Luxury cruise from Sydney to Auckland on Silversea

Australia, New Zealand

Cruise Itinerary and Tours – Australia and New Zealand

This exceptional Christmas and New Year journey begins in Sydney, one of Australia's most recognizable cities, famous for the iconic Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. This luxurious dream cruise through Australia and New Zealand is perfect for those planning a unique cruise vacation, combining the comfort of travel with the discovery of spectacular destinations.

The route then heads south to Eden and then across open water to Tasmania, a region nestled at the foot of Mount Wellington. During the cruise, guests spend Christmas at sea, making this one of the most unique Christmas cruises in this part of the world and one of the most unique winter holiday options in Australia and New Zealand.

The next stop on the trip is New Zealand's spectacular South Island fjords, considered among the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. The itinerary includes birdwatching on Stewart Island, exploring the Scottish heritage of Dunedin, and strolling the distinctive Art Deco streets of Napier.

The grand finale of this unique journey and luxurious holiday is the New Year's arrival in Auckland – one of New Zealand's most important ports.

The cruise takes place on board the Silver Moon, a modern cruise ship offering spacious suites, an intimate atmosphere and the highest standard of service, meeting the expectations of the most demanding travelers planning luxury holidays and ocean cruises.

Ports on the cruise route (13 ports)

Sydney, Eden, Hobart (Tasmania), Milford Sound (sightseeing cruise), Doubtful Sound (sightseeing cruise), Stewart Island, Timaru, Dunedin (Port Chalmers), Lyttelton (Christchurch), Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga, Auckland.

Cruise Trips and Experiences

At every stage of the cruise, guests have access to a wide selection of shore excursions and activities, allowing them to tailor their sightseeing to their travel style. Carefully curated suggestions are available at each port, allowing them to experience the destinations from a different perspective, whether at a more leisurely pace or in a more active setting.

Trip plan:

Day 1. Sydney, Australia

Welcome on board!

The cruise departs from Sydney, where the ship remains in port until approximately 19pm, giving you time to board and get your first look at Sydney Harbour before sailing.

Situated on the expansive Sydney Harbour, the city is one of the most recognizable ports in the world. The iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge dominate the skyline, while elegant districts, golden beaches, and a seaside atmosphere give the city a unique character.

In the evening the ship leaves the port and begins its voyage southwards.

Day 2. Eden, Australia

At 11 a.m., the ship docks in Eden, staying until evening.

Eden is located in New South Wales, on Twofold Bay, one of the deepest natural bays on the Australian coast. Eden is known for its unique whaling history and special relationship with killer whales, which have cooperated with fishermen during hunts for years.

The area offers rugged, spectacular coastal scenery – red cliffs, rock formations and the vast expanses of Ben Boyd National Park, a prime spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

Day 3. A Day at Sea

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and dedicate time to your own interests, whether that's visiting the gym, spa or simply whale watching from the deck.

These days at sea are the perfect balance to intense days spent sightseeing.

Day 4. Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Hobart, Australia's second oldest city, lies at the foot of Mount Wellington in Tasmania. The historic port has retained its character, and the city remains a focal point on the island, with a distinctly local, laid-back rhythm. The stopover will be from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The region is renowned for producing internationally renowned wines and whiskies, and the Hobart area offers access to Tasmania's wildlife, including species unique to the island, such as the Tasmanian devil.

Day 5. A Day at Sea

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and dedicate time to your own interests, whether that's visiting the gym, spa or simply whale watching from the deck.

These days at sea are the perfect balance to intense days spent sightseeing.

Day 6. A Day at Sea

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and dedicate time to your own interests, whether that's visiting the gym, spa or simply whale watching from the deck.

These days at sea are the perfect balance to intense days spent sightseeing.

Day 7: Cruising Milford Sound, New Zealand

You'll arrive at 10 a.m. Milford Sound is located on the South Island in the UNESCO-listed Te Wahipounamu region of Fiordland National Park. The narrow fiord, approximately 16 kilometers long, is surrounded by steep, almost vertical rock walls that drop directly into the deep waters of the bay.

The landscape is dominated by numerous waterfalls cascading from heights of hundreds of meters, including Stirling Falls, one of the most recognizable in the region. The end of the fjord is dominated by Mitre Peak, which reaches 1,692 meters and is considered one of New Zealand's most iconic peaks.

Day 8. Stewart Island, New Zealand

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., you'll visit Stewart Island, also known as Rakiura, New Zealand's southernmost inhabited island. Most of its area is covered by a national park, a pristine temperate rainforest preserved in an almost pristine condition.

