Home > Cruises > Australia Cruises > Australia & New Zealand

Australia & New Zealand

  Average Ship Rating 4.3 Based on 6 Reviews. No Booking FeesDedicated Consultant
Balcony
$10,285
Suite
$19,105
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
15 Days
 Cruise Starts
Sydney
 Cruise Finishes
Auckland
15 Day Australia & New Zealand Itinerary (Viking)
Countries Explored: Australia New Zealand
Cruise Line:
Ship
Departures
Passengers
930
Crew
465
Launched
2015-2023
Cruise Code
VKANZ

Overview

From the metropolitan cities of Melbourne and Sydney to the natural beauty of coastal New Zealand, guests will explore nine ports of call during this 15-day journey. Sip on famous regional wines, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Blue Mountains; explore the historic treasures of Dunedin, and capture panoramic views from Mt. Victoria in New Zealand.

Itinerary

Arrive in Sydney and embark your ship. The capital of Australian New South Wales is celebrated for its magnificent natural harbor, the world's largest. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains on the edge of the blue Pacific, Sydney is blessed with a natural setting few cities in the world can rival. Settle in to your veranda stateroom, and explore this culture-rich and much-loved city.

Begin your day in the heart of the city, at Sydney Cove. Explore the charming crooked streets of Sydney's historic district of The Rocks, where some houses date back to the early days of European settlement. Or, start off your day touring the bustling fish market with a local chef and taking your 'catch' on board a harbor sightseeing vessel. Fabulous food and wine and good company enhance this scenic outing. You might also explore the natural wonders of the nearby Blue Mountains. Or set out on your own, perhaps strolling to the famed Sydney Opera House on the stunning harbor.

Cruise the waters off the Australian coast of Gippsland today. This area was once plied by boats piloted by Aboriginal Australians. Today, it is one of the continent's most scenic regions of stunning beaches, old-growth forest and fertile farms. During your relaxing day at sea, you can learn more about Australia during informative lectures, attend a port talk to familiarize yourself with upcoming destinations and enjoy the many amenities on board. Relax in The Spa, browse the onboard art throughout the ship, or settle in the Living Room with a book from your ship's Library.

Discover Melbourne, capital of the Australian state of Victoria. During its heyday, it was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world. Today, you can uncover the cultural and historic treasures of, by some accounts, the most livable city in the world during a tour of its highlights. View the city's stately Victorian-era buildings and visit Fitzroy Gardens, where Cook's Cottage graces the landscape. Constructed in England by the parents of famed explorer Captain Cook, it was deconstructed brick by brick and reassembled here to celebrate the centenary of the city's founding. If you wish, join a visit to see some of Australia's iconic wildlife, such as the koala, wombat, kangaroo and wallaby. Ship will call at Geelong, Victoria on January 9, 2021 instead of Melbourne.

Sail across the Bass Strait today. Named after its discoverer George Bass, the shallow stretch of water separates Tasmania from the Australian continent. Enjoy the Sun Deck or scan the horizon from the Explorers' Lounge for one of the 60 islands that dot the strait. Tonight, try a regional specialty in The Restaurant, or take in a recent movie in one of our three theaters—two indoor and one under the stars on the Main Pool Deck.

Explore the fabled island of Tasmania, Australia's smallest state, named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. The capital, Hobart, was founded as a penal colony for some 300 inmates. Today, it is a charming city with a mild climate and a picturesque natural setting on the banks of the Derwent River. Its historic neighborhoods and traditional pubs are best explored on foot. You might wish to tour the former penal colony of Port Arthur, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an open-air museum chronicling the relocation of convicts here by the British Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, you will begin your crossing of the Tasman Sea. Just as many refer to an Atlantic journey as 'hopping the Pond,' Kiwis and Aussies refer to this voyage as 'crossing the Ditch.' Your day at sea provides the ideal opportunity to read about your upcoming ports in the Library and to perhaps make an appointment at The Salon for a hair treatment, manicure or shave.

