Skylord Cruise and Holidays
All cruise regions

Cruise region

Australia & New Zealand

Cruising from Sydney opens up Australia's coast, New Zealand's spectacular fjords and the tropical islands of the South Pacific. Itineraries range from Great Barrier Reef ports such as Cairns and Port Douglas to Milford Sound and the Bay of Islands. It is an ideal way to make the most of the long journey from the UK.

Best time to go

November to March, the southern summer, for Sydney and New Zealand. The tropical north and the Pacific islands are drier from May to October.

Season

Mainly October to April.

Typical daytime highs

  • Sydney in summer (December to February). Typical daytime highs around 24 to 27°C in Sydney in summer (December to February). Warm and sunny.
  • New Zealand in summer (December to February). Typical daytime highs around 19 to 24°C in New Zealand in summer (December to February). Pleasantly warm and changeable.
  • Tropical north (all year). Typical daytime highs around 26 to 32°C in Queensland's tropical north all year round. Hot, with a wet season from about November to April.
  • Pacific islands (all year). Typical daytime highs around 26 to 30°C in the Pacific islands all year round. Warm and tropical.

These are typical ranges, not a forecast.

How long

Usually 7 to 14 nights, often with time in Sydney before or after.

Fly-cruise airports

  • Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD). about 22 to 24 hours with one stop
  • Auckland (AKL). about 24 to 26 hours with one stop
  • Perth (PER). about 17 hours non-stop

Who it suits

Travellers planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, those visiting family, couples and nature lovers.

Questions

How long is the flight to Sydney?

Around 22 to 24 hours with one stop, approximately.

When is the best time for an Australia and New Zealand cruise?

November to March, during the southern summer.

Can I see the Great Barrier Reef?

Yes. Cairns, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach are gateways to the reef and the Whitsunday Islands.

Show every Australia & New Zealand cruise

Ports and places