Best Months To Visit Australia For Ideal Weather
Now that we understand that the seasons are flipped for the southern hemisphere we can explore when is the best time to cruise in Australia when you are looking for perfect weather and an abundance of other activities.
The best months to cruise in Australia are from October to April, which is when the weather is near perfect from Spring into Summer. These warmer conditions are ideal for exploring beaches, snorkeling, surfing, and much more! With the variety of cruises available, you can enjoy everything Australia has to offer.
It is also important to keep in mind that the Australian cyclone season starts on November 1 and ends on April 30, so if you choose a cruise during these months, you need to be flexible and expect your itineraries to be altered if a storm occurs.
This travel time will provide you with near-perfect conditions at the major ports of call in Australia, places like Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide among others. One additional thing to keep in mind is that the Aussies will often also be taking their vacations between late December and late January so there will be larger crowds and ports may be slow-moving.
A consideration for any traveler is that when youre cruising during the Australian summer season, from December to February, you must expect it to get hot. This will typically be mid to high 90s even while out on the water, so pack appropriately!
Sydney New South Wales
There are many popular shore excursions that depart from Sydney, including the world-famous Blue Mountains, a cruise on Sydney Harbour, and a trip to Hunter Valley wine country.
No visit to Sydney is complete without climbing to the top of the iconic Sydney Opera House for amazing views over the city and harbor.
Then there is Bondi Beach and the Royal National Park which is the oldest national park in Australia.
What Is Best Time To Do A Cruise To New Zealand From Sydney
Hi Anyone,
I want someone to give me an honest recount of their cruise from Sydney to New Zealand in respect of the weather condition. My family and I did a Princess Dawn cruise from Brisbane to the Pacific Islands and my daughter never came out of her room due to sea sickness. The water was rough. My husband and I got sick on the way home with 4 metre. swirls around the ship. We had previously been on cruises in Singapore and the Mediterranean and they were so calm. As you can understand I am not keen to go through that again. I truly need some info about crossing the high seas to New Zealand before I book a cruise. Denise Apprehensive
I am going in February and hoping for good cruising conditions, but nothing is guaranteed when crossing the ditch 🙂
Gaja
We have done two in March from Melbourne going across the ditch.
One trip it was bumpy going across and smooth coming back.
The other one was the opposite smooth as far as Auckland and bumpy as soon as we left fiordland.
It can be really hit or miss mind you the cruises we have done to NZ were among the best we have done had a great time.
Wouldn’t hesitate to do another.
Edited: 8 years ago
I think the best idea would be to wear sea bands on your wrists or take medication. Seas can be rough anytime going to and around NZ.
I’ve cruise the South Pacific in February and October and had good weather. I’ve cruised from Auckland to Tahiti in May and had good weather.
Edited: 8 years agoCruises
Read Also: Royal Caribbean Cruise To Bermuda From Cape Liberty
Helpful Tips Before You Go
As you prepare for your Australia & New Zealand cruise, theres a lot to think about, especially if youve never been here before. Create a checklist of key items you need to bring. This will help you have wonderful experiences everywhere you go, whether youre visiting historical sites, absorbing the local vibe, enjoying regional cuisine, or marveling at natural wonders you wont see anywhere else in the world.
- Book Flights by Celebrity® to be protected in case there is any cancellation.
- Research the shore excursions and book them in advance, pre-cruise. The popular shore excursions get sold out fast.
- All United States citizens will need to obtain a visa to visit Australia. This will need to be done in advance of your trip as it will be required for entry into the country.
- Remember to pack sunscreen, bathing suit, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
- Turn on your international cellular service plan.
- Have your documents protected and photocopied.
What Is The Best Time To Cruise To Australia & New Zealand
Thanks to a rather temperate climate, there are cruises to the continent of Australia nearly year-round. The summer months Down Under are actually considered winter in the U.S., so that’s the most popular time of year to visit . Just keep in mind that from December through February, it can get incredibly hot. For more: Australia Cruise Tips.
You May Like: What Cruise Lines Sail To Hawaii
New Zealand Cruise Tips
Tip: Exploring farther afield: Although most of the main areas worth visiting in New Zealand are accessible from the major ports, traveling around the country isn’t difficult pre- or post-cruise. Options include flying, with domestic airports at many popular locations making almost every part of the country accessible renting a car and self-driving, which is favoured by many people, as it allows for greater flexibility or taking a bus tour. Air New Zealand is the primary local carrier, and it offers an Explorer Pass, which is an affordable way to get around the country.
