Australia and New Zealand

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Australia and New Zealand are known for their unusual feats of nature, from endemic creatures like kangaroos and kiwis to the extraordinary geology of the Milford Sound and Australia's northern coast. Amid rainforests and geothermal landscapes, ancient indigenous cultures developed deep roots and a spiritual connection to the land. Encounter wildlife, intriguing landscapes, and a rich indigenous history on a voyage to the fascinating Kimberley region. Or choose a voyage to New Zealand that incorporates the archipelagos of the South Pacific or the far-flung wildlife havens known as the subantarctic islands.

The Kimberley Coast by Sea: Northwest Australia and Indonesia

18 DAYS FROM $15,610

• Explore ancient rock art sites, stunning waterfalls, and wild geology on the Kimberley coast.

• Snorkel or dive the unspoiled reefs of Rowley Shoals and Indonesia’s Savu Sea.

• See Komodo dragons with rangers in Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

DAY 1–7: U.S./PERTH, BROOME, AUSTRALIA AND THE KIMBERLEY Fly to Broome and board the ship on Day 4. Set sail for Rowley Shoals, where we’ll snorkel and dive amid incredible marine life. A day at sea brings us to Montgomery Reef on the Kimberley coast. As the falling tide reveals the reef, watch for cormorants, egrets, sea turtles, and reef sharks foraging for creatures trapped on the corals. Kimberley Sands Resort (or similar); National Geographic Orion for the remainder of the voyage. Meals: 4B, 4L, 4D

DAYS 8–13 I THE KIMBERLEY: HUNTER RIVER TO THE ORD RIVER Explore the mangroves and crimson cliffs of Hunter River by Zodiac or opt for a helicopter ride to Mitchell Falls. On Bigge Island, follow guides into caves filled with Wandjina rock art. Ride Zodiacs up King George River to spectacular twin waterfalls. In Purnululu National Park, encounter the otherworldly Bungle Bungle Range and take in aerial views on a flightseeing excursion. Or ride a small boat up the Ord River to Lake Argyle, searching for crocodiles, wallabies, and kookaburras. Land at Jar Island to visit the outdoor Gwion Gwion Aboriginal art gallery. Meals: 6B, 6L, 6D

DAYS 14–18: LESSER SUNDA ISLANDS, INDONESIA/U.S. Sail to the Indonesian isle of Sawu, and explore by kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel. Visit picturesque Larantuka and learn about its Portuguese influence. In Komodo National Park, observe the legendary Komodo dragon while on a hike with park rangers. Snorkel and dive the reefs near volcanic Satonda, or hike inland to a sacred lake. On Sumbawa, meet villagers to learn about local traditions. Disembark in Denpasar, Bali. Meals: 7B, 6L, 6D

Your National Geographic Expert

An Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and a team of naturalists will accompany this trip.

David Doubilet and Jen Hayes

Underwater Photographers

Husband-and-wife team David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes are underwater photographers who have photographed the ocean depths from Greenland to Indonesia on assignment for National Geographic. David has published more than 70 stories in National Geographic magazine. Find the departure(s) David and Jen will join on our website.

Information

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.

Dates: This expedition is offered in August.

Visit website for complete details and dates.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Under the Southern Cross: A Voyage from New Zealand to Melanesia

18 DAYS FROM $15,160

• Encounter rich cultures from New Zealand’s Maori to the spear dancers of the Solomon Islands.

• Venture to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed penal colony on Australia’s Norfolk Island.

• Explore mangroves by kayak and snorkel or dive among pristine coral reefs.

DAYS 1–5: U.S/AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND/ BAY OF ISLANDS Depart the U.S and arrive in Auckland on Day 3. Tour the city before setting sail for the Bay of Islands, an area rich in Maori culture. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and view its carved Maori meeting house. The Hotel Britomart; National Geographic Orion for the entire voyage. Meals: 2B, 2L, 3D

DAYS 6–13: NORFOLK ISLAND, AUSTRALIA/ NEW CALEDONIA/VANUATU After a day at sea, arrive at Norfolk Island and explore its World Heritage-listed penal colony. In New Caledonia, snorkel Oro Bay and venture into Queen Hortense’s Cave; or go for a birding walk or a vigorous hike. Enjoy a warm traditional welcome to Vanuatu and visit the World Heritage site of Lelepa and the petroglyphs of Fels Cave. Continue to mystical Ambyrm and witness a spiritual Rom dance. On Espiritu Santo, dive the incredible wreck of the S.S. President Coolidge or ride a canoe to Riri Blue Hole. Learn about local traditions on Loh Island and go hiking or snorkeling. Meals: 8B, 8L, 8D

DAYS 14–18: SOLOMON ISLANDS/ BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA/U.S. Sail to the Solomons, and anchor at Tikopia to visit timeless Polynesian villages. Greet villagers on Utupua, known for its handcrafted fishing canoes, and look for birds while exploring mangroves by Zodiac. Enjoy an elaborate dance on Owaraha and see Spirit Houses containing ancient relics. Disembark in Honiara, and tour poignant World War II sites. Fly to Brisbane for a final night before flights home the next day. Meals: 5B, 4L, 3D

Your National Geographic Expert

An Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and a naturalist will accompany this trip.

