Australasia

• The Kimberley
• New Zealand & Subantarctic Islands

The overarching joy is that outside of Antarctica, you will visit some of Earth's least-inhabited parts, made for small-ship exploration. The landscapes present an epic scale, the coastline is often completely undeveloped, and unusual wildlife abounds. Visiting sacred aboriginal sites featuring rock art and listening to Aboriginal Australians interpret them is magical.

Alongside daily zodiac excursions, vessels will offer SUPs, kayaks, and certainly snorkelling or perhaps diving if anywhere near Australia's coral reefs. Hiking is also essential, especially around Te Anau and the acclaimed Milford Track.

It’s not just the uniqueness of Australia’s wildlife but its abundance, as you’re rarely out of sight of warbling kookaburras, parakeets, kangaroos, or possums. The birdlife is fabulous. Some terrifying critters exist, like Northern Territories and Queensland ‘salties’, humungous crocodiles, and funnel web spiders. Quirky would also describe New Zealand’s wildlife, although it has no deadly predators. You may not witness its flightless birds, the kiwi or kākāpō parrot, but voyages into the fjords will encounter bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and endemic Fjordland crested penguins.

Both Australia and New Zealand harbour living legacies of two ancient, very much alive cultures, with numerous heritage and spiritual sites that are a highlight of exploring Australasia. There is a strong kinship and reverence for the land among the multitudinous language groups of Australia’s aboriginals. Their artwork and sacred sites make for fascinating visits when interpreted by locals. Likewise, the Māori have a unique interpretation of the land developed since they first arrived in New Zealand 1000 years ago from their Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. Their welcome, manaakitanga, can be an elaborate part of their vibrant heritage.

Northern Australia and New Zealand’s South Island, in particular, remain wild with extensive wilderness and relatively unpopulated, which nurtures a pioneering spirit. Australia’s Kimberley coast is made for zodiac exploration, exploring bird-rich wetlands and crystalline waterfalls where you might swim and seeking out Australian Aboriginal art tens of thousands of years old. Likewise, New Zealand’s fjord coastline on the South Island’s west coast, with primeval-looking forests, can be explored wonderfully on foot – an activity sure to be offered by an expedition vessel.

Travellers are caught up in failing to apply for an e-visa in advance, so don’t forget. Confirmation is quick, and the fee is nominal. Likewise, New Zealand requires an ETA visa, valid for 2 years of multiple entries. Another administrative duty should include comprehensive travel insurance because, during remote Australasian voyages, extraction due to illness needs to be covered. It’s also worth considering the length of your international flight, which will involve over 20 hours of non-stop air travel. Consider a stopover city break, perhaps Singapore or Hong Kong, to break it up or upgrade for more legroom, maybe an emergency exit seat. Flight socks and constant hydration are advisable, as the risk of long-haul DVT shouldn’t be dismissed.

Your voyage wardrobe should reflect a multitude of climate zones. It’s going to be hot and humid in the Northern Territories and Kimberleys, so dress lightweight. You will feel the chill and experience rain on New Zealand’s South Island west coast, so good waterproofs and warm layers are essential. Bear in mind that Australia is an epicentre of skin cancer, so wear factor 50 SPF at all times and sunhat protection. In the water, a rash vest and swimming cap will avoid sunburn.