Travel Advice
Duration
33 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
4 Ports
8-9 February
Setting sail from Dunedin
It's an odd concept - Edinburgh, but on New Zealand's South Island. Visitors are amazed by the extraordinary Victorian and Edwardian buildings dating back to the gold rush, which bring to mind the city's Scottish roots - not least when the sound of the pipes echoes through the streets. Of course the region was inhabited by Māori long prior to the European arrival, so a rich history abounds. Meanwhile outside the city, the extraordinary natural beauty and wildlife of the Otago peninsula are on hand, home to New Zealand fur seals, Hooker's sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, and the only mainland royal albatross colony in the world.
Don't miss
Larnach Castle rises high above the harbour – wonderful views, and great gardens and grounds too, the best place for high tea!
10-14 February
At sea
15-16 February
Australia: Macquarie Island
Macquarie Island lies far to the south of mainland Australia, a bizarrely shaped subantarctic island that is home to unique flora and spectacular wildlife. The island is best known for its huge penguin rookeries, with thousands upon thousands of royal, king, southern rockhopper and gentoo penguins.
17 February - 5 March
At sea
6-10 March
Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica is the world’s last great wilderness, an alien landscape of snow-covered mountains, jagged icebergs and extraordinary wildlife. March is too late to see penguin chicks, and temperatures are getting colder, but it’s a great time to spot whales, with species including humpback, sperm and orca. Expedition trips will spend time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, making several landings at various sites and cruising through scenic channels.
11-12 March
At sea
13 March
Arriving in Ushuaia
Ushuaia is sometimes described as 'the city at the end of the world', though its rugged beauty is far from apocalyptic. Perched on the ragged southern edge of Argentina, where the snow-capped Andes fall away into the churning sea, the city has a frontier town feel to it, and serves as the base for expeditions into the icy waters of Antarctica. There are also plenty of outdoor pursuits on offer here, including hiking, skiing and fishing, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park is home to spectacular scenery and wildlife including penguins, guanacos, sea lions and condors.
Our tip
You can finish off your cold weather shopping here, they have all the best stuff.
Your home from home
The brand new expedition ship from AE Expeditions sets sail in 2025 and promises the latest in cutting-edge nautical technology for immersive exploration in complete comfort.
What we love
The third ship to join AE Expeditions' fleet of revolutionary purpose-built expedition ships, Douglas Mawson features the newest X-BOW design and a whole host of enhancements, building on the success of Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. Named after a legendary Australian explorer, the new ship's inaugural season immerses guests in the pristine landscapes of East Antarctica, marking AE Expeditions' return to this region for the first time in 15 years.
On board you can expect the largest choice of cabins in the fleet, including single berth cabins, plus beautiful open deck space for taking in the views, featuring a heated outdoor swimming pool, whirlpools and comfortable loungers, perfect for unwinding after a day's exploring.
| capacity | 154 guests (maximum of 130 guests in the polar regions) |
|---|---|
| crew | 81 - 103 dependent on guest numbers |
| style | Immersive exploration in comfort with elegantly designed interiors and the latest in sustainable technology. |
| inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Our favourite hotel near Dunedin
Up the coast at Oamaru, the charming Pen-y-bryn Lodge is a heritage homestead - and perfectly placed to visit the blue penguins!
Explore the South Island
Visit the Catlins Coastal Rain Forest and Curio Bay – next stop Antarctica!
Where to stay in Ushuaia
Los Cauquenes Resort and Spa is your best option, if you have time to stay.
Tours from Ushuaia
What you choose to do on tour will need to supplement whatever cruise you are taking. So if you are heading to Antarctica, whilst here you will want to go to the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
