Australasia

If you’re looking for something a little different from your cruise holiday, why not head off to the far corners of the world and book an Australasian cruise. They offer an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable way to discover Australia and New Zealand, two truly unique countries that are simply begging to be explored.

Tropical beaches, the exotic natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef, and the epic green fjordlands of New Zealand are just three examples of how much there is to see here and you’ll find that an Australasian cruise holiday will make it so simple to visit as much or as little as you wish.

Cruise the unexplored coastlines of Australia & New Zealand

With so many fascinating ports of call placed around this epic and largely unexplored coastline you’ll see why Australia is such a popular cruise holiday destination and whether you find yourself in sleepy Cairns or the simply fabulous Sydney, there won’t be any shortage of opportunities to sightsee in this wonderful country.

The first port of call will no doubt be Sydney – and what a place to start! You’ll be given plenty of time to soak up the warm and friendly atmosphere of this city and there will be no lack of things to do as well. From the moment you arrive in Sydney, you’ll sail past the magnificent and iconic Sydney Opera house which is a must see for any visitor.

There’s a different ambiance in each of Australia’s main ports, and something for everyone to enjoy. The culturally rich Brisbane has plenty of fascinating attractions to visit, whereas the sleepy town of Cairns is one of the ideal places for seeing the impressive Great Barrier Reef or just for watching the world go by.

The remarkable country of New Zealand is full of truly breathtaking scenery that just has to be explored. Whether you’re a nature lover, a wild adventurer or just looking to get away from it all this glorious and relatively unexplored landscape is a must see. However New Zealand is so much more then just wonderful scenery and there is an animated city life to discover as well.

New Zealand’s capital city Auckland is virtually surrounded by water and is excellent for laid back days yet vibrant, exciting nights. As well as the capital, you’ll also visit two of New Zealand’s most popular cities. Wellington is the cultural hotbed of the country and offers a whole host of things to see as well as some excellent opportunities to learn about New Zealand’s rich heritage whereas Dunedin is entirely different altogether as it offers a little taste of Scotland thousands of miles from home as well as being a great place to relax.

As well as the remarkable countries of Australia and New Zealand there is plenty more to see on an Australasian cruise holiday and if you’re found thirsting for some sun, then by visiting one of the Pacific Islands such as Tonga, Fiji or French Polynesia you can find your own little tropical paradise to explore and unwind in.

Activities & excursions

No cruise holiday would be complete without a whole host of interesting and entertaining ways to spend your time and an Australasian cruise is no exception. Sydney alone has something for everyone, and whether you treat yourself to a show at the Opera House or just admire it from afar, it’s not to be missed. At the extremely popular Darling Harbour the pleasure continues into the night as you’re invited to soak up the warm and friendly ambiance whilst enjoying a well deserved drink in the historic rocks area.

Australasia is heaven for beach lovers amongst us, and if you’re looking for a sandy spot to wind down then try the glorious Whitsunday Islands with stunning beaches made up of pure white silica. If you’re feeling more adventurous then the exciting Bondi Beach or the surf loaded Gold Coast near Brisbane may be more your thing.

In Auckland you simply must visit Viaduct Harbour, it’s a buzzing part of the city all day and offers an excellent range eateries including the extraordinary Sky Tower where you can dine and enjoy spectacular panoramic views at the same time.

New Zealand also has plenty more to discover besides, with unspoilt coastlines, steep fjords and dormant volcanoes so if you’re in the mood for an adventure that you’ll never forget there’s a lot to choose from. There is also a range of thrilling activities such as bungee jumping, hiking and glacier skiing at Mt Cook that compliment this wonderful landscape perfectly.

There’s a wild side to both Australia and New Zealand that’s essential for nature lovers and first timers alike. Sleepy Cairns is an excellent stop off point if you’re looking for a chance to visit the magical underwater world that is the Great Barrier Reef. Similarly the Bay of Islands is a great place to visit and offers an amazing opportunity to explore New Zealand’s marine life.

Culture

In Brisbane you are invited to take a peek into Australia’s rich cultural heritage with a number of fascinating places to visit including the Queensland Museum, the State Art Gallery or the Butterfly House. Whilst in Cairns once you finished marvelling at the Great Barrier Reef then why not take in this friendly, laid-back town and head to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Centre for a fascinating insight into native culture in Australia.

Wellington is also a hotbed of artistic activity with a massive range of art, film and music festivals happening throughout the year as well as the Te Papa Museum which is ideal for a glimpse into the tribal roots of the country. If you fancy really spoiling yourself then you simply have to visit the award winning wineries in the Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay regions and sample a glass of arguably the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc.

Weather

If you’re looking for a perfect opportunity to escape the British winter weather then you surely cannot look any further than an Australasian cruise. Winter cruising down under is extremely popular with Brits as upon arrival you’ll be welcomed with a glorious Australasian summer. It’s the perfect conditions for exploring the wonders that Australia and New Zealand have to offer or for simply unwinding on one of a whole host of beautiful; beaches.