Welcome 2026 in style, cruising from Sydney to Auckland & celebrating the New Year on a luxury Silversea ship.
One-way international full-service flight
13-night all-inclusive Silversea cruise
2 nights of 5-star hotel accommodation
38 meals & unlimited beverages onboard
Family friendly
Ring in the New Year on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage through Australia and New Zealand. Count down to 2026 at sea in spectacular style with a glamorous gala celebration, champagne toasts, live music and more. Indulge in the luxury of an all-inclusive cruise as you explore iconic ports brimming with history, culture and natural beauty.
Make your own way to Sydney, where you’ll board Silversea’s luxurious Silver Nova ship. This is your home away from home with 9 dining venues, refined suites and spacious public areas. Enjoy a drink at the open-air Dusk Bar, join an interactive workshop at the S.A.L.T. Lab, catch a show at the Venetian Lounge and more. Sail south to the coastal town of Eden, where whaling history, gin distilleries and seafood restaurants await. Spend the day in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, best known for its farm-to-table dining and historic breweries.
Cross the Tasman Sea to New Zealand’s South Island, heading deep within Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Delight in a day of scenic cruising to admire mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls and native wildlife. Experience Scottish heritage in Dunedin, follow a street art trail in Christchurch and tour the Parliament Buildings in Wellington. Admire Art Deco architecture in Napier before disembarking in Auckland. With a day at leisure, you could see the iconic Sky Tower, take a day trip to Waiheke Island or visit the Auckland Art Gallery.
Take a luxurious break with a one-way international flight, an elegant 13-night cruise, 5-star hotel accommodation, 38 meals, unlimited beverages onboard and more.
Departs: 19:00
Today, make your own arrangements to Sydney. Head to the cruise terminal to embark on Silversea's stunning Silver Nova. Once onboard, the remainder of your day is at leisure discovering this luxurious ship.
Please note: No domestic flights are included from your home city to Sydney.
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Dinner
Departs: 22:00
Known for the migrating whales that cruise through its waters between May and November, Eden sits in New South Wales's scenic Twofold Bay. While the whales are now protected and cherished here, the town was initially founded as a whaling centre and has many fascinating stories to tell. Namely, a unique symbiotic relationship with killer whales. Rewarded with the tongues of freshly caught whales, orcas would help to round up baleen whales in the bay, making it easy for humans to land them. This mutually beneficial exchange came to be known as "The Law of the Tongue". Find out more about it, and the area's whaling past, at Eden Killer Whale Museum.
Head to Ben Boyd National Park for bird watching and to see the arches of soaring rock formations rising beside fire-red cliffs. View the glorious coastal scenery of frothing aqua-seas and rugged headlands, from the viewing deck on top of Boyd's Tower. Initially devised as a lighthouse, it would later be used as a lookout to spot whales breaching the bay's waters. Travel to the verdant promontory of Green Cape Lighthouse. Jutting out into the South Pacific Ocean, the pearly-white lighthouse caps crumbling cliffs and offers sweeping views of the jagged cliffs and wave-thrashed rocks. The wrecks that lie offshore attest to the respect these sometimes-punishing waves demand.
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that's going to the gym, visiting the spa (treatments not included), whale watching, reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Departs 18:00
Mount Wellington's looming form is an ever-present sight as you explore booming Hobart, the cosmopolitan capital of Australia's most southerly state. Australia's second-oldest capital city is a place to live the free and easy life, encircled by dramatic cliffs, landscaped gardens and rolling vineyards. Hobart is also well-stacked with cultural pursuits including museums and galleries plastering new and old art to their walls.
With fresh sea breezes and a fabulous location, Hobart is a creative place where you can browse the produce of local artisans, eat at waterfront restaurants or rise up Mount Wellington's slopes. From this elevated platform, you can look down across views of flowing forests, undulating mountains, and endless ocean swallowing up the city. Further away, animal sanctuaries introduce you to the island's famous inhabitants, including the famous Tasmanian devil.
Thirsty? Hobart has a long brewing tradition so enjoy a refreshing ale poured from the country's oldest brewery. The climate's blend of generous sunshine and cool Antarctic breezes helps Hobart to produce its acclaimed wines. You might even see thick clumps of pinot noir grapes hanging from vineyards that are dotted along the valleys nearby. Perhaps you would like to taste the wines, accompanied by a platter of artisan cheese and sausage. Whiskey aficionados aren't left out in the cold either, with international award-winning distilleries close by.
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Cruising at sea aboard Silver Nova is an experience of pure elegance and tranquility. Surrounded by endless blue horizons, the ship glides smoothly across the water with breathtaking ocean views from every angle. With its innovative asymmetrical design and open spaces, guests can enjoy luxurious comforts, world-class dining and personalised service while immersed in the serene beauty of the open sea. It’s not just a journey, it’s a floating sanctuary.