Enjoy another leisurely day at sea as you cruise past the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island through Foveaux Strait, named after an early lieutenant-governor of New South Wales. Known for its oyster beds, the channel is less than 10 miles wide at its narrowest point and separates Stewart Island from South Island. Learn more about tomorrow's port at tonight's port talk and later enjoy a cocktail over the strains of jazz at Torshavn.

Call on scenic Port Chalmers today, whose harbor is faced by the hills of the Otago Peninsula. You will visit the region's cultural capital of Dunedin, founded in 1848 by Scottish settlers who gave it the Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Nestled among rolling green hills that drop sharply into the sea, it is one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the world and home to a wealth of Edwardian and Victorian buildings, including the stunning Dunedin Railway Station. You might alternately join an excursion to view one of the world's most accessible albatross rookeries, where you can observe these magnificent birds in their rich natural habitat.

Explore the English-flavored city of Christchurch, spread at the feet of the Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island. Today it is a stunning blend of British charm and natural beauty, with so many green parks that it has been nicknamed the 'Garden City.' See firsthand how the city is creatively preserving its iconic heritage. Visit the Container Mall, a series of stores set up in giant shipping containers, and the Cardboard Cathedral, welcoming worshippers until the Christchurch Cathedral is repaired. You will also visit the lush Christchurch Botanic Gardens, one of the world's most important of its kind. If you wish, explore the International Antarctic Center, where you can experience life in the continent's harsh climate and meet some resident penguins.

Visit Wellington today, hailed by many as 'the coolest little capital in the world,' brimming with cultural institutions such as the Museum of New Zealand and the National Art Gallery. The political capital of New Zealand enjoys a splendid setting among mountains and the sea. Enjoy a tour of its main sites, including the summit of Mt. Victoria, the Wellington Cathedral and the New Zealand Parliament's four buildings—including Parliament House, a dramatic neoclassical wonder, and the Executive Wing, known as the 'Beehive' for its shape. You will also see the renowned Wellington Botanic Garden, home to the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Perhaps join our Privileged Access visit to the Museum of New Zealand, or join a city tour fashioned for fans of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Cruise into Hawke's Bay today, New Zealand's second largest wine-growing region. Disembark to explore Napier's art deco architecture, built after much of the city was destroyed during a 1931 earthquake. Its eclectic mix of 'Main Street' design and art deco flair combine to create a city unlike any other in the world. Take it all in during a city tour, or venture farther afield to sample some of the region's beloved wines at its vineyards or to seek out some of the bay area's abundant birdlife, including the iconic gannet on nearby Cape Kidnappers.

Sail into the turquoise waters of the Bay of Plenty to visit the port of Tauranga, watched over by the dramatic Mt. Maunganui, an extinct volcano that helped shape this spectacular region of white-sand beaches and azure waters. Discover the highlights of one of New Zealand's main centers for business and culture. Or, you can explore the thermal region of Rotorua, sacred to the Māori for its bubbling mudpots, spewing geysers, silica terraces and fumaroles.

Arrive in Auckland, the cultural capital of New Zealand's North Island. Known as the 'City of Sails,' Auckland enjoys a stunning setting between two harbors. This seafaring city has hosted two America's Cup challenges; its marinas are brimming with world-class yachts. During an overnight stay here, you will have ample time to take in this Kiwi city's beauty and history, touring the tree-lined Albert Park and the neoclassical Auckland War Memorial Museum. Cross the harbor bridge to enjoy sweeping views from Bastion Point and pass through Parnell Village, lined with upscale shops and cafés. If you wish, visit the region's wine country this afternoon to sample some of its world-acclaimed vintages.

Disembark your ship this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or stay on in Auckland to explore more of this sophisticated and picturesque city.

