Sydney to Auckland voyage with Silversea Cruises

On-board your international outbound flight to Sydney.

Spend time today getting to know two of Sydney's most well known icons, the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. First, you'll do an exhilarating climb of the bridge itself for a unique view of the city and surrounds. Then, later this afternoon, make your way to the Sydney Opera House for a backstage tour and a tasting plate dinner with one of the best views in the city, looking back over the water and the Harbour Bridge which hours before you scaled.

After checking out of your hotel you'll be transferred the short distance to the port for the start of your breathtaking 16-day cruise of Australia and New Zealand. The Silver Muse will set sail this evening.

A day at sea as the Silver Muse navigates its way down Australia's east coast and to the Victorian capital of Melbourne.

A day to explore the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, often cited as one of the world's most liveable cities. The Silver Muse will depart Melbourne this evening for the port town of Burnie.

Tasmania is an island state rich with amazing food, wine, walking and wildlife, and today you'll have the opportunity to have a taste of some of this on one of the many shore excursions to choose from.

A day at sea as the Silver Muse traverses the Tasman Strait and onward to New Zealand.

A further day at sea and chance to relax en route to New Zealand.

New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, in the rugged south of the South Island, is home to some of the country's most stunning landscapes — including jagged peaks, beautiful waterfalls and deep fiords. Your day will be spent taking in not only its undisputed icon, Milford Sound, but also the lesser known Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, your captain navigating the waterways around the region's temperamental weather patterns to make the most of your day.

A day at sea as the Silver Muse continues its journey east and to the city of Dunedin, on the country's southeastern tip.

Awake this morning with the feeling that you've arrived in a Scottish port town, provided courtesy of Dunedin's unique history and architecture. The city not only offers history and architecture buffs plenty to do, but is located on the stunning Otago Peninsula, rich with unique wildlife and some of the country's best wineries.

From Dunedin the Silver Muse travels up New Zealand's east coast and this morning your senses will move from New Zealand Scotland to New Zealand France and the charming town of Akaroa. Today you may wish to take a harbour cruise for some dolphin spotting, take to Akaroa's streets, with feeling of provincial France, or travel into New Zealand's second city Christchurch to explore.

The pretty seaside town of Kaikoura is your next destination as you traverse New Zealand's east coast. Kaikoura is a popular tourist destination not only with local and international guests, but also resident dolphins and migratory whales which you may be lucky enough to spot during your time here.

As you sail overnight you'll travel between South and North Islands and arrive this morning in New Zealand's capital, Wellington. Wellington is home to unique architecture, wonderful museums and thriving arts scene, and plenty of choices for your day of exploring.

Spend today at sea enjoying the plethora facilities onboard the Silver Muse as you sail north toward your next destination.

Awake this morning in Gisborne, on the North Island's Eastern Cape. The town is a place of rich history, fantastic wine and beautiful beaches.

Your penultimate stop onboard the Silver Muse is the sunny seaside town of Tauranga in the aptly named Bay of Plenty. Tauranga is blessed with a fortunate location for enjoying the stunning coastal scenery or venturing a short distance inland to take in either the geothermal highlights of Rotorua or the Hobbiton film set, near Matamata.

Arrive into New Zealand's most populous and vibrant city, Auckland, and enjoy a range of touring options from the comfort of your ship. Tonight you'll spend a final night onboard the Silver Muse.

Disembark the Silver Muse this morning and be collected by your driver for a short journey to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the sites of Auckland at your own pace.

For your final day in Auckland we've suggested a full day shared tour which will allow for further immersion into the Maori culture of New Zealand and complete with a cultural performance. Enjoy your last evening tonight in your city centre hotel.

A driver will collect you and take you to the airport for your onward arrangements.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.