The Aurora Australis is often visible over Halfmoon Bay during the winter, and at night, kiwi can be spotted in their natural habitat on the beaches. One of the island's main trails is the Rakiura Track, which leads through rainforests similar to Fiordland.

Day 9. Timaru, New Zealand

Timaru is located on New Zealand's South Island, between Christchurch and Dunedin. You'll spend time here between 9 a.m. and 18 p.m. The town was built on the basalt rocks of the former Mount Horrible volcano, giving it a distinctly rugged geological character.

The distinctive Timaru Bluestone, quarried locally, gives the town's buildings a unique blue-gray hue. Caroline Bay boasts a sandy beach, where in summer you can observe a small colony of little blue penguins arriving at the shore after dark.

Day 10. Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand

At 8:00 a.m., you'll arrive in Dunedin, which was founded by Scottish settlers and still retains a distinct Edinburgh-inspired architectural influence. The city center boasts Victorian Gothic buildings, including the cathedral and the university with its distinctive clock tower.

The Otago Peninsula coastline is one of the region's premier wildlife viewing areas, home to yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions, and seals. Within the city limits lies Baldwin Street, known as one of the steepest residential streets in the world.

Day 11. Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

Christchurch, known as the "Garden City," is located on New Zealand's South Island. The city underwent extensive reconstruction following the 2011 earthquakes. Island hours will be from 8 a.m. to 18 p.m.

A signature experience is a traditional punt cruise on the Avon River, passing through the botanical gardens in the city center. Other nearby attractions include the Southern Alps, the Hanmer Springs thermal springs, and the Akaroa Peninsula, where you can spot Hector's dolphins.

Day 12. A Day at Sea

The last longer ocean section before the northern part of New Zealand.

The cruise transitions into a more leisurely phase, preparing for entry into the region of bays and islands.

Day 13. Napier, New Zealand

Napier on the North Island is one of the best-preserved examples of an Art Deco city in the world, almost entirely rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake. The historic center has retained a coherent architecture that gives the city a unique urban character.

Nearby is Cape Kidnappers, known for one of the largest gannet colonies on the mainland. The Hawke's Bay region is also renowned for its wine production and the seaside promenade, Marine Parade.

Day 14. Gisborne, New Zealand

At 8:00 AM, you'll arrive in Gisborne, located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island and one of the first places in the world to greet each day. The city holds a significant place in the country's history as the site of Captain Cook's first landing in New Zealand.

The region is strongly connected to Māori culture, and its heritage is linked to its wide beaches and popular surfing conditions. Gisborne also remains an important centre of local identity and Indigenous traditions.

Day 15. Tauranga, New Zealand

Tauranga is located at the entrance to the Bay of Plenty on the North Island and is one of New Zealand's sunniest regions. The city is dominated by the volcanic peak of Mount Maunganui, rising directly from the harbour peninsula and serving as its most recognizable landmark.

Tauranga serves as a gateway to the region's top attractions, including Rotorua Geothermal Park, the Hobbiton film sets, and the Coromandel Peninsula. The area also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including rafting on the Kaituna River, which boasts one of the most famous commercial whitewater falls in the world.

Day 16: Auckland, New Zealand

At 7:00 AM, the cruise concludes with arrival in Auckland, where guests disembark. Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland is nestled between two bays on New Zealand's North Island and is one of the country's most important ports. The city's skyline is best viewed from the 192-meter-high Sky Tower, one of its most recognizable landmarks.

The city offers access to the Hauraki Gulf islands, including Waiheke and Rangitoto, known for their volcanic landscapes, vineyards, and wildlife. The city center houses the Auckland Art Gallery, home to one of the world's most important collections of Māori and Pacific art, while Mount Eden offers views of the entire city from its extinct volcanic cone.

The most important information:

Location

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Information about the expedition:

Departure dates

21.12.2026 - 05.01.2027

Prices

from 7650 EUR per person in a double room with all inclusive.

Contains
  • Butler service in every suite and personalized guest service
  • 24/7 room service in the apartment
  • Transport to the city centre at your destination, if required
  • All taxes and port fees
  • Access to multiple onboard restaurants with a variety of cuisines and the option of al fresco dining
  • Unlimited consumption of selected premium beverages: champagne, spirits and up to 50 wines from the Silversea cellar
  • Coffee, specialty coffees and selected teas
  • Thematic lectures, enrichment programs and on-board entertainment
  • Unlimited access to the fitness center, sauna, steam room and relaxation areas (subject to opening hours)
  • Free Wi-Fi on board

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