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.
Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ newest frontier: Australia and the Subantarctic Islands of 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.
Immerse yourself in Tasmania as you circumnavigate its breathtaking coastlines on a small ship expedition. Uncover its rich indigenous history, tread some of its greatest coastal tracks and visit the far-flung Bruny, Flinders and Maria Islands, where fur seal colonies and shy albatrosses reign.
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.
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.
Antarctica,
Australia & New Zealand,
Ross Sea & East Antarctica,
Antarctic Peninsula,
Antarctic Circle,
Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent
Expedition
DURATION
34 Days
FROM
USD $35,036.00
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Aurora 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.
Both Tasmania and the Subantarctic Islands boast a wealth of unique wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. Encounter iconic species such as Tasmanian devils, Bennett’s wallabies, and endemic bird species, including penguins and the famous kiwi bird. From vibrant coral reefs to bustling seal colonies, the waters of Tasmania and the Subantarctic Islands are part of a rich marine ecosystem teeming with life.
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Tasmania and the Subantarctic Islands, where indigenous history intertwines with tales of European exploration and settlement. Learn about ancient traditions, colonial history and the resilience of the people who have called these lands home for centuries.
Australia is renowned for its world-class walking trails, offering hikers the chance to explore diverse landscapes ranging from coastal tracks to alpine peaks. Experience the best (and least-known) walks in Tasmania, including those on Bruny, Flinders, and Maria Island. The Subantarctic Islands also offer unique trekking opportunities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the remote and rugged terrain.
Whether you’re an avid explorer seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or a nature enthusiast looking for tranquility and solitude, Tasmania 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.
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.
Your skilled Expedition Team will help you spot some of the unique creatures that call these islands home. Watch Bennett’s wallabies hop gracefully through lush forests, while wombats and possums forage amongst the undergrowth. 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, or the iconic Tasmanian devil, a feisty marsupial endemic to Tasmania, known for its fierce demeanour and powerful jaw.
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 brown kiwi, yellow-eyed penguin and royal albatross, as well as a myriad of seabirds nesting along the rugged coastlines.
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.
From learning about Tasmania’s long human history to exploring the delicate ecosystem of Campbell Island, 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 comprehehsice activity program. Enjoy guided hikes, wildlife wartching, Zodiac cruises, informative lectures and much more – every day is filled with new discoveries!
Learn about Tasmania’s human history, 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 Tasmania and the Subantarctic Islands.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Australia & New Zealand with Aurora Expeditions. Our Expedition Team will lead you on excursions to explore the unspoiled beauty of the Antarctic wilderness, fully included in the cost of your expedition. Our Australia & New Zealand 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
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*Optional add-on activities are available on select voyages. They are listed on each itinerary page and additional fees apply.
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