Silversea: 16 nights from Auckland with Silver Nova (Jan 21, 2025)

Auckland

Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand, which is located on the North Island. It got its start in 1840 and was named after George Eden, he was the first Earl of Auckland. Before Europeans showed up, the area was home to the Māori, New Zealand’s indigenous people. Key historical spots like Mount Eden and Maungakiekie are still super important to the Māori. The Māori have a bunch of myths and legends about Auckland. One such myth tells of a giant lizard, Taniwha, who supposedly lives in the Hauraki Gulf waters.

These tales are passed down through the generations and are a vital part of the local culture. Back in the 19th century, Auckland was a major port and trading center, which helped it grow fast. In 1865, the capital of New Zealand was moved to Wellington, but Auckland kept booming thanks to its strategic location and industrial potential. It’s called the "City of Sails'' because there are so many yachts in the Hauraki Gulf. Auckland has a bunch of museums and art galleries, like the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery.

The city’s surrounded by gorgeous beaches, volcanic hills and dense forests. There are also several nature reserves and national parks nearby. Auckland’s cuisine is super diverse, reflecting its multicultural vibe. You’ll find restaurants serving Asian, European, Polynesian and Māori dishes. One of New Zealand’s national dishes is hangi, it’s a traditional Māori meal cooked in an earth oven. Meat and veggies are cooked in underground pits with hot stones, giving them a unique smoky flavor. Auckland is a major cruise hub for cruise tourism in the Pacific. The Port of Auckland sees a bunch of cruise ships heading out to the Pacific Islands, New Zealand’s coast and Australia. Popular cruise destinations include Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia.

Cruises from Auckland offer not only luxury and relaxation on board but also a chance to see awesome landscapes and get a taste of New Zealand’s culture. Auckland is a city with a rich history, cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty, attracting tourists from all over the world with its cuisine, attractions and cruise opportunities.

Tauranga

Gisborne

Napier

Napier

Wellington

New Plymouth

Picton

Hobart

Hobart, on the southeastern coast of Tasmania, is the capital city of Tasmania, an island state of Australia. It's the second oldest capital city in Australia, after Sydney, and is known for its rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and vibrant culture. All these attractions make the city a unique and appealing destination for visitors. Its location provides a picturesque setting with a mix of mountainous and waterfront views.

There, tourists have the opportunity to admire beautiful views and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. For this reason the city is considered the ideal destination both for nature and sport lovers. For example, Mount Wellington offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing. Hobart is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural events.

The city hosts several major events and festivals, such as the Taste of Tasmania, Dark Mofo, and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Hobart is a gateway for tourists exploring the rest of Tasmania, including destinations like Port Arthur, Bruny Island, and the wilderness of the West Coast.

Hobart

Hobart, on the southeastern coast of Tasmania, is the capital city of Tasmania, an island state of Australia. It's the second oldest capital city in Australia, after Sydney, and is known for its rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and vibrant culture. All these attractions make the city a unique and appealing destination for visitors. Its location provides a picturesque setting with a mix of mountainous and waterfront views.

There, tourists have the opportunity to admire beautiful views and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. For this reason the city is considered the ideal destination both for nature and sport lovers. For example, Mount Wellington offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing. Hobart is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural events.

The city hosts several major events and festivals, such as the Taste of Tasmania, Dark Mofo, and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Hobart is a gateway for tourists exploring the rest of Tasmania, including destinations like Port Arthur, Bruny Island, and the wilderness of the West Coast.

Melbourne

Historical Tapestry

Rich in history, Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, was established in 1835 and quickly prospered during the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s, becoming one of the world's largest and wealthiest cities of its time. This period left an indelible mark on the city's architecture, with grand Victorian buildings still dominating the streetscapes. Melbourne's historical narrative is also deeply interwoven with the stories of the Aboriginal peoples, the traditional owners of the land, offering a complex and enriching cultural heritage to discover.

Varied Climate

Melbourne is famous for experiencing "four seasons in one day," thanks to its temperate oceanic climate. This weather pattern adds to the city's charm, offering warm to hot summers, mild springs and autumns, and cool winters. Such diversity encourages visitors to enjoy a wide range of activities throughout the year, from summer festivals to cozy winter markets.

Cultural and Natural Attractions

As a city celebrated for its culture, Melbourne is brimming with attractions. The arts and coffee culture here are unparalleled, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cafes at every turn. Sports enthusiasts will find a haven in the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while nature lovers can explore the Royal Botanic Gardens. For those interested in wildlife, the Melbourne Zoo offers close encounters with Australian and exotic animals. The city's bustling laneways and arcades also provide a unique shopping and dining experience.

Exquisite Culinary Scene

Melbourne's culinary landscape is a reflection of its multicultural population, offering an array of exquisite flavors from around the globe. The city takes pride in its quality coffee, vibrant food markets like the Queen Victoria Market, and a plethora of dining options ranging from street food to high-end restaurants. Melbourne is also at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, showcasing local Victorian produce in many of its eateries.

Gateway to the Seas

Embarking on a cruise from Melbourne opens up a world of possibilities. The city's state-of-the-art cruise terminal is your gateway to exploring the scenic beauty of Tasmania, the untouched wilderness of New Zealand, or the tropical paradises of the Pacific Islands. Starting your journey in Melbourne means beginning with an experience rich in culture, history, and gastronomy, setting the stage for an unforgettable maritime adventure.

Melbourne

Historical Tapestry

Rich in history, Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, was established in 1835 and quickly prospered during the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s, becoming one of the world's largest and wealthiest cities of its time. This period left an indelible mark on the city's architecture, with grand Victorian buildings still dominating the streetscapes. Melbourne's historical narrative is also deeply interwoven with the stories of the Aboriginal peoples, the traditional owners of the land, offering a complex and enriching cultural heritage to discover.

Varied Climate

Melbourne is famous for experiencing "four seasons in one day," thanks to its temperate oceanic climate. This weather pattern adds to the city's charm, offering warm to hot summers, mild springs and autumns, and cool winters. Such diversity encourages visitors to enjoy a wide range of activities throughout the year, from summer festivals to cozy winter markets.

Cultural and Natural Attractions

As a city celebrated for its culture, Melbourne is brimming with attractions. The arts and coffee culture here are unparalleled, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cafes at every turn. Sports enthusiasts will find a haven in the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while nature lovers can explore the Royal Botanic Gardens. For those interested in wildlife, the Melbourne Zoo offers close encounters with Australian and exotic animals. The city's bustling laneways and arcades also provide a unique shopping and dining experience.

Exquisite Culinary Scene

Melbourne's culinary landscape is a reflection of its multicultural population, offering an array of exquisite flavors from around the globe. The city takes pride in its quality coffee, vibrant food markets like the Queen Victoria Market, and a plethora of dining options ranging from street food to high-end restaurants. Melbourne is also at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, showcasing local Victorian produce in many of its eateries.

Gateway to the Seas

Embarking on a cruise from Melbourne opens up a world of possibilities. The city's state-of-the-art cruise terminal is your gateway to exploring the scenic beauty of Tasmania, the untouched wilderness of New Zealand, or the tropical paradises of the Pacific Islands. Starting your journey in Melbourne means beginning with an experience rich in culture, history, and gastronomy, setting the stage for an unforgettable maritime adventure.