Mawson's Antarctica
Hobart, Tasmania - Dunedin
- Dec 11 - Jan 03 2026
- 24 Days
- Douglas Mawson
Price from£21,229/person
Antarctica Cruises from New Zealand (Ross Sea Cruises)
Search and book 35 expedition cruises to Antarctica from New Zealand with Polar Escapes.
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Best Antarctica Cruises from New Zealand
Discover East Antarctica and the Ross Sea on our range of Antarctic cruises departing from New Zealand, chosen by our team of experts with 35 years of experience.
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35 years of East Antarctic Experience
Free advice from people who have been there.
35 years of East Antarctic Experience
Free advice from people who have been there.
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Travel with confidence.
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East Antarctica Destinations
Follow Scott and Shackleton's route to Antarctica. Cross the Southern Ocean and journey deep into the heart of Antarctica. Explore the Ross Sea, the least visited part of the white continent. This is real Antarctic exploration!
Ross Sea Region
South of the Antarctic Circle, the seldom-explored Ross Sea region is known for its gigantic tabular icebergs, austere landscapes, coasts trapped by sea ice, and emperor penguins. Visit the preserved huts of Shackleton and Scott, a testament to the early days of exploration of the Antarctic continent. Explore Ross Island and marvel at the wildlife, including large colonies of Adelie penguins.
Situated approximately halfway between New Zealand and East Antarctica, Macquarie Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for wildlife, including endemic Royal Penguins. Cruises to East Antarctica from New Zealand often split up the long sea voyage by visiting Macquarie Island on the way south.
New-Zealand Subantarctic Islands
The New Zealand subantarctic islands are the perfect stopping point for an East Antarctica cruise. The islands are rich in birdlife, including southern royal albatrosses and biodiversity. See the endangered yellow-crested penguin on the Auckland Islands and explore the Snares Islands on a zodiac cruise around their rocky coastline.
When To Go
January - February
-2°c - 4°c (28°F - 40°F)
(average summer temperature)
24 Hours Of Sunlight
(at height of summer)
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And Penguins.
What Will I See?
Explore one of the most remote regions on Earth seldom-visited by humans.
Wildlife
The Ross Sea is rich in wildlife. Visit the largest colony of Adelie penguins on Cape Adare, home to over 300,000 pairs. Much of the wildlife in the Ross Sea lives on the pack ice. Emperor penguins, leopard seals and orcas are frequently sighted around the ice floes.
Historic Huts
One of the highlights of East Antarctica is visiting Shackleton's hut at Cape Royds on Ross Island. It was built in 1907 and contains many artefacts from his Nimrod expedition to reach the South Pole. Other historic sites include Mawson's hut and Scott's huts at Hut Point, Cape Evans, which offer a glimpse into the heroic age of Antarctic exploration.
Epic Polar Scenery
From the Ross Ice Shelf to Mt Erebus, East Antarctica features some of the most captivating landscapes in the polar regions. The Ross Sea is known for its gigantic tabular icebergs, remote Antarctic islands, and thick sea ice, which are all part of the adventure.
Expert Advice From Polar Escapes
‘Exploring the Ross Sea on an Antarctica cruise from New Zealand is another adventure. Those willing to make the journey will be rewarded by visiting one of the planet’s most inspiring and least visited places. The wildlife, sheer history and scenery are out of this world.’
Common Antarctica Cruises From New Zealand
28-day In The Wake of Scott and Shackleton Cruise
Travelling with a team with over 35 years of experience aboard the Heritage Adventurer, this expedition cruise offers the most in-depth option for exploring the Ross Sea. The itinerary focuses on wildlife viewing and polar history with planned visits to historic huts and shore landings on a daily basis. This itinerary also offers an in-depth exploration of the Subantarctic Islands.
22-Day East Antarctica Luxury Expedition
Discover the Ross Sea onboard the luxury expedition cruise ship Le Soleal. This Antarctica expedition offers a chance to experience the furthest reaches of Antarctica in 5-star luxury. The voyage breaks at Macquarie Island and provides an opportunity to visit The Snares and other remote islands.
26-Day Ross Sea Odyssey Cruise
Join a small-ship expedition cruise on an X-bow ship and discover curious penguins in their tens of thousands in some of the most rarely visited places on the white continent.
Ships
Heritage Adventurer
The Heritage Adventurer was purpose-built as an expedition ship for exploring the most remote corners of the polar regions. The ship offers two sailings per year between New Zealand and the Ross Sea. It takes 140 guests per voyage, ensuring an intimate experience. It has one of the most experienced teams of expedition guides in the Ross Sea region.
Launched in 2025, Douglas Mawson is named after the Australian geologist who dedicated his life to exploring East Antarctica. The ship is the latest to feature the X-bow design for improved stability in rough seas.
Le Soleal is a medium-sized luxury ship for up to 200 travellers. It offers 1 -2 sailings per year from Invercargill to the Ross Sea. This stylish ship offers a chance to explore the Ross Sea in 5-star luxury. Onboard Le Soleal, there is a world-class expedition team of expedition guides.
Antarctica Cruises from New Zealand (Ross Sea Cruises) FAQ
How do you get from New Zealand to Antarctica?
The only way to get directly to Antarctica from New Zealand is on an expedition cruise sailing from New Zealand’s South Island to East Antarctica. As Antarctica has no commercial airports, it is not possible to fly there from New Zealand unless you are a scientist or researcher.
The other option is to fly to Ushuaia in South America and join an expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia via the Drake Passage.
Most Antarctic cruise itineraries from New Zealand focus on East Antarctica and the Ross Sea region. However, it is also possible to do a semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica from New Zealand to Ushuaia, Argentina.
How long does it take to sail from New Zealand to Antarctica?
An expedition ship takes 6 and 7 days to sail from the South Island of New Zealand to reach East Antarctica. Macquarie Island and the New Zealand Sub antarctic Islands, such as Campbell Island, Auckland Island, and the Snares, make excellent stopping points to help break up the voyage. The islands are home to unique wildlife, such as Royal Penguins, making a landing on the islands one of the journey’s highlights. The green scenery is a stark contrast to the polar ice cap of East Antarctica.
How Far is New Zealand from Antarctica?
The distance from New Zealand’s South Island to the Ross Sea in Antarctica is approximately 2142 miles (3447km).
How much does it cost to go to New Zealand from Antarctica?
A 28-day expedition cruise from New Zealand to Antarctica starts at £24,250 ($31,100) per person. As cruises to East Antarctica take longer, the cost is higher than sailing to Antarctica from Ushuaia in Argentina.
When is the best time to go to Antarctica From New Zealand?
The window to travel to Antarctica from New Zealand is between late December and February when the southern summer is at its peak. Due to the Southern Ocean’s stormy and extreme weather conditions, sailing to East Antarctica at other times of the year is impossible.
Do I need a visa to travel to Antarctica from New Zealand?
You do not need a visa to travel from New Zealand to Antarctica. You are required to have a valid passport to board the ship.
Where do Antarctica cruises from New Zealand depart from?
Ross Sea Antarctica cruises depart from Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand, Dunedin, Invercargill, and Queenstown are the major ports located on the South Island. Cruises from Australia depart from Hobart in Tasmania.
Can you visit McMurdo Station?
McMurdo station is one of the largest research bases in Antarctica. Since the pandemic, tourists have been unable to visit McMurdo, but this could change. Â
