The Scenic Shores of the Trans Tasman

 Your Holiday Package Includes:

• 3 Nights accommodation in Auckland
• Waiheke Island Return Ferry Transfers
• Full Day City, Coast & Country Market Tour
• 15 Day cruise onboard the Silver Muse from Auckland to Cairns
• Onboard dining at multiple restaurants, diverse cuisine with open-seating dining
• Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits
• Butler service, onboard entertainment and free wi-fi
• 3 Nights accommodation in Cairns
• Full Day Outer Reef Cruise
• Private transfers throughout
• Port charges & prepaid gratuities onboard your cruise

***Rate based on twin share for travel  26 January to 12 February 2023.***

Your Auckland Stay
Waiheke Island Return Ferry Transfers
Explore Waiheke at your leisure. Soak up the sun on the sandy shores of this scenic island or wander your way along one of the many walking tracks. Climb aboard one of the Waiheke buses and stop of at wineries along the way to learn about this spectacular micro climate. Immerse your taste buds at one of the spectacular restaurants and admire the views.
Full Day City, Coast & Country Market Tour
Take a tour of Auckland’s highlights before heading towards the country to sample wine, port & fine cheese. Visit three rural wineries to sample excellent wines accompanied with New Zealand cheeses, sip port at the Tawny Port Sampling, and soak up the views of rolling green farmland, native bush and the Tasman Sea. Indulge in Soljans award-winning Vineyard Restaurant Lunch and explore the rugged black sand West Coast surf beach. Conclude your day out at the Boric Orchards Country Market for fresh local produce and a famous ice cream or sorbet.

Your Silversea Cruise

Day 1: Auckland
Blending beachy recreation with all the delights of a modern, diverse and thoroughly multicultural city, Auckland sits on the lucid blue-green waters of New Zealand’s north island. Known as the ‘City of Sails’, its two harbours will tempt you with waterfront walks, and the chance to breathe fresh sea air deep into your lungs while absorbing spectacular views of Auckland’s grand harbour bridge’s span. NZ is world-renowned for its captivating natural scenery, and day trips across the sparkling bays, to nearby islands like Waiheke, Tiritiri Matangi, and Rangitoto. Discover lava caves, grape-laden vineyards and flourishing wildlife in the Hauraki Gulf’s islands. You’ll also find an exceptional 360-degree panorama over the city, to the horizon beyond, from the heights of ancient Mount Eden. The spectacular dormant volcano rises improbably from a city suburb, and also lends its name to Eden Park – the unusual, translucent stadium of New Zealand’s mighty All Blacks.

Day 2: Bay of Islands
The Tasman Sea on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east meet at the top of North Island at Cape Reinga. No matter what route you take, you'll pass farms and forests, marvellous beaches, and great open spaces. The East Coast, up to the Bay of Islands, is Northland's most densely populated, often with refugees from bigger cities—looking for a more relaxed life—clustered around breathtaking beaches. The Bay of Islands is known all over the world for its beauty. There you will find lush forests, splendid beaches, and shimmering harbors. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 between Māori and the British Crown, establishing the basis for the modern New Zealand state. Visit both beautiful and isolated beaches where you can swim, dive, picnic, or just laze. The West Coast is even less populated, and the coastline is rugged and windswept. In the Waipoua Forest, you will find some of New Zealand's oldest and largest kauri trees. Crowning the region is the spiritually significant Cape Reinga, the headland at the top of the vast stretch of 90 Mile Beach, where it's believed Māori souls depart after death. Today Māori make up roughly a quarter of the area's population (compared with the national average of about 15%).
Included shore excursions: Bay of Islands Maori Heritage - Kawiti Gloworm Caves & Kawakawa - Northland Maori Waka Adventure - Relaxing Russell Cruise

Day 3 & 4: At Sea
Relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Day 5 & 6: Sydney
With its glorious harbour, lavish golden beaches and iconic landmarks, Sydney is Australia's showpiece city. Creative and curious, discover the world-class cuisine, indigenous culture, and irresistible beach life that make Sydney one of the world’s most dynamic, exciting destinations. Sydney’s sparkling harbour is the heart of a richly cultural city. Overlooked by the metallic curves of the masterpiece of an Opera House, and that grand arched harbour bridge. Take it all in from the water, and admire the iconic landmarks, which are set before the city’s gleaming skyline backdrop. Take the legendary climb up the smooth curve of the bridge – nicknamed the Coathanger - to soak in the shining city’s spread from a unique perspective. Spread out to tan on one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand - Bondi Beach. Restaurants and bars burble away in the background, while the sun beams down, and surfers curl and leap over pure rollers. Swim in spectacular salty ocean pools, or wander the beautiful Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for more of this sun-gorged stretch of prime coastline. Leaving the thrills of Australia’s largest city behind is surprisingly simple – take to the skies to be flown above skyscrapers and rippling ribbons of waves, out to majestic peaks, sheer cliffs and iconic rock formations - like the Three Sisters of the Blue Mountains. Or, drop in on wildlife sanctuaries caring for the country’s animals – from hopping kangaroos to adorably cute, cuddly koalas.
Included shore excursions: Sydney Sights, Opera House & Bondi Beach - Aussie Wildlife Express - The Rocks by Foot 

