15 nights · New Zealand · Departs Auckland · Visiting Tauranga, Lyttelton-Christchurch, Dunedin, Bluff-Invercargill NZ, Fiordland National Park, Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne · Aboard Silversea Cruises on the Silver Whisper
Image courtesy of Silversea Cruises ©
| Cruise line | Silversea Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Silver Whisper |
| Duration | 15 nights |
| Port calls | 9 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $12,200 per person |
| Year built | 2001 |
| Guests | 466 |
| Cabins | 194 |
| Crew | 295 |
| Length | 186 m |
| Beam | 24 m |
| Cruising speed | 21.0 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.
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.
Invercargill is New Zealand’s southernmost city and a grounded introduction to Southland. Broad streets, Victorian buildings and open skies set an unhurried pace. From Bluff, about 27 kilometres south, travel inland to Queens Park’s gardens, museum and heritage buildings. Bill Richardson Transport World adds a remarkable collection of vehicles and transport history. Beyond town, Southland’s coast and the route to Stewart Island reveal the region’s scale.
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.
From the water, Sydney’s harbour frames the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and ferries crossing between historic quays. Beyond the waterfront, central Sydney pairs nineteenth-century buildings with contemporary architecture and leafy streets. Walk the Royal Botanic Garden for harbour views, or take a ferry to Manly for a coastal perspective. Allow time to explore The Rocks, where the city’s colonial beginnings meet galleries, cafés and a lively weekend market.
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 18, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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