closer and less expensive, which makes it more popular. Click HERE to see cruises from the tip of South America.

However, New Zealand or Australia are great gateways to discover this amazing land of ice with possible stops at Macquarie, Snares, Auckland and Campbell Islands. By visiting the east part of Antarctica, you’re guaranteed to experience a very remote location. Named “Home of the Blizzard” by Sir Douglas Mawson during the 1911-1913 Australasian Antarctic Expedition, very little of this part is not covered with ice.

Bustling with wildlife, this part of the planet is home to incredible animals. Get up close with penguins, or witness many different species of birds, seals and whales.
Generally higher than west Antarctica, you’ll be amazed to discover the immensity of the glaciers and snow-covered mountains.

Choose from our range of unique trips or contact us and we’ll be happy to tailor the perfect itinerary to suit your requirements.

Access The Ultimate Antarctica Guide HERE

FAQs

What wildlife can be seen in the Antarctic Circle?

The most famous animal in Antarctica is the penguin, 17 species in total. Different species of birds, whales, killer whales, dolphins and seals can also be seen. A paradise for animal lovers. 

What is the weather like in Antarctica?

The lowest temperature ever recorded was in July 1983 at -89.2 degrees Celsius.
The average annual temperature is about -10 on the Antarctic Coast. However, our tours run in summer, from late October until March, known to be the warmest months at about 0 degrees.

Do I need to be fit to cross the Antarctic Circle?

Being fit is not a must, however, being in a good health is necessary. You need to be able to get in and out of zodiacs during land expeditions, knowing that it can be slippery. A doctor is on board during the tour, but you are still a long way from any other medical assistance.

Do I need a visa to travel to East Antarctica?

A pre-arranged visa is not required to enter Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand. 

How long will it take to reach East Antarctica?

Cruises to Antarctica from Tasmania or New Zealand take longer than going from Ushuaia. It is possible to reach Antarctica in 6 or 7 days. Most voyages include a break by visiting The Snares, Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island and Campbell Island.

Is it safe to travel to Antarctica?

All our tours are 100% tried and tested to ensure that when you travel with us, you are doing so in a controlled and safe environment with trained experts. Also, one of our biggest concerns is the weather conditions to ensure you have the best adventure without risk of injuries to you or the vessel. For your safety, activities may occasionally need to be rescheduled or cancelled.

Browse All Tours Enquire about tours
Destination Map

Discover more amazing experiences on our blog.

View Articles

Recommended Tours

Browse All Tours
28 days

  • Expedition: Looking to get off-the-beaten-track and explore some of the harder to reach destinations on offer. We have some great Expedition travel options for you!

  • Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.

  • Wildlife and Nature: Our wildlife and nature holidays will take you to some of the most remote and unspoilt regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover rich exotic wildlife in Latin America, magnificent marine wildlife in Antarctica and spot spectacular birds in New Zealand.
From Dumont d’Urville to Mawson: Antarctica

Board the first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship, Le Commandant Charcot and half-circumnavigate Antarctica!

Price from $36,927 USD
View Tour
1 days

  • Expedition: Looking to get off-the-beaten-track and explore some of the harder to reach destinations on offer. We have some great Expedition travel options for you!

  • Small Group Tours: Embark on a fully escorted small group tour to discover the stunning continents of South America, Antarctica and New Zealand. A group tour gives you the opportunity to explore in a fun and exciting environment surrounded by like-minded travellers.

  • Wildlife and Nature: Our wildlife and nature holidays will take you to some of the most remote and unspoilt regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover rich exotic wildlife in Latin America, magnificent marine wildlife in Antarctica and spot spectacular birds in New Zealand.
South Pole Expedition Flight

Head out on an expedition flight across the continent of Antarctica,all the way to the South Pole on this 16 hour flight from Australia.

Price from $1,152 USD
View Tour
1 days

  • Expedition: Looking to get off-the-beaten-track and explore some of the harder to reach destinations on offer. We have some great Expedition travel options for you!

  • Wildlife and Nature: Our wildlife and nature holidays will take you to some of the most remote and unspoilt regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover rich exotic wildlife in Latin America, magnificent marine wildlife in Antarctica and spot spectacular birds in New Zealand.