Krista Rossow

Photographer

Krista Rossow was a photo editor at National Geographic Traveler magazine, and shot feature stories as a contributing photographer for Traveler in South Africa, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Japan, and beyond. She judges Instagram contests for @NatGeoTravel and photo edits for National Geographic Books. Find the departure(s) Krista will join on our website.

Information

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.

Dates: This expedition is offered in October and from December through February.

Visit website for complete details and dates.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Coastal New Zealand: A Voyage from Auckland to Milford Sound

16 DAYS FROM $23,330

• Explore three phenomenal fjords: Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound.

• Delve into the rich culture of the Maori on a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

• See little blue penguins on the Otago Peninsula, and go whale watching off Kaikoura.

DAYS 1–9: U.S./NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND Arrive in Auckland after an overnight flight and discover the city sights on a guided tour. Embark the ship and voyage to the Bay of Islands to learn about Maori culture and visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Go hiking on Great Barrier Island, spend a day exploring the wild North Island coast, and visit the marvelous arboretum in Gisborne before a wine tour and tasting. In the art deco capital of Napier, take an architecture tour or go on a birding safari. The Hotel Britomart (or similar); National Geographic Orion for the remainder of the trip. Meals: 6B, 6L, 6D

DAYS 10–16: SOUTH ISLAND/U.S. Cross the Cook Strait and explore the many islands and golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise to the rich waters off Kaikoura, watching for sperm whales, dusky dolphins, humpbacks, and orcas. Continue to Dunedin, where we’ll seek out little blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins on the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. Alternatively, browse the Otago Museum’s impressive exhibits on nature, culture, and science. Venture into prehistoric podocarp forests on Stewart Island and watch for native birds like the weka and kaka in the rainforests of Ulva Island. Then enjoy two days to explore magnificent Fiordland National Park, home to 14 individual fjords. Discover remote Dusky Sound, and trace the shores of Doubtful Sound in a Zodiac, looking for wildlife. Cap off the trip on the incomparable Milford Sound, whose mirror-like waters are embraced by soaring peaks. Disembark and transfer to Queenstown for your flight home. Meals: 7B, 6L, 6D

Your National Geographic Expert

An Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and a team of naturalists will accompany this trip.

Todd Gipstein

Photographer

Todd Gipstein served as National Geographic’s Executive Producer for Multimedia for many years, producing award-winning documentaries on topics ranging from photography and nature to the Society itself. His images have been published in National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines and in numerous books. Find the departure(s) Todd will join on our website.

Information

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.

Dates: This expedition is offered in November, January, and February.

Visit website for complete details and dates.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Southern Odyssey: A Voyage to New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands

22 DAYS FROM $33,780

• Hike and kayak in Abel Tasman National Park, where rainforests stretch to the beach.

• Spend two days amid waterfalls, dramatic peaks, and wildlife on Milford and Dusky Sounds.

• Explore New Zealand’s wild and remote subantarctic islands, home to millions of penguins.

DAYS 1–8: U.S./NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND Arrive in Auckland and take a guided city tour. Embark the ship and trace the coast, watching for wildlife and stopping to explore by Zodiac and kayak. In bicultural Gisborne, visit the acclaimed Eastwoodhill Arboretum and enjoy a wine tour and tasting. Encounter art deco gems on an architectural tour of Napier, or go on a birding safari. The Hotel Britomart; National Geographic Orion for the entire voyage. Meals: 5B, 5L, 5D

DAYS 9–13: SOUTH ISLAND/SNARES ISLANDS In Abel Tasman National Park, hike through the rainforest with naturalists and swim or kayak in pristine bays. After a day at sea, arrive in Fiordland National Park, and enjoy two days among the dramatic scenery and wildlife of the spectacular Milford and Dusky Sounds. Continue south to the Snares Islands, which harbor endemic flora and fauna and 99 bird species. Meals: 5B, 5L, 5D

DAYS 14–22: SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS/ STEWART ISLAND/DUNEDIN/U.S. Spend several incredible days exploring New Zealand and Australia’s protected subantarctic islands, part of a vast World Heritage–listed marine landscape. By special permission, venture to the Auckland Islands to see New Zealand sea lions, albatrosses, and World War II relics; cruise Zodiacs along the shores of wild Enderby Island; and look for four penguin species on Australia’s Macquarie Island. On the return north, learn about Maori mythology on Stewart Island and look for elusive kiwi birds on Ulva Island. Disembark in Dunedin and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: 9B, 8L, 8D

Your National Geographic Expert

An Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and a team of naturalists will accompany this trip.

Ralph Lee Hopkins

Photographer

Ralph Lee Hopkins is a photography instructor and geologist who served as a photographer on the Arctic Expedition for Climate Action in July 2008 and has traveled beyond the Antarctic and Arctic Circles many times. His wildlife images have appeared in National Geographic’s books, magazines, and websites. Find the departure(s) Ralph will join on our website.

Information

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.

Dates: This expedition is offered from November through January.

Visit website for complete details and dates.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.