Jewels of the Arctic – showcasing the very best of the Arctic!
Katie Harber, our Senior Business Development Manager for the UK, has just returned from an unforgettable Jewels of the Arctic
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the High Arctic between mainland Norway and the North Pole, also know as Spitsbergen. A destination of a lifetime, our expeditions to Svalbard connect you to the majesty of this Arctic wilderness, where dramatic fjords, rugged mountain ranges and a fossil-rich polar desert await.
Overhead, puffins, guillemots and other native Svalbard avian circle, commanding your attention, while the scree slopes house the island’s largest little auk colony. Witness sea walruses puncturing the ice, beluga whales breaching or a fluffy Arctic fox. Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bear – witness one of these majestic, elusive creatures if you’re lucky. All leave a lasting impression.
The polar summer spans from May to September, where the Midnight Sun’s beautiful colours and contrasts adds an extra dimension to Svalbard’s glaciers, majestic mountains and Arctic tundra. This is the best time to enjoy outside exploration and take in this frozen land.
Svalbard is large and diverse, showcasing nature’s surprisingly rich and extremely varied landscapes. Life in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s capital city, may be perceived as harsh, but for those fortunate to live here, it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else. Its inhabitants strive to live as one with nature, working in harmony to uphold their unique way of life throughout the enormous seasonal variations in temperature, light and darkness.
Australia & New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
Australia and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands
Welcome to AE Expeditions’ newest frontier: the Subantarctic Islands of Australia and New Zealand. Discover a realm where towering cliffs plunge into icy waters, where colonies of penguins thrive, and where rare flora blankets the rugged terrain.
South of mainland Australia and New Zealand lies a realm of remote Subantarctic Islands, each with its own unique character. Immerse yourself in the remote outposts of Auckland and Campbell Islands, which serve as Australia and New Zealand’s gateway to Antarctica.
Perched on the Antarctic Convergence, Australia & New Zealand’s subantarctic islands are home to some of the most abundant and unique wildlife on Earth. Witness yellow-eyed penguins, sea lion harems and courting southern royal albatross in their natural habitats.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, our Expedition Team will ensure that every day brings new discoveries and unforgettable encounters with nature’s raw beauty.
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Ross Sea & East Antarctica,
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Ross Sea & East Antarctica,
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Australia & New Zealand Subantarctic Islands,
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Polar Expedition
DURATION
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Why Join a Subantarctic Islands Expedition Cruise?
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with AE Expeditions as we delve into the untamed wilderness of Australia and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or new to expedition cruising, our voyages promise unparalleled experiences that blend exploration education and adventure.
Discover the breathtaking coastlines, unique wildlife, rich indigenous history and spectacular marine life of this special corner of the world. From rugged coastlines to ancient forests, these regions are a sanctuary for nature lovers seeking unspoiled landscapes and untouched beauty.
The Subantarctic Islands boast a wealth of unique wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. Encounter iconic bird species, including penguins and the famous albatross. From bustling seal colonies, to breaching whales the waters of the Subantarctic Islands are part of a rich marine ecosystem teeming with life.
Whether you’re an avid explorer seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or a nature enthusiast looking for tranquility and solitude, Australia and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands offer something for everyone. Embark on a journey of discovery and adventure, and experience the magic of these captivating destinations firsthand.
Australia & New Zealand Wildlife Encounters
Immerse yourself in the captivating biodiversity of Australia and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, where every moment brings you face to face with remarkable wildlife in their natural habitats.
Endemic Mammals & Marsupials
Your skilled Expedition Team will help you spot some of the unique creatures that call these islands home. Keep a lookout for New Zealand sea lions basking on sandy beaches, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the elusive Hooker’s sea lion, one of the world’s rarest and most endangered sea lion species.
Birdlife
Prepare to be enchanted by the diverse avian residents of these islands. From the majestic albatross soaring overhead to the comical antics of penguins waddling along rocky shores, every encounter with the birdlife here is a spectacle to behold. Keep your eyes peeled for endemic species such as the yellow-eyed penguin and royal albatross, as well as a myriad of seabirds nesting along the rugged coastlines.
Marine Life
Beneath the waves, a vibrant underwater world awaits exploration. Dive or snorkel among colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, or marvel at the grace and beauty of marine mammals such as dolphins, seals, and even whales.
Experience the thrill of encountering dolphins, seals and even whales from the comfort of your purpose-built ship or on a Zodiac cruise, as they glide effortlessly through the crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands.
Unique Australia & New Zealand Experiences
Our expeditions offer a range of unique experiences that showcase the diversity and beauty of the region.
We aim to get you off your purpose-built ship as much as possible, so you can explore the incredible natural environment via our comprehensive activity program. Enjoy guided hikes, wildlife watching, Zodiac cruises, informative lectures and much more – every day is filled with new discoveries!
Learn about fascinating geology and unique biota from our onboard experts as you traverse the region’s rugged landscapes and pristine shores. Listen to informative lectures about ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting the unique flora and fauna of the Subantarctic Islands.