Day 7: New Castle
Once known as the Steel City, today Newcastle is one of Australia’s hippest cities. It’s flanked by the Pacific Ocean and six beaches on its eastern side and a harbor on its west side. Gentrification began when the steel mills closed in 1999. Nowadays the old wharves and warehouses form part of the lively Honeysuckle precinct, which buzzes with hotels, cafés, and restaurants.
Included shore excursions: Maitland Gaol & Historic Morpeth - Newcastle Discovery Walk

Day 8: At Sea

Day 9: Brisbane
They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing, and Brisbane’s modern metropolis fully exploits its sun-blessed location, basking in Queensland’s generous year-round glow. The envied climate makes Brisbane a city of outdoor adventure, activity and relaxation, where days drift by surfing rollers, or relaxing in the shade of swaying palms. While Brisbane may play second fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne at times, it radiates a creative and contemporary energy, offering visitors a refreshing combination of laidback waterfront luxury and urban sophistication. Sandy islands nearby provide scenic diving and oceanside relaxation opportunities, while the city's animal santuaries offer opportunities to meet unbearably cute koalas and kangaroos. Brisbane’s impressive skyline of metallic cylinders rises high above the broad Brisbane River below, which curves lazily through downtown. The rolling waves of the Pacific are close by, but there’s something special about relaxing on soft sand in the very heart of the city, on the beautifully executed South Bank Parklands man-made beach. With golden sand and shallow lagoon waters to cool off in, it’s a dreamy spot to lie back with a book, amid the landscaped gardens. Nestled in a river meander of its own, Brisbane Botanic Park glows with colour, tropical plants and wading ibis birds, and is easily walkable from the Parklands. The South Bank is the cultural hub of city, and houses the celebrated Queensland Gallery of Modern Art - a surreal and vibrant jaunt through contemporary Australian art. The city’s award-winning restaurants also serve up elite food, matched with generous splashes of wine, direct from the nearby Granite Belt’s wine regions.
Included shore excursions: Brisbane Sights & Lone Pine Sanctuary - Leisurely Brisbane - Gold Coast on Your Own - Boggo Road Gaol Jail with Ex-Inmate

Day 10: Mooloolaba
Once a humble fishing village, tourism has boomed in recent years and transformed Mooloolaba into one of the most coveted of Queensland’s popular holiday resorts. Set right in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba is much more than an oceanfront playground. Certainly, surfers will find their nirvana here, with ideal spots for both the initiated and the beginner dotted along the coast, along with the famous surfing festival in March. But it’s not all about waxing your board and point breaks – Mooloolaba Beach has featured as one of the world’s top ten beaches for two years running and it looks set to stay that way. An early morning stroll will see you mingling with the locals, and with no beach goers around, be sure to take your cameras for some of the most instagrammable views you’re ever likely to see. Step away from the beach and guests will find some good shopping with everything from antiques and jewellery to beach towels and sarongs for sale. Local artists set up stalls on the pretty esplanade so art lovers will be sure to take home a souvenir that is really special. Epicureans meanwhile will already no doubt looking forward to tasting some of the famous Mooloolaba prawns, caught straight off a trawler. How’s that for freshness! Try the delicious local speciality either in one of the buzzing restaurants in town or straight from the Seafood Precinct and grab a spot in the shade for a picnic! If fun in the sun isn’t your cup of tea, then the Mooloolaba coastline is certainly worth seeing. Hire a motorboat, or relax on a mini-cruise and enjoy the opportunity of searching, and perhaps swimming, with whales, dolphins and turtles. Seaplanes offer another interesting way of seeing the coast with the more adventurous opting for the “doors off” experience.
Included shore excursions: Home of The Crocodile Hunter  - Discover Noosa & The Sunshine Coast - Scenic Sunshine Coast

Day 11: Fraser Island
Fraser Island is a World Heritage site listed for the diversity and beauty it holds. Despite being a sand island, Fraser has over 100 lakes and the landscape changes constantly as dunes are moved across the island by wind. With over 350 bird species recorded, Fraser Island is also part of an ‘Important Bird Area’ and on the ‘Australian National Heritage’ list. The island can be explored by 4WD coach and kayak. In addition to the natural history, there is a rich Butchulla Aboriginal culture here. The island's most spectacular lake, Lake McKenzie is well suited for a cooling swim and at the historic central station in the heart of the island, it is possible to walk along the banks of the Wanggoolba Creek and become immersed in the peacefulness of the rainforest.
Included shore excursions: Bush Tucker & Medicine Walk with a Ranger - Mangrove Walk with a Ranger - Great Sandy Strait Walk with a Ranger - Great Sandy Strait Canoeing