Life Onboard Viking Ocean Ships

The Viking Fleet
The Viking Fleet

Viking Ocean Cruises boasts a fleet of new, award winning, state of the art ships incorporating all the comforts and luxuries you would expect from Viking. Read more

The Thinking Person's Cruise
The Thinking Person's Cruise

Viking are destination experts. With no casinos or children on board, you can be assured that the focus is firmly on enrichment and education. Read more

And Relax
And Relax

After a day of exploration or just to enhance the relaxation of a day at sea, the on-board Spa will leave you feeling recharged and revitalized. Read more

Destination Focused Dining
Destination Focused Dining

Viking offer eight on board dining options. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner at no additional charge of fee. Read more

All Inclusive
All Inclusive

Viking proudly includes all that you need and nothing you do not. A variety of features and services valued at $200 per person per day are standard inclusions in your cruise. Read more

Onshore Experiences
Onshore Experiences

Viking include one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call. Enjoy exclusive entry to cultural treasures and seldom-seen collections around the world. Read more

Play Youtube Video

Viking Orion Reviews (6) Most Recent 'Viking Orion' Reviews

4.3
AVG. RATING 4.3 / 5
6 Reviews
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Great to start in Anchorage   0 , QLD, Australia, Aug 2023
Thanks Jemma for everything to organise another great holiday for us. We really appreciated starting in Anchorage, and the 2 day pre-cruise extension was absolutely a great start. Marriott was well located and we loved the included orientation tour and then spending time exploring on our own. The transfer to the ship at Seward was very valuable as it's ...read more an awkward transfer if done independently. The cruise was good - but food was very American oriented - so lots of fried, fatty foods with not a lot of fresh - still - plenty to eat. Viking comfort and amenities were tops - as usual.

Stops we particularly liked were Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan. Haines was a disappointing stop as there's really nothing to do there and the "famed" Raptor Centre turned out to be a few sad bald eagles in very small cages and lots of stuffed wildlife specimens. Skagway would have been preferable. Wildlife sightings didn't happen - but the weather was perfect - so you can't have everything! Hubbard Glacier was also good - although a long day in fog to get to actually see the mammoth glacier! Finishing in Vancouver was great as it meant just one flight home - instead of the 2 to get to Anchorage and the reasonably long transit between which made for a very long start to the trip. Thanks Jemma - talk soon again...about our next travels!!
Fantastic experience   5 , Vic, Australia, Apr 2023
The Viking "Far Eastern Horizons" cruise was fantastic. The shore excursions were led by very experienced Japanese guides. The excursions gave us a snapshot look at some great Japanese cities- Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Osaka, Tokyo etc. and Taipei in Taiwan. The on board lectures given by historians on the history, culture and food of Japan were a wonderful ...read more adjunct for understanding our experience. The accommodation, food and entertainment on the ship were first class. Would thoroughly recommend this Viking experience. Attached a view of Mt. Fuji photographed from the dining room at breakfast!
First time Viking cruise   2 , VIC, Australia, Apr 2023
Georgie from Global Journey efficiently made the whole booking for such a long trip easy answering all our questions and making late changes stress free.
Viking Orion was a magnificent ship having everything included (except spa) made for a relaxing cruise. Crew were fantastic and food exceptional. Japan was wonderful with plenty of time to take ...read more in the culture and beauty. Scenery and wildlife in Alaska was spectacular although we were disappointed that 3 excursions were cancelled and some ports visits were short. The shuttle buses provided by Viking made it an ease to go downtown and we always got a warm welcome back! Crossing from Japan to Alaska, 7 days at sea was a bit long for us. Extension of Vancouver we would have been better to have done on our own. We made incredible friendships we would definitely cruise with Viking again and book with Georgie at Global Journeys. Big thanks 🌺
Japan, Taipei and Hong Kong   16 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2019
The quality of the Viking Orión was stunning. The food was excellent with good variety and choice. The crew were attentive and nothing was too much trouble. The shore excursions were generally informative and interesting. Time on the ship went quickly due to the wide choice of entertainment, talks and topical information provided.
Five Star in every respect. 16 , VIC, Australia, Jul 2019
This cruise was wonderful. The scenery was spectacular. An included optional excursion was available at every port and the arrangements for these ran like clockwork. Additionally there were a number of optional trips for which there was a charge. The times for these could be booked online pre cruise and so your personal itinerary was created. The cruise ...read more catered for approximately 900 passengers and because the ship was extremely well designed with a variety of spaces you never ever felt "crowded".