Svalbard Tours Regions
The Svalbard archipelago has nine main islands; some of these islands are connected by sea ice and expedition cruises are the only safe way to move between them. A lot of these islands are national parks, in fact, Svalbard has seven national parks in total. Find out more about the main islands below.
Spitsbergen
Svalbard’s largest island is 39,044 square kilometres. Its landscape is dominated by rugged mountains indented by post-card perfect fjords, and more than half of the island is covered in ice year-round. Six national parks protect its delicate environment and diverse fauna, which makes it a favourite for travellers visiting Svalbard. Spitsbergen is the only permanently inhabited part of Svalbard, with Longyearbyen the biggest settlement and administrative centre of Svalbard.
Nordaustlandet (North East Land)
The second largest island in the Svalbard archipelago is completely uninhabited. Situated entirely within the Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, it is made up of sizable ice caps and tundra.
Edgeøya (Edge Island)
Edgeøya is a Norwegian island situated in the southeast of the Svalbard archipelago. With an area of 5,073 square kilometres, it is the third-largest island in this archipelago. It forms part of the Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve and is home to polar bears and reindeer.
Barentsøya (Barents Island)
Named after the Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz, almost half of this island in the Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve is glaciated. While the island has no permanent human inhabitants, it is a favourite of polar bears and seabirds, especially kittiwakes.
Prins Karls Foreland (Prince Charles Foreland)
This long island on Svalbard’s west coast and its surrounding seas constitutes Forlandet National Park. It boasts jagged peaks and wild glaciers that remind one of the Antarctic peninsula, alongside vast green plains and polar deserts. The harbour seal is commonly found here.
Kvitøya (White Island)
When ice conditions allow, adventure seekers can discover Svalbard’s easternmost island, where polar bears roam and walrus swim. This island is the resting place of Andrée’s Arctic balloon expedition of 1897, which was one of the great mysteries of the Arctic for decades.
Kong Karls Land (King Charles Land)
This small island group is part of the Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve and boasts the largest concentration of polar bears in Svalbard. Because of this, there is a ban on traffic to the island, with ships and aircraft not being able to come within 500 metres of the area.
Bjørnøya (Bear Island)
The southernmost island of Svalbard is rarely visited because it can be challenging to access, with no protected bays, rough weather, strong wind and thick fog. While its history revolves around hunting, it is now an important scientific research site and the whole island is a nature reserve with restricted access.
Hopen
This small, remote island in the far southeast is part of the Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve. Visiting can be a lucky dip because of heavy ice, fog, rough waters and unprotected beaches. The island has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA), supporting breeding colonies of thick-billed guillemots, black guillemots and black-legged kittiwakes.
Destination Highlights
Australia & New Zealand Subantarctic Islands Activities
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Subantarctic Islands with AE Expeditions. Our Expedition Team will lead you on excursions to explore the unspoiled beauty of the southern wilderness, fully included in the cost of your expedition. Our expeditions provide a comfortable yet thrilling experience, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your time in one of the most remote corners of the planet.
Bird Watching
Photography
Polar plunge
Trips ashore
Walking
Whale and mammal spotting
Zodiac cruises
Lecture on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations
Add-on Activities
Snorkelling
Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place while snorkelling in Antarctica. AE Expeditions launched our snorkelling holidays…
Paddling
Paddling holidays visiting wild regions on an expedition to Antarctica, Costa Rica and Western Scotland are thrilling in our inflatable kayaks…
Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond. Sea kayaking holidays in the…
Scuba Diving
Explore mysterious underwater worlds in Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond. AE Expeditions operated scuba diving holidays…
*Optional add-on activities are available on select voyages. They are listed on each itinerary page and additional fees apply.
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FAQs: Australia & New Zealand Cruises & Expeditions
The duration of cruises from Australia to New Zealand varies depending on the itinerary. Typically, our expeditions range from 10 to 15 days. Expeditions that include additional stops at Subantarctic Islands, Tasmania, or even Antarctica may extend the journey to 20 days or more.
The cost of cruises to Australia and New Zealand can vary widely based on the length of the voyage, the type of stateroom selected, and the specific itinerary. For example, a 25-day Ross Sea Odyssey expedition can start from USD $27,356. Shorter cruises, like an 11-day Coastal Tasmania expedition, can start from AUD $12,316.
AE Expeditions specialises in unique expeditions to Australia, New Zealand, and the Subantarctic Islands. We offer a range of itineraries that provide an in-depth exploration of these regions. Our expeditions are designed to give you an unforgettable experience, blending adventure, education, and stunning natural beauty.
Our Australia and New Zealand cruises offer a blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Highlights include exploring Tasmania’s rugged coastlines, visiting remote Subantarctic Islands like Auckland Island and Campbell Island, spotting endemic species such as the Tasmanian devil and royal albatross, and enjoying guided hikes, wildlife watching, and Zodiac cruises.
Choosing an expedition cruise with AE Expeditions immerses you in the untamed wilderness and unique wildlife of Australia and New Zealand. You’ll experience breathtaking landscapes, rich indigenous history, and diverse marine life. Our expeditions offer educational opportunities through expert-led lectures and guided excursions, ensuring that every day is filled with discovery and unforgettable encounters with nature.