  • Off the beaten track: Get away from the crowds and explore some of the most unspoilt regions on earth. Experience the landscapes and cultures as are and as they have been for centuries.

Antarctica Day Flights

Flight departing Australia where you can gaze upon icebergs and ancient glaciers on a day flight over the coast and mountains of East Antarctica.

Price from $812 USD
View Tour
22 days

  • Expedition: Looking to get off-the-beaten-track and explore some of the harder to reach destinations on offer. We have some great Expedition travel options for you!

  • Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.

  • Wildlife and Nature: Our wildlife and nature holidays will take you to some of the most remote and unspoilt regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover rich exotic wildlife in Latin America, magnificent marine wildlife in Antarctica and spot spectacular birds in New Zealand.
Scott & Shackleton's Antarctica Ross Sea

Voyage from New Zealand on an epic Antarctica expedition. Explore surreal landscapes, discover wildlife, & the historic huts of Scott & Shackleton

Price from $20,365 USD
View Tour
30 days

  • Expedition: Looking to get off-the-beaten-track and explore some of the harder to reach destinations on offer. We have some great Expedition travel options for you!

  • Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.

  • Wildlife and Nature: Our wildlife and nature holidays will take you to some of the most remote and unspoilt regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover rich exotic wildlife in Latin America, magnificent marine wildlife in Antarctica and spot spectacular birds in New Zealand.
Unexplored Antarctica

Set off in the footsteps of great Antarctic explorers onboard the luxury Le Commandant Charcot, for an unrivalled half-circumnavigation of Antarctica

Price from $43,095 USD
View Tour
15 days

  • Expedition: Looking to get off-the-beaten-track and explore some of the harder to reach destinations on offer. We have some great Expedition travel options for you!

  • Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.

  • Wildlife and Nature: Our wildlife and nature holidays will take you to some of the most remote and unspoilt regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover rich exotic wildlife in Latin America, magnificent marine wildlife in Antarctica and spot spectacular birds in New Zealand.
New Zealand's Sub Antarctic & Macquarie Island

Visit some of the most unspoiled environments on earth: New Zealand Sub Antarctic Islands & Australias Macquarie Island

Price from $10,160 USD
View Tour
28 days

  • Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.

  • Wildlife and Nature: Our wildlife and nature holidays will take you to some of the most remote and unspoilt regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover rich exotic wildlife in Latin America, magnificent marine wildlife in Antarctica and spot spectacular birds in New Zealand.
In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Antarctica

Antarctica cruise from New Zealand. Visit the Ross Sea region of Antarctica and New Zealand's Sub antarctic Islands, plus Macquarie Island

Price from $26,950 USD
View Tour
Browse All Tours
Trustpilot

Some of the main Attractions

Browse All Tours
Antarctica

Antarctica is a destination that not many people get to experience. Be adventurous and experience a trip of a lifetime.

See Tours Here
Macquarie Islands

Spot Royal Penguins. The raw beauty of the landscapes and abundance of wildlife makes it a must visit destination during a tour to Antarctica.

See Tours Here
Campbell Island

Described as a nature reserve, unspoilt land where you can witness birds as it is the most important place of breeding for the Southern Royal Albatross.

See Tours Here
Ross Sea

This region of Antarctica is one of the most untouched environments in the world, visit Ross Island, where you may be able to see Mount Erebus, it is also home to the biggest scientific station of Antarctica, American McMurdo

See Tours Here
Snares Islands

The Snares Islands are part of the New Zealand Subantarctic World Heritage Site. No landings are permitted on The Snares but Zodiac cruising gives great views of the three of endemics; the Snares Crested Penguin, the Snares Tomtit and the Fernbird.

See Tours Here
Auckland Islands

Home to many species of plants and animals not found anywhere else in the world, despite hostile weather. Because they are rarely visited, the islands are in near-virgin condition and have the richest flora of all the Subantarctic Islands.

Features In This Tour

Our Vessels
Heritage Adventurer

140 Passengers
Le Commandant Charcot

270 (200 in Antarctica) Passengers
Le Soleal

264 Passengers