Related:
Tip: Travel by train: If you have time to add on a rail trip, New Zealand’s trains cater largely to tourists, and they offer undeniably scenic journeys through remote national parks, across volcanic landscapes and alpine passes, and along the rugged coastline. KiwiRail Scenic Journeys operates three routes: The Northern Explorer links Wellington and Auckland through the volcanic heart of the North Island. The Coastal Pacific travels between Christchurch and Picton on the South Island, hugging the coastline. The TranzAlpine is arguably the most famous route, linking Christchurch with Greymouth across breathtaking Southern Alps.
Related:
How Can I Narrow Down Where I Want To Go
This is a tough one you have to accept you wont see everything. Start by thinking about each country in isolation and having an honest conversation with yourself about what you really want to see in each.
As I touched on earlier, the beauty of Australia and New Zealand is that despite their proximity, theyre scenically very distinct. In only a matter of weeks, you can go from shaking the dust off your boots in the Outback to strapping on crampons and walking on a glacier.
If you really dont know where to start with New Zealand, opt for a classic South Island road trip. This is where youll find not only alpine panoramas, winelands and fjords, but also year-round whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals and more in Kaikoura.
With Australia, think about its varying ecosystems and which ones particularly appeal to you. The great knuckle-like, rust-red monolith of Uluru exerts a magnetic pull on some others are less enthralled. The Great Barrier Reef often sits near the top of many Australia wish lists, but, if youve previously visited extensive coral reefs in other parts of the world, you might want to try something new.
When it comes to the cities, I usually argue the case for including Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealands capital Wellington. But, in my book, you can skip over Auckland, New Zealands biggest city: it shares many of the same characteristics of Sydney . Its also possible to fly directly from Sydney to Wellington.
Read Also: What Is The Best Alaskan Cruise To Take
New Zealand’s Peak Tourist Season
The peak tourist season falls between mid-December and February. During the summer months, the region witnesses more footfall than usual, thanks to the abundance of wildlife and tourist attractions.
Now that you have a clear idea of when the best time to cruise Australia and New Zealand is, let’s find out a bit more about these two countries.
Important Information About This Website
finder.com.au is one of Australia’s leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don’t cover every available product or service.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn’t a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you’re unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.
Where our site links to particular products or displays ‘Go to site’ buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money here.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
You May Like: How To Book Flight And Cruise Together
Australia / New Zealand Cruise Guide
Celebrated for its colorful coral reefs, medley of majestic mountains and friendly multicultural cities, a cruise through these remote Oceania countries are well worth the trip.
A cruise to Australia and New Zealand is unlike any other vacation experience. Apart from taking in Sydneys glittering skyline, exploring the brilliant underwater jewels of the Great Barrier Reef, and hiking amid the towering peaks of New Zealands Southern Alps, passengers on an Australia and New Zealand cruise will be treated to an immersion of fascinating cultures and traditions which can only be found in Oceania.
Australia and New Zealand are neighboring island nations in the South Pacific, and although they share similar urban demographics, these two countries offer cruisers a uniquely different experience. Passengers can choose a cruise itinerary that sails through one national individually, or they can opt to incorporate both countries in their cruise itinerary to get the most out of their New Zealand and Australia cruise vacation. In recent years, circumnavigation cruises of Australia have become popular, while New Zealand has started to appear on some transpacific itineraries and repositioning cruises.
Cruising In Australia And New Zealand
There are basically four different types of cruises in Australia and New Zealand. First, you can fly into a major airport in Australia or New Zealand , embark on a cruise of 10-15 days to various ports in Australia, New Zealand or Tasmania, and then fly back home.
Second, you can book a segment of 15-100+ days of a world cruise that includes Australia and/or New Zealand ports. Third, you can take a repositioning cruise between Southeast Asia and Australia. Finally, you can fly to Australia and book a cruise of a week or more on a small ship that cruises only in the South Pacific. Let’s take a look at some of these in more detail.
You probably won’t see any kangaroos from a cruise ship, but that shouldn’t keep you from choosing to cruise to this intriguing continent. Cruise lines have discovered that many cruise lovers want to cruise down under, and many people have the time off to vacation from North America or Europe to Australia and New Zealand.
Most cruise travelers from North America visit Australia from November through March. Since the seasons are reversed, it’s perfect weather for cruising. Some cruise lines also base one or more ships in Australia year around. With the number of cruise ships built over the last few years, you have a wide variety of cruise ships to choose from.
The second type of cruise is a repositioning cruise from Asia or North America to Australia. These repositioning cruises all feature more sea days and are usually two weeks or even longer.
Recommended Reading: 8 Night Bermuda & Perfect Day Cruise
About Cruises To Australia & New Zealand
Cruise between two countries famed for spectacular natural beauty, artistic cities and thrilling shore activities.
