TRAVELLING TO Antarctica Cruises from Australia and New Zealand
TRAVELING TO ANTARCTICA CRUISES FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Traveling to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand can be achieved in a few ways: you can fly to South America and depart from Ushuaia, Argentina or depart directly on your Antarctica cruise from Australia or New Zealand.
The most popular and affordable Antarctic journey is to fly to Argentina and board your ship in the southernmost city of the world, Ushuaia. Ushuaia is accessible from both the US and Australia.
From here you can visit the Antarctic Peninsula as well as the sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands on your Antarctic cruise. A cruise will take anywhere from 10-21 days when leaving from Ushuaia but if crossing directly to the peninsula you can be there in as soon as one and a half to two days.
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most popular due to its accessibility and the plethora of wildlife found. The coast offers a dramatic mountainous backdrop being an extension of the Andes Mountain range. The entire region including the sub–Antarctic Islands is home to incredible history, including Shackleton’s epic journey of survival.
Taking a cruise ship to Antarctica from Australia
You can also cruise Antarctica from Australia, departing from either Australia (Hobart) or New Zealand (Invercargill or Bluff). This amazing adventure visits the lesser frequented East Antarctica and it will take about seven days to arrive at the white continent, which can be broken up by visits to Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell Islands, all rich in wildlife and nature.
Once you arrive in Antarctica, you’ll spend time around Commonwealth Bay or the Ross Sea region.
A cruise to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand offers the opportunity to witness the immense natural landscapes and seascapes of this incredibly remote yet ruggedly beautiful part of Antarctica and the best chance to see emperor and king penguins. Steeped in history, East Antarctica is where the explorers Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen gained fame with their expeditions to be the first to reach the South Pole. This part of Antarctica is also home to the historic Mawson’s Huts at Commonwealth Bay, so Antarctica tours departing from Australia allow you to see a unique part of the continent missed by many visitors.
One of the biggest advantages of Antarctica tours from Australia and New Zealand is that you board your ship and head straight to Antarctica—no flights to South America required. However, the trade-off is that you’ll spend more time at sea and the journey is longer, which means the cruise to Antarctica from Australia price is more expensive.
Where does a cruise from Australia to Antarctica depart from?
Hobart in Australia and Invercargill in New Zealand both host Antarctic cruise vessels heading south for the summer. A round trip cruise to this part of the world will take about 21 days in total, including 7 days crossing to Antarctica, frequently stopping to visit remote islands such as Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell.
What is it like: The cruise to East Antarctica alone is an extraordinary journey in itself. Visiting remote islands along the way offers the traveler an incredible opportunity to witness unique wildlife, history, and geology. These islands were frequented and studied by Australia’s Antarctic Iceman of the heroic age of exploration, Douglas Mawson, and continue to be examined by modern scientists today.
Reaching the continent of East Antarctica after a week of exploration is a sight to behold with large ice shelves, vast seas, and icebergs greeting travelers like a giant spectacle, a reward for taking the time to get there. Here you have the best chance of seeing the famed Emperor penguin, and it is also the base for some of Antarctica’s most incredible historic moments. If weather conditions allow, it is also the place to be to visit Douglas Mawson’s huts and indulge in Australia’s first true link to Antarctica.
Getting there: Using local airlines in Australia, such as Virgin Australia or Qantas, you’ll find great connections through to both Hobart or Invercargill where you will meet the vessel for your Antarctic cruise adventure.
More information: There are fewer options to visit East Antarctica than there is on the Peninsula, but they are all incredible journeys.
Click below to browse our favorite journeys.
Want to travel to Antarctica first flying from Australia/New Zealand and then cruising from South America?
Where: Argentina’s Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world, is the primary gateway for Antarctica cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula as well as the sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. It is also possible to depart your Antarctica cruise from Chile’s Punta Arenas – this is where our Fly/Cruise options depart from, for those passengers who want to skip the crossing of the Drake Passage.
What is it like: The Antarctic Peninsula is the most popular and most frequently visited region of Antarctica and perfect for first-time visitors. It offers the ideal introduction to Antarctica, its incredible wildlife, glacier landscapes and history.
Getting there: Qantas, LATAM, and Air New Zealand fly from the east coast of Australia to Santiago and Buenos Aires where connections can be made through to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas. Leaving from Perth, you may want to consider an Emirates flight to Buenos Aires, which can both save time and money.
For the best rates for Australians traveling to Antarctica: click here
If you’re interested in Antarctica cruises out of South America, please visit our main Antarctica Cruise page.