We really enjoyed the high quality of the food and we especially liked being able to book into the fine dining "Chef's Table" or the Italian "Manfredi's restaurant" if we pleased (available to all at no extra charge). A real highlight for me was participating in a French cooking lesson with 11 others. It was run by one of the chefs on the cruise. We also appreciated the talks given by the resident historians and specialists on board.

We certainly would book another cruise with Viking - in fact we have already done so! Jemma at Global Journeys was excellent. She responded to any enquiries relating to the trip very promptly and ensured all paperwork was in place in a timely manner. Thank you Jemma.
Viking Orion Cruise, 34 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2018
Almost new ship, with very good Penthouse suite, plenty of storage, great bathroom. Destinations were the attraction to book, and very good also, but August September 2018 very hot, especially in Egypt and Jordan, the worry of heat leading to our non-appearance for the Petra excursion. August & September proved to be a bad time for such a cruise and ...read more its excursions. Excellent on-board lectures/lecturers. Food OK, but a little below our expectations. Evening entertainment limited. All staff terrific.

Brochure

Ocean Cruises

Viking Cruises Ocean Cruises (2023-25)

With the widest ocean horizons filled with possibility, there are destinations to explore, cultures to welcome you and fantastic natural beauty to behold. A glimpse into the world of Viking reveals enriching itineraries covering some of the most rewarding and fascinating locations on the planet. Whether you choose to explore Scandinavia, the Mediterranean,...more North America, South America, the Caribbean, Asia, Australia or New Zealand, or experience one of our magnificent Grand Voyages, we look forward to welcoming you aboard a journey of discovery.

Availability Click on the cabin prices below to view upgrades and cabin details

Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 05 Dec 2023
Tuesday 19 Dec 2023
Ship Viking Orion
Balcony
Save $234
$11,461
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Air Credit Offer
Tuesday 02 Jan 2024
Tuesday 16 Jan 2024
Ship Viking Orion
Balcony
Save $252
$12,343
View Cabins
Suite
Save $550
$26,945
View Cabins
Air Credit Offer
Tuesday 30 Jan 2024
Tuesday 13 Feb 2024
Ship Viking Orion
Balcony
Save $258
$12,637
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Air Credit Offer
Friday 29 Nov 2024
Friday 13 Dec 2024
Ship Viking Orion
Balcony
Save $242
$11,853
View Cabins
Suite
Save $410
$20,085
View Cabins
Air Credit Offer
Monday 23 Dec 2024
Monday 06 Jan 2025
Ship Viking Venus
Balcony
Save $230
$11,265
View Cabins
Suite
Save $410
$20,085
View Cabins
Air Credit Offer
Friday 27 Dec 2024
Friday 10 Jan 2025
Ship Viking Orion
Balcony
Save $210
$10,285
View Cabins
Suite
Save $390
$19,105
View Cabins
Air Credit Offer
Friday 24 Jan 2025
Friday 07 Feb 2025
Ship Viking Orion
Balcony
Save $230
$11,265
View Cabins
Suite
Save $410
$20,085
View Cabins
Air Credit Offer
Friday 21 Feb 2025
Friday 07 Mar 2025
Ship Viking Orion
Balcony
Save $230
$11,265
View Cabins
Suite
Save $410
$20,085
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Viking.

Similar Cruises

16 Day Across the Bay of Bengal (Viking)

16 Days Mumbai Bangkok

Operated By: Viking

From 10,481
Save 214
16 Day Malta, Morocco & the Mediterranean (Viking)

16 Days Barcelona Barcelona

Operated By: Viking

From 13,617
Save 282
16 Day Across the Bay of Bengal (Viking)

16 Days Bangkok Mumbai

Operated By: Viking

From 10,285
Save 210
16 Day Canada & the Atlantic Coastline (Viking)

16 Days Toronto Fort Lauderdale

Operated By: Viking

From 14,695
Save 300