Day 12: At Sea

Day 13: Airlie Beach
With the finest powder sand, knots of deep green rainforest and ankle-deep shelves of turquoise sea water - Airlie Beach is your gateway to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. This lively town welcomes wide-eyed young adventurers and the yachting crowd alike to the Whitsunday Islands’ serenity, and the hiss of espresso machines, and excited chatter of adventure, spills out from its many cafes and bars. Relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon – the social hub of this town - where sun-heated saltwater invites you to wade, before flaming fresh coral trout over a barbecue as the sun sets. Or, take a seat at one of the glorious restaurants offering uninterrupted views out over the waters of Pioneer Bay, towards the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays. These heavenly waters don't just attract humans. Humpback and pilot whales also migrate here to indulge in the warm waters and sheltered location. Spot the majestic creatures breaching and gulping in huge gasps of oxygen as you explore. Feeling adventurous? Rainforest walks to secluded pebble beaches await at Conway National Park, where difficulty-graded walking trails are available. Dive among swirls of jewel-coloured marine life, or experience the thrill of skimming into the sky on a seaplane. Take off to admire the scattered island paradises below from a stunning new aerial perspective, before landing and enjoying a picnic amid Whitehaven Beach’s bliss.
Included shore excursions: Airlie Beach Panoramic Drive - Sea-kayaking Adventure

Day 14: Townsville
Basking in 320 sunny days a year, Townsville is a welcoming, sun-soaked slice of tropical Australia. Venture to this remote city on the cusp of the tropics, to meet adorable animals, explore gorgeous coastal islands and soak up the reliable sun's bronzing glow. Rise to the rosy rock of Castle Hill - the views down over the sparkling coastal setting, and islands waiting beyond form an amazing welcome. Located on Queensland's north-east coast, the city's bay arcs around Magnetic Island - which lies just a scenic 20-minute ferry ride away. An island sanctuary of beautiful dive sites - set amid vibrant reefs and secluded beach coves - it is one of Townsville's most exquisite natural assets. The island's national park is adorned with wildlife, and you can meet more of Australia's famous residents at the family-owned Billabong Sanctuary - which cares for kangaroos, crocodiles, wallabies and more. Townsville's vast aquarium brings the magic of the region's glittering reefs to land, and the largest reef aquarium in the world ensures that even non-divers can enjoy an authentic insight into the colourful life that blossoms offshore. Visit the beaches of lush tropical islands, or wander Townsville's pretty seaside streets and The Strand's waterfront - lined with charming 19th-century architecture and plenty of inviting cafes and alfresco eateries. Learn more of North Queensland's indigenous Bindal and Wulgurukaba communities, as you witness cultural performances, or peruse Townsville's galleries, which showcase extraordinary indigenous arts. Join the locals, to feel the region's sporting passion, as a wall of noise greets the North Queensland Cowboys rugby league team, as they take to the field here in Townsville.
Included shore excursions: Townsville & Billabong Sanctuary - City & Reef Wonderland - City Highlights & Museum of Tropical Queensland - Townsville History, Heritage & Gardens

Day 15: Cairns
Warmly welcoming you to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a treasure trove of rich tropical beauty and incredible sea life. Swathes of rainforest spread out to the north, where you can soar over the canopy in a cable car, before looking down over narrow channels of water plummeting down gorges and crocodile-filled waterways. The diverse lands of the Atherton Tableland lie to the west, but it's the crystal-clear waters - and life-filled reefs - of Cairns' remarkable underwater world that draws universal adulation. Priding itself as the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, explore Cairns' constellation of colour, as you dive into the world's largest and most spectacular underwater universe. Cairns is huddled in amongst abundant swathes of rainforests, which give way to glorious crescents of golden beach. Kuranda - with its scenic railway and heritage market stalls - waits to be discovered, cloaked within the depths of the rainforest. Learn of the indigenous people of North Queensland during cultural performances, and hear the throaty reverberations of digeridoos, as you hear eternal stories handed down through time, from generation to generation. Back in Cairns, there's always time for a coffee or a beer, or a feast on fresh oysters with glasses of Cairns' white wines – boldly flavoured with mango and banana notes.

Your Stay in Cairns
Full Day Outer Reef Cruise
Enjoy one of Cairns’ most unique & exclusive Great Barrier Reef tours. Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel invites you to step back into the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous sea rangers on a day tour to two spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef sites, Moore Reef & Milln or Flynn Reef. A relaxing five hours to explore and gain a deeper cultural understanding of this diverse ecosystem and our indigenous heritage. Don’t forget, we are the only Great Barrier Reef cruise which allows you to interact with original clap sticks and fire poles plus get live demonstrations of traditional dances and the didgeridoo. Includes Indigenous welcome and acknowledgement, Great Barrier Reef creation story, Two premium outer reef sites, Morning and afternoon tea, Freshly prepared buffet lunch, Marine Biologist presentation, Glass bottom boat tour, Snorkelling equipment & Wet and lycra suits.

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest suite category available at the time. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 09 December 2021 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.