To help you decide where you want to visit, click on the trips below and start dreaming about your Antarctic cruise. We’re happy to help with your trip planning too, so please get in touch with any questions.
TRAVELING TO ANTARCTICA CRUISES FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Traveling to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand can be achieved in a few ways: you can fly to South America and depart from Ushuaia, Argentina or depart directly on your Antarctica cruise from Australia or New Zealand.
The most popular and affordable Antarctic journey is to fly to Argentina and board your ship in the southernmost city of the world, Ushuaia. Ushuaia is accessible from both the US and Australia.
From here you can visit the Antarctic Peninsula as well as the sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands on your Antarctic cruise. A cruise will take anywhere from 10-21 days when leaving from Ushuaia but if crossing directly to the peninsula you can be there in as soon as one and a half to two days.
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most popular due to its accessibility and the plethora of wildlife found. The coast offers a dramatic mountainous backdrop being an extension of the Andes Mountain range. The entire region including the sub–Antarctic Islands is home to incredible history, including Shackleton’s epic journey of survival.
Taking a cruise ship to Antarctica from Australia
You can also cruise Antarctica from Australia, departing from either Australia (Hobart) or New Zealand (Invercargill or Bluff). This amazing adventure visits the lesser frequented East Antarctica and it will take about seven days to arrive at the white continent, which can be broken up by visits to Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell Islands, all rich in wildlife and nature.
Once you arrive in Antarctica, you’ll spend time around Commonwealth Bay or the Ross Sea region.
A cruise to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand offers the opportunity to witness the immense natural landscapes and seascapes of this incredibly remote yet ruggedly beautiful part of Antarctica and the best chance to see emperor and king penguins. Steeped in history, East Antarctica is where the explorers Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen gained fame with their expeditions to be the first to reach the South Pole. This part of Antarctica is also home to the historic Mawson’s Huts at Commonwealth Bay, so Antarctica tours departing from Australia allow you to see a unique part of the continent missed by many visitors.
One of the biggest advantages of Antarctica tours from Australia and New Zealand is that you board your ship and head straight to Antarctica—no flights to South America required. However, the trade-off is that you’ll spend more time at sea and the journey is longer, which means the cruise to Antarctica from Australia price is more expensive.
Where does a cruise from Australia to Antarctica depart from?
Hobart in Australia and Invercargill in New Zealand both host Antarctic cruise vessels heading south for the summer. A round trip cruise to this part of the world will take about 21 days in total, including 7 days crossing to Antarctica, frequently stopping to visit remote islands such as Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell.
What is it like: The cruise to East Antarctica alone is an extraordinary journey in itself. Visiting remote islands along the way offers the traveler an incredible opportunity to witness unique wildlife, history, and geology. These islands were frequented and studied by Australia’s Antarctic Iceman of the heroic age of exploration, Douglas Mawson, and continue to be examined by modern scientists today.
Reaching the continent of East Antarctica after a week of exploration is a sight to behold with large ice shelves, vast seas, and icebergs greeting travelers like a giant spectacle, a reward for taking the time to get there. Here you have the best chance of seeing the famed Emperor penguin, and it is also the base for some of Antarctica’s most incredible historic moments. If weather conditions allow, it is also the place to be to visit Douglas Mawson’s huts and indulge in Australia’s first true link to Antarctica.
Getting there: Using local airlines in Australia, such as Virgin Australia or Qantas, you’ll find great connections through to both Hobart or Invercargill where you will meet the vessel for your Antarctic cruise adventure.
More information: There are fewer options to visit East Antarctica than there is on the Peninsula, but they are all incredible journeys.
Click below to browse our favorite journeys.
Want to travel to Antarctica first flying from Australia/New Zealand and then cruising from South America?
Where: Argentina’s Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world, is the primary gateway for Antarctica cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula as well as the sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. It is also possible to depart your Antarctica cruise from Chile’s Punta Arenas – this is where our Fly/Cruise options depart from, for those passengers who want to skip the crossing of the Drake Passage.
What is it like: The Antarctic Peninsula is the most popular and most frequently visited region of Antarctica and perfect for first-time visitors. It offers the ideal introduction to Antarctica, its incredible wildlife, glacier landscapes and history.
Getting there: Qantas, LATAM, and Air New Zealand fly from the east coast of Australia to Santiago and Buenos Aires where connections can be made through to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas. Leaving from Perth, you may want to consider an Emirates flight to Buenos Aires, which can both save time and money.
For the best rates for Australians traveling to Antarctica: click here
If you’re interested in Antarctica cruises out of South America, please visit our main Antarctica Cruise page.
