Australia & New Zealand with Silversea

Today you’ll join a food and wine tour on Waiheke Island. As you take the local ferry across the Hauraki Gulf, you’ll see why Auckland is also known as the City of Sails. You’ll sail past Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s youngest but largest volcanic cone, to Waiheke. Here you’ll have the chance to visit some of the island’s wineries, taste their award-winning produce, and enjoy a guided island tour before taking the ferry back to Auckland.

You have the day to explore the city at your leisure before boarding your cruise. We suggest visiting the Sky Tower for 360-degree views of the city, where you might see thrill-seekers jumping from New Zealand’s tallest building. Or, head to Ponsonby, known for its boutique shops, trendy restaurants, and small galleries that showcase Kiwi art. In the afternoon, you’ll make your own way to the cruise terminal and board your ship, the Silver Moon.

This morning you'll arrive in Tauranga, a thriving coastal city with wide, sweeping beaches and waves for surfing. Hike the extinct volcano Mount Maunganui for spectacular views of the entire Bay of Plenty. There are numerous beachside cafés and restaurants offering fresh local produce. You can participate in a Maori cultural experience at a marae, a sacred gathering space, in a nearby village. Here you'll enjoy a performance of folklore, songs, and dances, including the haka war dance.

Gisborne exudes colonial and Māori history alongside surf waters and beach cliffs. An interesting way you can choose to explore the area is by steam train, riding the sole surviving WA Class locomotive. Hop aboard and get comfortable in a restored heritage carriage to enjoy scenic views of the coastline on your ride to Muriwai. Upon arrival, you'll be treated to a Māori cultural performance. Alternatively, join a boat cruise of Poverty Bay on a heritage vessel.

The world's Art Deco capital, Napier is also home to fine wines, a Mediterranean climate, and abundant birdlife. Wander the tree-lined two-mile seafront of Marine Parade, or take a leisurely hike to Bluff Hill and be rewarded with panoramic views over Napier port. Golden-headed gannets soar along the sea cliffs in Cape Kidnappers. Enjoy optional tours of the Art Deco city or join in an indulgent local wine tasting before departing this evening.

You’ll make port in the country’s capital, Wellington. You might like to join a morning tour of Zealandia, a wildlife sanctuary home to the country’s diverse native species. In the morning, you’ll hear the sounds of tūī, known for their complex song and mimic abilities, among a chorus of other endemic birds, and have a chance to see the prehistoric tuatara or a wētā. In the afternoon, explore the city at your own pace. We suggest a visit to Te Papa, an interactive and immersive museum which delves into the intertwining natural and cultural histories of New Zealand.

Enjoy a day at sea to take in all the amenities of your luxury cruise. The onboard S.A.L.T. Lab offers hands-on cooking classes using local techniques. At the Zagara Beauty Spa, relax in a whirlpool or indulge in a variety of treatments such as massage or acupuncture.

You’ll be docked in Scottish-influenced Dunedin today. Walking around the city, you’ll see the historic architecture of the University of Otago (New Zealand’s oldest university), the First Church, and the Dunedin Railway Station. Alternatively, you might opt to leave the city and join a wildlife cruise near the sea-sprayed cliffs of the Otago Peninsula. Look out for sea lions and penguins, who are year-round residents.

"Land of the glowing skies" in Māori, Stewart Island is a sanctuary of beauty dominated by a national park. Dense forests cover the majority of Stewart Island. Bring hiking boots for easier exploration along seaside trails. For a more relaxing activity, take a pleasure cruise along the Paterson Inlet to see islands teeming with wildlife.

This morning, you’ll arrive at Doubtful Sound and cruise through the fjord on your ship, followed by Milford Sound in the afternoon. Look out for hanging valleys, dramatic waterfalls, and mountains that, according to Māori legend, were carved by the supernatural figure Tu-te-raki-whanoa.

Today is the first of two days in a row at sea. Keep to your routine in the onboard fitness facility or relax on the deck pool while taking in the experience of cruising.

Today, you might like to lounge in the observation library and overlook the sea with a good book, or see the exhibits at the Arts Cafe. This evening, grab a sunset cocktail at The Grill.

As you come into Hobart, you'll be greeted by the looming form of Mount Wellington overlooking Australia's most southerly state. You might want to meet one of the island’s rarest native species: the Tasmanian devil. Visit one of Tasmania’s animal sanctuaries where you’ll learn about the devils and the ongoing conservation work to protect them. The sanctuary is also home to wombats, kangaroos, and wallabies. Alternatively, take a leisurely coach tour for city sightseeing, including highlights such as the Botanical Gardens and Australia's oldest brewery.

For your final full day at sea, treat yourself to fine dining in the S.A.L.T. Kitchen and a treatment at the Zagara Spa. This evening, toast your journey with a sunset cocktail from The Grill.

This morning, you will be docked in Eden on the Sapphire Coast before your ship departs for Sydney in the afternoon. The region is named after the sparkling hue of the sea. If you want to venture out onto the water, you might like to join a catamaran cruise around Twofold Bay. Alternatively, you could join one of Beowa National Park’s rangers to see the sea-carved landscape while learning about conservation and rehabilitation.

Your ship arrives in Sydney early this morning, docking around 7am. From your balcony or on deck, make sure you witness the moment your ship sails through Sydney Harbour and rounds the Sydney Opera House into the cruise port. This marks the end of your cruise. Once you disembark, you have a free day to explore Sydney at your own pace.

After resting and recovering from your cruise, today your guide will meet you at your hotel for a private tour of Sydney. Enjoy riding in a luxury vehicle for this completely tailor-made tour to suit your interests.

Today you'll travel by plane and ferry to your lodge for two nights on Kangaroo Island. Your stay here includes guided experiences from the lodge to make the most of your time in "Australia's Galapagos".

You'll have the day to relax on Kangaroo Island. Your lodge offers free excursions to explore the island and admire wildlife with experts.

You'll return to Adelaide today and journey onward to the Barossa Valley. This region is renowned for its wine, with Shiraz being the local speciality. Throughout the valley, stone houses and Lutheran churches preserve early German influences from 19th-century settlement.

The Barossa Valley is an excellent region for sampling high-quality Australian wines, particularly Shiraz. Today, you'll be picked up in a luxury vehicle for a tasting tour of four wine destinations selected by an expert. Along with local specialities for sipping, a multi-course gourmet lunch is included.

Your driver will meet you at your hotel for your transfer to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.