Christmas & New Year Down Under with Silversea

Your Silversea Chauffeur service will transport you from your home in the UK to the airport, where complimentary lounge access awaits. Then, feeling relaxed, it's time to settle in for your long-haul flight to Sydney, arriving on day three.

Upon your arrival in Sydney, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxury ship, Silver Muse, your home for the next 14 nights as you explore Australia and New Zealand in style.

The ship departs Sydney this evening, so spend some time this afternoon exploring the city's iconic landmarks. Sydney’s sparkling harbour is known around the world, particularly the view of the famous Sydney Opera House, serving as the heart of this cultural city. If you’re looking for a bit of relaxation in the sun, why not head to Bondi Beach, one of the world’s best-known stretches of sand?

Stay: Silver Muse

Eden sits in New South Wales’ scenic Twofold May and is famous for its whale-watching. It was founded as a whaling centre, and the area’s symbiotic relationship with its killer whales is still fascinating. Learn more with a visit to the Eden Killer Whale Museum and view the skeleton of the most famous orca accomplice, Old Tom.

Ben Boyd National Park is the place for unforgettable bird watching and impressive rock formations. While you’re there, head to Boyd’s Tower for views of glorious coastal scenery. Even this tower is linked to the area’s whaling history; originally meant to be a lighthouse, it ended up being a lookout spot to see Old Tom splashing his tail to alert the whalers. 

Stay: Silver Muse

Enjoy a day onboard the Silver Muse. Relax, unwind, or catch up on anything you’ve been meaning to do. Perhaps you’ll sweat it out in the gym, treat yourself to a spa treatment, spot whales from the ship’s deck, or catch up on your reading. 

Stay: Silver Muse

Hobart may be the cosmopolitan capital of Australia’s most southerly state, but the looming form of Mount Wellington keeps you rooted in nature. The city’s cultural pursuits include museums, galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Hobart also has a long brewing tradition and is home to Australia’s oldest brewery, so why not sample a few pints? If you love your wine, you’ll be pleased to learn that the area’s sunshine and cool Antarctic breezes produce a fabulous pinot noir.

Rise up Mount Wellington’s slopes to realise just how remote Hobart really is, looking across forests, mountains, and the endless ocean. Further afield, visit an animal sanctuary to meet the island’s most famous inhabitants, including the Tasmanian devil. 

Stay: Silve Muse

Enjoy two more days at sea as you make your way toward New Zealand. Relax and enjoy the fabulous facilities on Silver Muse and, of course, the unique experience of celebrating Christmas onboard one of the world's most luxurious ships. Expect fabulous festive fun as you male your way across the Tasman Sea to the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Stay: Silver Muse

Step foot into New Zealand for the first time today with a visit to Bluff, the country’s southernmost town. Known locally as ‘The Bluff,’ this is perhaps the most European of settlements you’ll find. Bluff oysters are reputed to be the best in the world, so stop to sample on the half-shell.

Bluff is an adventurer’s dream. Daytrip via ferry to Stewart Island for unspoilt and stunning scenery in this mostly undiscovered gem. If you wish to stay on the mainland, the many and varied walking tracks delight birdwatchers, so bring your binoculars! The Bluff Maritime Museum is also worth a visit and will show you the fascinating history of shipwrecks along the challenging southern coastline.

Stay: Silver Muse  

Dunedin functions as a fantastic base to enjoy some of the outdoor pursuits for which New Zealand’s wild southern island is famous. The city, founded by the Scots, is known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South.’ The area’s misty valleys and atmospheric landscapes consistently capture visitors’ hearts. In Dunedin, view the Robert Burns statue and the artistically constructed railway station.

Hop on a romantic rail adventure along the coastline from Dunedin. Marvel at the dramatic cliffs and beaches of the Otago Peninsula, along with its impressive wildlife. See yellow-eyed penguins on cliffside walkways, and view sea lions and seals on windswept beaches. Round off your active day sampling a South Island favourite: an icy beer from Speight's Brewery.

