14 nights · New Zealand · Departs Auckland · Visiting Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Lyttelton-Christchurch, Dunedin, Timaru, Oban NZ, Fiordland National Park, Hobart, Melbourne · Aboard Silversea Cruises on the Silver Moon
Image courtesy of Silversea Cruises ©
| Cruise line | Silversea Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Silver Moon |
| Duration | 14 nights |
| Port calls | 12 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $13,600 per person |
| Year built | 2021 |
| Guests | 691 |
| Cabins | 288 |
| Crew | 408 |
| Length | 213 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Cruising speed | 20.0 kn |
Few cities bring water so close to daily life as Auckland. Set between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, New Zealand’s largest city is shaped by the sea. From the waterfront, ferries reach Waiheke Island, with vineyards, beaches and coastal walks. Climb volcanic Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, for sweeping views across the city and its harbours. Back downtown, Viaduct Harbour offers galleries, restaurants and a vivid sense of Auckland’s maritime life.
Tauranga opens onto the Bay of Plenty, where a working harbour meets long beaches and a distinctly easy pace. At Mount Maunganui, climb Mauao’s well-marked paths for sweeping views across the coast and harbour. In Tauranga, discover Māori and maritime stories, or browse cafés along the waterfront. Rotorua’s geysers, hot pools and Māori cultural experiences make a rewarding inland excursion, about an hour away by road.
On New Zealand’s east coast, Gisborne rewards visitors who look beyond the shoreline. Māori heritage runs deep here, and Tūranganui-a-Kiwa is where Captain James Cook first came ashore in 1769. The city is known for Chardonnay, surf beaches and its place among the world’s first to greet the sun. Visit Tairāwhiti Museum for local stories, then follow the coast or settle in for a vineyard lunch. Gisborne feels relaxed, yet rich in character.
Napier rewards a closer look: a compact coastal city with one of the world’s finest concentrations of Art Deco architecture. Rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake, its streets preserve the optimism and clean lines of the 1930s. Walk Marine Parade for sea views, gardens and the National Aquarium, then head inland to Hawke’s Bay’s celebrated vineyards. For a dramatic change of scene, Cape Kidnappers’ gannet colony lies beyond the city, reached by guided tour.
Wellington lies between a natural harbour and steep green hills, facing the Cook Strait. Explore its compact centre on foot, from the waterfront to cafés and independent shops on Cuba Street. At Te Papa, the national museum, Māori history and New Zealand’s landscapes come into view. Ride the historic cable car uphill for harbour views, then stroll through the Botanic Garden. Its famously changeable weather comes with a lively food scene and strong creative culture.
Lyttelton is Christchurch’s historic harbour, tucked beneath the volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula. Explore its compact centre, where seafaring heritage meets hillside streets and a lively arts scene. A short drive through the Lyttelton Road Tunnel connects the port with Christchurch. Choose the city’s gardens and museums, or venture farther across Banks Peninsula for coastal bays, wildlife and walking tracks.
Your ship docks at Port Chalmers, a compact harbour town about 13 kilometres from Dunedin. Dunedin reflects Scottish roots and gold-rush prosperity. Granite and sandstone buildings frame the centre; its ornate railway station is a standout. The Otago Peninsula offers chances to see royal albatross, penguins and fur seals. Visit a wildlife centre, or follow the peninsula road to Larnach Castle and harbour viewpoints. It is a rewarding port for architecture, wildlife and coastal views.
Timaru rewards travelers who look beyond the quayside. On South Canterbury’s coast, the town pairs Caroline Bay’s wide curve with handsome streetscapes built from local volcanic bluestone. Visit the South Canterbury Museum or Aigantighe Art Gallery, then enjoy the relaxed waterfront. Beyond town, farmland and historic settlements open toward the Southern Alps and the South Island’s quieter interior.
Oban is the small harbour town on Stewart Island, New Zealand’s southernmost inhabited island. Here, the pace slows; forested hills, sheltered bays and a rugged coastline take centre stage. Rakiura National Park protects much of the island, with walking tracks leading through native bush to beaches and birdlife. The island is renowned for its kiwi, though sightings are never guaranteed. Arrive by ferry from Bluff or by flight from Invercargill, then explore on foot or by water.
Fiordland is not a town but a vast wilderness on New Zealand’s southwest coast, best approached by sea. Steep-sided peaks rise above deep, glacier-carved sounds, where waterfalls spill through rainforest after rain. Milford Sound is the best-known landmark, while Doubtful Sound offers a quieter passage into the park. Watch for dolphins and seals, and, in season, Fiordland crested penguins. Short walks ashore reveal the scale of this remarkable landscape.
Hobart gives you a rare pairing: a handsome harbour, a lively food scene and wilderness within easy reach. Founded in 1804, Tasmania’s capital sits beneath kunanyi / Mount Wellington, whose changing weather shapes the city’s skyline. Browse Salamanca Place’s sandstone warehouses, then sample local oysters, cheese and cool-climate wine along the waterfront. Beyond town, MONA offers a provocative art collection, while Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula reward a longer excursion.
Melbourne is a city best explored with curiosity, a good appetite and comfortable walking shoes. From Station Pier, the centre is roughly six kilometres away, with tram and taxi connections into town. Explore its arcades and laneways, lined with shops, espresso bars and street art, then visit the National Gallery of Victoria. At Queen Victoria Market, browse local produce and Australian specialties; along the Yarra, find restaurants and skyline views.
Published September 13, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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