From the buzz of Sydney – surely one of the world’s most breath-taking harbours – to the natural beauty of Milford Sound on New Zealand’s South Island, there is just so much to take in. Sydney and Auckland are often the high spots of round the world cruise itineraries, with ships docking during the southern hemisphere summer. Well-known ports in Australia such as Darwin, Brisbane, Melbourne and Fremantle can now be combined with more off the beaten track calls at Townsville for the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island and Tasmania. Shore excursions range from crocodile hunting and kangaroo spotting in the Kakadu National Park to snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Then hop across the Tasman Sea for New Zealand’s breathtaking landscape, captured so superbly in the Lord of the Rings series of films. Unspoilt coastlines, steep fjords and volcanoes set the scene for amazing outdoor activities ranging from bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, to glacier skiing on Mount Cook and hiking the wonderful Milford Track. Don't miss out on the spouting thermal geysers in Rotorua in the North Island and tasting the fabulous Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from award-winning vineyards around Hawke’s Bay or Marlborough.

Cruises to Australia and New Zealand start in the Autumn and carry on through the winter months. As the seasons are reversed, it's perfect weather for cruising. Australia and New Zealand are often featured on itineraries on many around the world cruises.