Ross Sea & East Antarctica
Expedition cruises to the Deep South from New Zealand / Australia
Ross Sea & East Antarctica
Expedition cruises to the Deep South from New Zealand / Australia
Set off from the southern Pacific and sail deep into the heart of Antarctica. These rare expeditions depart from New Zealand or Australia, combining wildlife-rich Sub-Antarctic islands and the remote reaches of Ross Sea and East Antarctica. Explore ice shelves, historic exploration bases, and wildlife in one of Earth’s last pristine frontiers. Walk among relics of the Heroic Age of Exploration: Scott’s and Shackleton’s huts. Expect Adélie penguin rookeries, and under ideal conditions, emperor penguin sightings on sea ice — though these are among the rarest highlights in Antarctica’s deep south.
Special Offer
In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton
January-March
28 days
Explore Antarctica's seldom-seen and spectacular Ross Sea, with its mountains, ice-shelves, abundant wildlife and fascinating history
Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: NZ Subanta
December-January
8 days
An 8 day expedition to remote Campbell Island, Auckland Islands & the Snares Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with unique birdlife and mammals
Galapagos of the Southern Ocean
November-December
12 days
A 12 day expedition to wildlife rich Macquarie Island as well as Campbell, Auckland Islands and the Snares, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Bellingshausen Sea, Peter I Isl & Ellsworth Land
January-February
25 days
An epic 25 day expedition cruise to the the farthest southern reaches of the Antarctic Peninsula onboard the helicopter equipped M/V Ortelius
What Makes the Ross Sea & East Antarctica Unique
The Ross Sea region is often called “the last ocean” — one of the most untouched marine ecosystems on the planet. It boasts colossal ice shelves, ancient explorer huts, the Transantarctic mountain backdrop, and a wildlife ecosystem still relatively undisturbed by tourism. Only heavily reinforced expedition vessels with high ice class ratings can safely navigate these remote waters. Some voyages include helicopter support for landing in otherwise inaccessible areas.
Departures from NZ & Australia: Extended Itineraries
These voyages often begin by visiting Sub-Antarctic islands such as The Snares, Auckland Islands, Macquarie or Campbell Island, giving you a layered expedition: island wildlife, long southern crossings, then deep Antarctica. Typical itineraries begin with the Snares Islands, Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, or Macquarie Island, where you can see nesting seabirds, penguins, and endemic island ecosystems. Once in the Ross Sea, the itinerary might include visits to Cape Adare, Ross Island (with Mt. Erebus), McMurdo Sound / Scott Base, historic huts (Scott, Shackleton) and exploration of the Ross Ice Shelf. Where possible (depending on ice), you may venture further east — remote coasts, hidden bays, rarely visited landing sites in East Antarctica. Typical voyages last 25–30+ days, operating in January–March, when sea ice allows deeper penetration. Ice conditions are unpredictable — the itinerary is always subject to change. Voyages may start in Queenstown / Bluff (NZ) or Hobart / Australia, with pre- or post-cruise flights or transfers.
Contact us now and let our polar experts help you to discover this Last Great Antarctic Frontier!
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