Speaking at an Auckland trade event hosted by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and Adventure World, alongside special guest Peter Hillary, Leahy highlighted their continued momentum -which comes 60 years after Lars-Eric Lindblad’s odyssey to Antarctica reshaped adventure travel.
‘Expedition cruising demand continues to grow with Australasia reaching a record 1.4M cruise passengers in 2025, up 9.5% from 2024,’ she says.
Antarctica remains the leading destination for the New Zealand market, while the Galápagos, Alaska, Baja California, and the Arctic also resonate with travellers seeking meaningful, all-inclusive travel. Leahy adds that clients are prioritising access, education and authenticity over sheer luxury. An emphasis on conservation, enrichment and responsible tourism aligns well with this shift and appeals to well-travelled clients increasingly conscious of where and how they travel.
Operating more than 100 itineraries across 70 countries, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has become one of the world’s most recognised expedition brands, achieving a repeat guest rate of 32%. It is actively appealing to younger travellers and families, including ‘skip-generational’ travel, (grandparents travelling alongside grandchildren), through programmes such as National Geographic Explorers-in-Training.
Reflecting a wider trend, families are increasingly seeking educational, purpose-driven holidays rather than conventional resort experiences.
Leahy describes Explorers-in-Training as transformative. ‘It’s not a kids club, but an acclaimed age-appropriate programme for young travellers, offering immersive, hands-on learning through science, wildlife observation, photography and conservation, encouraging children to disconnect from phones and social media and engage more deeply with the natural world.’
Another evolution has been the launch of small-ship European river cruising in 2026. Unlike traditional river cruising, the focus experience-led, in National Geographic-Lindblad Expedition style. Featuring smaller groups, curated excursion and authentic local connection they offer experiences beyond crowded tourist routes. Demand has already surpassed expectations, with 53% of inventory booked within the first two weeks, all without any marketing. For agents, river cruising opens up opportunity to sell to a wider client base, to travellers who may not be ready for Antarctica or the Arctic but now able to access the same style through Europe, as well as the Mekong, Nile and Amazon.
By Faye Spooner
Paula Watson, House of Travel; Shaun Muller, Helloworld; Dave Fordyce, House of Travel
Allen Bell, Global Travel Network; Cath McLeod, Wanderlust Travel Experts
John Willson, First Travel Group; Stevie Hart, National Geographic-Linblad Expeditions key account manager, Australia and New Zealand
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions chief sales officer Kathi Riddle; Paula Watson, House of Travel; Mountaineer Peter Hillary; Jacquie McLennan, First Travel Group
