Luxury Australia and New Zealand Cruises

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Luxury Australia and New Zealand Cruises

Made up of New Zealand, Australia and other islands, Australasia is a region within the continent of Oceania. Luxury Australia and New Zealand cruises sail among some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet and let you discover each place with immersive experiences.

Sydney, Australia’s capital, plays host to some of the more famous sights, including Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world is located off the coast of Queensland and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This natural wonder is home to thousands of species of fish and mollusc which, unsurprisingly, attract 242 species of birds to the area. But we mustn’t forget the vibrant cities, each as impressive in their own right with the likes of Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Cruise New Zealand to discover its haunting land of ancient rock formations, national parks, forests, mountains, fjords and beaches. The Maori culture is inherent to New Zealand’s way of life with the world-famous haka war dance and the outdoor lifestyle that incorporates activities such as kayaking, diving, cycling and bungee jumping. The Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular places to visit in New Zealand with its huge fjords, glaciers and waterfalls – described by Rudyard Kipling as the “Eight Wonder of the World”. Auckland is the largest city in the country and is a contemporary hub with an imposing skyline pierced by Sky Tower. Viaduct Harbour is lined with superyachts and swanky bars and restaurants.

Tauranga

A bustling harbour in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is a great place for dolphin watching, sailing and fishing. Lining the waterfront is The Strand, a trendy strip with bars, restaurants and pavement cafes. This is a food lover’s paradise and the perfect spot for people watching.

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Sydney

Although it’s not the Australian capital, Sydney is one of the most-loved and iconic cities in the country. Its unmistakable skyline showcases incredible buildings such as the Crown Tower, Sydney Tower, Suncorp Place and Australia Square. Other famous landmarks of the city include the architecturally brilliant Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

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Wellington

New Zealand’s cultural capital, Wellington is a hive of activity and emits a contagious atmosphere. It’s earned itself a reputation for being the culture capital owing to its many galleries, theatres and museums. Among the hustle and bustle, scenic beauty can be found at The Botanical Gardens and the colourful harbour, best viewed from one of the cable cars.

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Perth

This cosmopolitan hub is brimming with Aboriginal culture, white sand beaches and botanic gardens. Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a rich past that has influenced so much of the modern day culture. Formerly an Australian backwater, the city has since become known for its art scene and high-end shopping.

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Brisbane

Dubbed the Sunshine State, Brisbane is a thriving, Australian metropolis. Its chic urbanity, cool harbour and lush islands make it a popular city for outdoor adventurers. The piercing skyline creates a striking contrast to its golden beaches and the botanical park. Walk along the South Bank to discover the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and world class restaurants.

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Cairns

Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a paradise for nature lovers and scuba divers. Not only does it play host to the most incredible underwater world, its tropical rainforest is home to indigenous wildlife such as kangaroos, ringtail possums, owls and flying foxes.

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Top 10 Things to do on Australia and New Zealand Cruises

Cruise the Milford Sound
Culinary tour of Wellington
Koala and kangaroo spotting at You Yangs National Park
McLaren Vale off-road adventure
Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef
Aboriginal cultural experience
Blue Mountains by helicopter
Sydney Sights, Opera House and Bondi Beach
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
Tour of the Hobbiton movie set

Nature and wildlife

Much of Australia’s nature and wildlife is endemic, and there are 140 species of marsupial with the most widely recognised being the kangaroo, koala and wallaby. There are also more than 800 species of bird, including the emu, kookaburra, fairy penguins and cassowaries. Australia boasts 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites which include the Great Barrier Reef, Blue Mountains, Kakadu National Park and Ningaloo Coast.

Comprising mountains, forests, beaches and lush countryside, New Zealand has a diverse landscape awash with national parks, marine reserves, rivers and lakes. Known for its unique creatures on both land and water, the country is home to dolphins, seals, whales, bats, frogs, tuataras and incredible species of birds.

Culture

Australian traditions combine Aboriginal and western cultures, and owing to the sprawling beaches and hot climate, there is much emphasis on outdoor activities and lifestyle. The people are, in general, laid back and enjoy hosting annual festivals filled with music and dance.

Mãori traditions play an integral role in New Zealand’s modern culture and they have largely influenced the way of life. The people are open minded, friendly and laid back, which resonates throughout the atmosphere of the country. Similar to Australia, there is an emphasis on outdoor activities, sport and the arts.

Best Time to Visit Australia and New Zealand on a Cruise

SIf you enjoy the heat and the sunshine, the months through from December to March are the best times to visit Australia and New Zealand as these are their summer months. If you prefer the weather to be a little cooler, you might want to travel just outside of the summer months in either October or April. You’ll also find that these months are less busy.

Australia & New Zealand Cruises