Are you ready to discover the Arctic Five! The regions most iconic species; the Polar Bear, Arctic Fox, Walrus, Snowy Owl and Beluga Whale. Spotting these remarkable animals is a highlight of many Arctic cruises and expedition voyages, offering travellers the chance to experience the Arctic's unique ecosystems up close. Discover where to see the Arctic Five, the best time of year to visit and the cruise itineraries that maximise your opportunities for unforgettable wildlife encounters
The Arctic
Experience the adventure of a lifetime on an Arctic cruise. Explore spectacular glaciers, dramatic fjords, remote polar landscapes and incredible wildlife, including polar bears, sea birds and whales. Expert advice from our team of Kiwi cruise specialists
What are the different regions of the Arctic?
Svalbard (Norway)
One of the best places to see Polar Bears, dramatic glaciers, fjords and abundant wildlife
Svalbard Harbour and houses
Greenland
Home to the world's second largest ice sheet, huge ice bergs, colourfull Inuit communities and spectacular fjords. A great destination for hiking, kayaking & cultural experiences
Greenland
Canadian Arctic
Includes remote islands of the High Arctic and the legendary Northwest Passage. Expect rich indigenous history and diverse wildlife. This is expedition ship territory
Arctic Ice Formation
Iceland
The gateway for many Arctic cruises, Iceland offer volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers and spectacular landscapes. Often part of a combination voyage with Greenland or Svalbard
Sunvoyager sculpture in Iceland
Arctic Norway
Includes destinations such as Tromso, North Cape and the Lofoten Islands, Famous for the Northern Lights & the Midnight Sun, beautiful fjords and the legendary coastal voyages. Open for business all year round
Aurora borealis
Alaska (Arctic Alaska)
Covers the far northern coast above the Arctic circle. Known for Tundra landscapes, indigenous culture and migratory wildlife. Less commonly visited by cruises than the other Arctic regions
a herd of sheep grazing on a lush green field
Best Time to Visit the Arctic
Choosing a time to visit will depend on what you want to experience. The Main Arctic Season runs from May to September, when sea ice retreats and wildlife is at the most active. The most popular time for New Zealanders to visit is usually July and August. These months provide the widest choice of itineraries, the best weather and abundant wildlife. It is also the best time to access Svalbard, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic
Best Time to visit the Arctic based on your Interests
Polar Bears
May - July
Whales
June - August
Midnight Sun
June - July
Icebergs
June - August
Northern Lights
October - March
Wildlife Photography
June - August
Important Note re Expeditions in the Arctic
Indicative prices shown are for cruise only and do not include the mandatory domestic connecting flights and pre cruise hotels required on some cruise lines. Please submit a request for your preferred date and our team will check the best available current pricing for you for the full package