Imagine your dream cruise to Australia and New Zealand. It probably involves exploring the Great Barrier Reef, sipping coffee in Wellington and meeting a koala bear. All of these dreams can become reality on an Australia and New Zealand cruise. Enjoy other unexpected sights and thrills along the way. Drift along breathtaking fjords in New Zealand or visit UNESCO-listed sites on an Australia cruise that is sure to take in a dazzling and diverse itinerary.
Multiple choices are available to anyone planning an Australia and New Zealand cruise. First, select your ship, which could be a family-friendly craft with myriad activities for children or a smaller vessel for more intimate adventures. Then choose an itinerary, which could cover either nation individually or include both for maximum variety in your Australia and New Zealand cruise vacation.
The two nations are very different, yet both promise thrills, sightseeing and natural beauty to any cruise liner pulling into port. In Australia, experience underwater wonderlands when you dock at Cairns or spend the day exploring the chic city center of Sydney. Book in advance for a sought-after place on a circumnavigation Australia cruise, which circles around the whole island continent.
New Zealand Cruise Itineraries
The majority of cruises visiting New Zealand during the summer are roundtrips from Australian ports, including Sydney and Melbourne. There are also opportunities for one-way voyages to Australia, usually departing from Auckland, or vice-versa from Sydney or Melbourne. Roundtrip itineraries are mostly longer voyages of 10 days or more, while the one-way trips can be as short as four nights.
Related:
Cruises From Australia: Roundtrip cruises from Australia commonly include stops at popular New Zealand ports, including Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Akaroa and Dunedin. Longer cruises have additional stops at destinations like Bay of Islands, Napier and Picton, as well as scenic cruising near Fiordland. Some itineraries will also tack on additional ports of call in eastern Australia in places like Melbourne, Hobart and Newcastle. Others include a handful of South Pacific destinations in New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji.
New Zealand-only Cruises: P& O has some New Zealand-only cruises on Pacific Aria, including a group of short itineraries. Offerings include roundtrip three-night comedy or food and wine cruises from Auckland, four-night comedy cruises from Auckland to Sydney, and a four-night roundtrip cruises from Auckland to Napier. APT offers a number of circumnavigation of New Zealand cruises during the summer months on MS Caledonian Sky.
You May Like: Should You Get Cruise Insurance
How To Choose Your Cruise: Australia New Zealand And Beyond
My first-ever cruise was from Broome to Fremantle, the port for Perth, on a small luxury expedition ship an eye-opening experience on many levels for this transplanted English Sydneysider. Id seen plenty of photographs of Western Australias striking coastline but when you fly into Broome for the first time, the raw, vibrant colours of land and sea really hit home. Red earth and bushy scrub are offset by that extraordinary turquoise ocean and the lengthy flight from east to west reminds you how vast and varied the island continent of Australia really is.
Theres a lot to discover in our own big backyard and beyond, to New Zealand. You can explore sophisticated, easily navigable cities and ancient places sacred to the worlds oldest living civilisation. Geographically diverse regions range from tropical rainforest to arid desert, vineyards and rolling green farmland, and from coast to coast you can find wild unspoilt beaches and extraordinary reefs . And an expedition voyage around the rugged Kimberley coastline takes you to one of the worlds great wilderness areas social distancing has never been an issue there.
Wine-lovers can sip and sample to their hearts content at vineyards and cellar doors within easy reach of Sydney , Melbourne , Adelaide and Busselton . Boutique distilleries and craft breweries are springing up all over the country, producing an array of spirits and imaginatively named beers and ciders.
New Zealand Cruise Port Highlights
Auckland, New Zealand: New Zealand’s most populous urban centre is a proper maritime city, with many yachts in the harbor. Visitors will find super museums and galleries, great shopping and cuisine, and wonderful wines. Away from the city center, tours head out to the wine-growing district, the glowworm caves or coastal sites like the raucous Gannet colony at Muriwai.
Related:
Wellington, New Zealand:Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city. It’s a lovely stroll along the waterfront, where several museums, including the magnificent Te Papa, are located near the retail district. Or you can head to the hills for a view from the local cable car. Beyond the city is one of the country’s most famous wine districts, set among the natural splendor of the Tararua Mountains. A fan of “Lord of the Rings”? Visit the film locations on a dedicated excursion.
Dunedin , New Zealand: This South Island port is also regarded as New Zealand’s architectural heritage capital. The foundations of New Zealand’s richest architectural heritage were built on the gold rushes of the 1860s, and today Victorian and Edwardian buildings can still be seen at every turn it’s believed to be the most perfectly preserved Victorian city in the world. Dunedin’s Scottish heritage is everywhere, from a statue of Robert Burns in the Octagon — the eight-sided heart of the central city — to the country’s only whiskey distillery.
Related:
Read Also: What Cruise Lines Leave From Cape Liberty Nj