Aurora Expeditions announces new Antarctic voyages from Australia
NewsAurora Expeditions released its new Antarctica 2025-26 season which includes voyages from Australia and New Zealand.
The season also features Australia and New Zealand, includes 32 voyages on the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and the brand-new Douglas Mawson.
There are eight new Aurora Expeditions itineraries visiting regions including East Antarctica, the Ross Sea and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, as well as a circumnavigation of Tasmania.
What’s new
Aurora Expeditions has introduced two new departure ports – Hobart in Australia as well as Dunedin in New Zealand.
Aurora Expeditions is offering a variety of ‘choose your own adventure options for Australia and New Zealand. And this includes three Ultimate Adventures with land and sea combinations as well as eight voyages offering a ‘Fly the Drake’ option.
There are also two new all-inclusive activity voyages which includes camping, snorkelling, snowshoeing, paddling and more.
There are also 36 single berths on offer across the season on the Douglas Mawson, a new feature of Aurora’s soon-to-come third vessel, catering to the growing solo traveller segment.
“We have so much to be excited about with our most comprehensive and adventurous season yet,” commented Hayley Peacock-Gower, CMO of Aurora Expeditions.
“Not only will we be introducing our third purpose-built vessel, the Douglas Mawson. But we will explore more of Antarctica’s regions than we have before in a single season. We will be visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, East Antarctica, the Ross Sea, Antarctic Circle, South Georgia, the Falklands and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands.
“We’re particularly thrilled to be offering passengers the chance to travel to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand for the first time in 13 years.
“In these new regions passengers will have the chance to witness the Ross Ice Shelf – the world’s largest floating body of ice, some of the largest Adélie and emperor penguin colonies, follow in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest explorers, as well as witness the incredible biodiversity of New Zealand’s subantarctic islands. And we look forward to doing this the Aurora way, with our small ships and focus on responsible travel, adventure, and enrichment.”
New expeditions include:
Mawson’s Antarctica
Hobart/Dunedin, 24 days, 11 December 2025-03 January 2026 on the Douglas Mawson
Retrace the historic voyage of Sir Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE). And experience the grandeur of remote East Antarctica for a voyage travelling over Christmas and New Year. Cross the Antarctic Circle towards Commonwealth Bay and the fabled Cape Denison. Conditions permitting, make landfall to explore what remains of Mawson’s main base. You’ll find yourself transported back to the heroic age of Antarctic exploration. Keep watch for porpoising Adélie and emperor penguins, orcas patrolling for prey, and snow petrels soaring against the backdrop of the vast ice sheet. As we explore the New Zealand subantarctic islands, you will be witness to an ecosystem populated by unique endemic species such as the yellow-eyed penguin and Campbell mollymawk.
Ross Sea Odyssey
Dunedin/Dunedin, 25 days, 16 January-09 February 2026 on the Douglas Mawson
Step back into the heroic age of Antarctic exploration todiscover a wildlife wonderland. As you journey south. Spotyellow-eyed penguins and royal albatross on New Zealand’s
Auckland and Campbell Islands. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence, enter pack ice alive with orcas, seals and emperor penguins. Our expedition days within the Ross Sea offer icy drama, rich wildlife experiences and extraordinary stories of human exploration and survival.
Subantarctic Discovery
Dunedin/Dunedin, 15 days, 02 January-16 January 2026 on the Douglas Mawson
Perched on the Antarctic Convergence, Australia and New Zealand’s subantarctic islands are home to some of the most abundant and unique wildlife on earth. New Zealand’s
Auckland and Campbell islands are home to yellow-eyed penguins, sea lion harems and courting southern royal albatross. Immerse yourself in magnificent Fiordland.
Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent
Dunedin/Ushuaia, 34 days, 08 February-12 March 2026 on the Douglas Mawson
Follow in the footsteps of explorers such as Scott, Ross, Amundsen and Shackleton. Embark on a journey very few people on this planet have made. Sail beyond the Antarctic Circle, uncover wonders of the Ross Sea, explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the incredible sights in between. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the beauty and majesty of this remote and pristine environment.
Antarctica Active (All Inclusive Activities)
Ushuaia/Ushuaia, 15 days, two departures on the Greg Mortimer
Enjoy Zodiac excursions and guided walks offered on all our voyages. You will also paddle among icebergs in protected bays and perhaps glimpse wildlife close up. Step into your own snowshoes for a gentle hike, where breathtaking views await. For the ultimate overnight adventure in Antarctica, pack a sleeping bag for a sleepover on the ice.
Coastal Tasmania: Untamed Wilderness
Hobart/Hobart, 11 days, 01 December-11 December 2025
Tread some of Tassie’s greatest trekking treasures by day and rejuvenate on your floating base camp each night. Explore wild coastlines and far-flung islands, land on secluded beaches, trek through pristine wilderness, and celebrate stunning vistas from towering peaks.