To help you decide where you want to visit, click on the trips below and start dreaming about your Antarctic cruise. We’re happy to help with your trip planning too, so please get in touch with any questions.
WHY TRAVEL WITH CHIMU ADVENTURES
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We are true Polar specialists. Almost every Chimu team member has travelled to either Antarctica or the Arctic and collectively we have experienced over 50 expeditions.
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You can choose from over 130 cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic,including itineraries aboard our own charter vessels.
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We have inspected and continue to thoroughly research each individual vessel we work with, selecting only those with environmental, safety and value credentials.
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We know all things Polar by heart and will work with you to determine which ship and itinerary is best suited to your needs.
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Travellers visit the Polar regions for different reasons so whether your interests are wildlife or photography, or Antarctic activities such as snowshoeing and kayaking, we can work around you for the perfect trip.
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From your initial enquiry until your trip ends, you will be assigned a personal Destination Specialist who will offer a full service for your travel needs: we can book flights, insurance and any ancillary travel required to complete your journey.
Antarctica : CRUISE DIRECT from Australia and New Zealand
Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific
Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand
SHIP: Heritage Adventurer
START: Invercargill, New Zealand
FINISH: Invercargill, New Zealand
Galapagos of the Southern Ocean
Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand
SHIP: Heritage Adventurer
START: Queenstown, New Zealand
FINISH: Queenstown, New Zealand
Best of Antarctica
Antarctic Peninsula
SHIP: Ocean Endeavour
START: Ushuaia, Argentina
FINISH: Ushuaia, Argentina
Unexplored Antarctica Between Two Continents
Antarctica & Ross Sea
SHIP: Le Commandant Charcot
START: Santiago, Chile
FINISH: Hobart, Australia
Ross Sea Expedition 2026
Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand & Antarctica
SHIP: Le Soleal
START: Dunedin, New Zealand
FINISH: Dunedin, New Zealand
Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey
Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
SHIP: Ocean Nova
START: Ushuaia, Argentina
FINISH: Ushuaia, Argentina
Antarctica Cruises from Australia and New Zealand REVIEWS
All Chimu Adventures' clients are given the opportunity to review their trip once they return home. These reviews are administered by a third party and as such are unfiltered by Chimu Adventures.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A high level of fitness is not necessary for cruises to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand, but you need to be in good health as although there is generally a doctor on board the ships, you are a long way from any other medical assistance. The majority of activities are focused around shore excursions and zodiac cruising and so you need to be agile and able-bodied enough to climb into and out of the inflatable zodiacs from both the ship and the shore. On shore landings you may need to negotiate uneven and slippery ground. Shore excursions generally involve some walking
All of 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. We consistently monitor weather conditions and will always provide you with the best possible adventure without risk of injury to you or the vessel. While some landings and activities may need to be rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, every effort is made to have a contingency plan should such conditions become a reality during your expedition. Chimu have been the experts in Antarctic travel for well over 10 years and use our vast experience and knowledge when picking the vessels we sell to provide you with an adventure that is unforgettable for all the right reasons.
A pre-arranged visa is not required to enter Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand.
Cruises to Antarctica from Tasmania (Hobart) and to Antarctica from New Zealand (Invercargill or Bluff) can reach East Antarctica in 6 to 7 days, but most voyages break up the days at sea with visits to The Snares, Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island and Campbell Island.
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will be able to see Mawson’s Huts. The presence of two immense icebergs had blocked access to Commonwealth Bay for many years. In January 2016, Chimu Adventures operated the first commercial expedition to the site for 5 years, after the two icebergs finally shifted. Although access to Commonwealth Bay was possible, the huts could not be reached due to the ice floe. Cape Denison in Commonwealth Bay where the timber huts are located, is known as the “home of the blizzard”, one of the windiest places on Earth, with frequent strong katabatic winds. Your chances of seeing Mawson’s Huts will always depend on the weather and ice conditions and the accessibility of Commonwealth Bay. If you are fortunate enough to gain access to the huts and see some of the relics of Mawson’s infamous 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition, it will be an amazing experience that will give you an insight into the harsh conditions that these explorers were subjected to and endured.
Scott’s Hut is located on Ross Island, on the north shore of Cape Evans. Scott’s Discovery Expedition Hut is located at Hut Point on Ross Island, near to McMurdo Station, the US Antarctic Research Station and Base. Access to the huts is completely dependent on ice and weather conditions, and although every effort will be made to visit the huts, this cannot be guaranteed. In recent years the success rate of visiting Scott’s Hut has been high.