Stay: Silver Muse

The saying goes that no two views in Kaikoura are the same. In one direction, snow-capped peaks are set off by rolling meadows. In another, seals haul themselves on rugged shores. Another glance will show you nothing but the unending waters of the Pacific. Kaikoura’s history includes Māori links, a rediscovery by Captain Cook (who thought it was an island), and a once-thriving whaling trade set up by European settlers.

Kaikoura is most famous for its marine wildlife, giving visitors a 95% chance of spotting giant sperm whales, dusky dolphins, orcas, and humpback whales—an impressive statistic. New Zealand Fur Seals also live in the shallow waters of the town’s peninsula, where you can actually swim alongside them.

Stay: Silver Muse  

Across the Cook Strait from Wellington, you’ll find Picton, known as the gateway to the South Island. This harbour town links the two islands wonderfully, lying on the cusp of the Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park.

In the city, browse art galleries, sample freshly-ground coffees, or take in the scenery from Picton’s waterfront eateries. Or, head outside of Picton for the eye-rubbingly stunning scenery of the Marlborough Sounds. There’s no shortage of walks amongst the multitude of bays, coves, and islands. Kayak through gentle waters or sit back and enjoy the view from a sailboat as you spy penguins, dolphins, and seals. Wine-lovers should flock to the vineyards for a glass of Blenheim’s world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc. 

Stay: Silver Muse

Take in 2023’s last day in the self-proclaimed ‘coolest little capital in the world.’ Wellington’s vibrant energy earns this title. Evidence of creativity is everywhere; art installations and rich flavours imbue the city with an infectious atmosphere. It’s perfect for strolling, stopping at cool cafes for artisan espresso or bars for craft beers. The cherry-red cable car lifts you up Wellington’s slope for an unforgettable view over the city’s harbour.

There’s easy access to walks and cycling, and beautiful birdlife fills the hills around the city. Speaking of birds, Zealandia has brought many species back from the brink, providing an urban home for endangered birdlife. The city’s museums contain multitudes: Māori traditions, earthquake simulations, and even a real-life Kraken!

Stay: Silver Muse

Spend New Year’s Day relaxing onboard and looking forward to the year ahead as you make your way to the last leg of this incredible voyage.

Stay: Silver Muse

Tauranga is said to receive New Zealand’s highest amount of sunshine, with hanging kiwi, avocados, and citrus fruit providing an exotic touch to the landscape. Wide beaches are frequented by surfers, and spectacular views of the natural harbour are appreciated by all.

Tauranga is the entry point to the Bay of Plenty, where New Zealand’s famous natural attractions steal the show. The volcanic peak of Mount Maunganui welcomes you, as waterfalls give way to the vibrant colours of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and its steaming mud pools. Some of the country’s best scenery awaits at Lake Rotoiti, where you can kayak smooth waters into a gently glowing cave, the roof illuminated by glow worms. Fans of the book, and movies, will flock to Lord of the Rings filming spots to immerse themselves in JRR Tolkien’s fantasy world. 

Stay: Silver Muse

Make your final stop in Auckland. Before your trip ends, enjoy a full day in this modern and diverse city on the North Island. The city’s two harbours tempt you with waterfront walks to breathe in sea air and views of the grand harbour bridge. For another fascinating view (and elegant cocktails), ascend the Sky Tower.

The Auckland Art Gallery, Toi o Tāmaki, immerses you in the rich history and culture of the area and houses New Zealand’s most extensive art collection, featuring works from Māori and Pacific artists. Further afield, take a day trip across sparkling bays to the nearby islands: Waiheke, Tiritiri Matangi, or Rangitoto. The Hauraki Gulf’s islands are home to lava caves, vineyards, and flourishing wildlife.

Stay: Silver Muse

After breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Auckland airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving home the following day. Upon arrival, your Silversea Chauffeur Service will be waiting to whisk you home.