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
During the day, make time to participate in enrichment programs such as lectures, cooking demonstrations and dance classes. Active travellers can enjoy the expansive pool deck, featuring the fleet’s largest pool, a jogging track and a fitness centre. For those seeking relaxation, the Otium Spa offers a range of treatments (not included), while the Observation Lounge provides a tranquil space with 270-degree views.
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Milford Sound
Named after Milford Haven in Wales, Milford Sound is not a sound but a fjord, yet the name has stuck. In 1998, the Maori name Piopiotahi was added so officially it should be written as Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. The local name refers to the extinct New Zealand Thrush (piopio). Milford Sound sits within South Island’s Fiordland National Park, one of the 4 national parks forming the UNESCO World Heritage site “Te Wahipounamu”.
The fjord has a length of approximately 16 kilometres and a depth of more than 290 meters. Steep cliffs, several impressive waterfalls and dense rainforest characterise the fjord. Halfway down the fjord is Stirling Falls, the second tallest. Near the end of the sound, the U-shaped Sinbad Gully and famous Mitre Peak can be seen. On the eastern side is Lady Bowen Falls at 162 meters.
Piopiotahi Marine Reserve protects the flora and fauna in the water. Apart from bottlenose dolphins in the fjord, New Zealand fur seals may be seen resting on Seal Rock on the northern shore, while on the opposite side is a Fiordland Crested Penguin site.
Doubtful Sound
As with all of New Zealand’s fiords, Doubtful Sound is a masterpiece of nature. Because of the Sound’s inaccessibility, you’ll encounter very few people as you float through the silent waterways. However, animals are a different matter. The dense forest is rife with wildlife while birdsong is a constant soundtrack. In the water, you may chance upon fur seals, pods of bottlenose dolphins and the occasional whale and albatross. Ornithologists will no doubt already know that Doubtful Sound is home to the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin, so be sure to keep your binoculars ready as it would be a shame to miss the once-in-a-lifetime sighting.
The region is also famous for its 7-meter annual rainfall, so don't be surprised if the sun isn’t shining. Yet despite the potential mist, Doubtful Sound remains majestic. The waterfalls are more mesmerising, the glassy water more mysterious and the mountains rising into the clouds may look even more impressive. Expect to be both humbled and uplifted.
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Departs: 18:00
Heading the Otago Harbour, Dunedin is a cosmopolitan city of cultural and architectural splendour with a distinctly tartan flare. Settled by the Scots in 1848, the romantically misty valleys and moody landscapes continue to capture the hearts of visitors to these distant shores. Searing bagpipes echo down the streets of the Edinburgh of the South, which wears its Scottish origins proudly. Gothic revival architecture is scattered liberally, including the magnificent university and the city's grand cathedral.
The railway station is perhaps the pick of this city's many artistic structures. Its glowing gardens and pretty mosaics add extra detail to the elegant, gingerbread building. It's also the perfect jumping-off point for romantic rail adventures along the coastline. Museums in the city tell of Chinese influences, as well as the stories of early Maori settlers.
The melodramatic coastline of the Otago Peninsula boasts dramatic cliffs and sea-sprayed beaches, as well as an abundance of animals. Explore cliffs laced with tunnels and hidden walkways, potentially getting you up close with yellow-eyed penguins. Sea lions and seals also sprawl out on windswept beaches, drifting in and out of indulgent dozes.
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Departs 18:00
Christchurch has an unmistakable English flavour, serving as the gateway to southern New Zealand's natural wonders.
The rebuild of the country's oldest city continues, following the earthquakes that devastated it in 2011. The South Island's biggest city is now blossoming, having evolved into a confident and cultural powerhouse. Colourful street art adds an edge to the city while new bars and restaurants contribute to the sense of revitalisation and renewal. Visit museums and take tours to learn more about the reconstruction, which has made incredible progress in recent years.
Surrounded by extinct volcanoes, soaring lakes and the rolling farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, spectacular scenery sprawls around the city. Pay a visit to the Southern Alps' snow-covered peaks, the stunning hot pools of Hanmer Springs or Hector's dolphins who swim at Akaroa.
As a city that's faced immense challenges over the last decade, it's hard not to feel inspired by Christchurch's defiant character and friendly locals who share an open and welcoming outlook that shines stronger than ever.
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Departs 18:00
Sprawling around a hook-shaped peninsula, Wellington is a vibrant and energetic seaside capital. New Zealand's capital is a bright and breezy place with an easy-going atmosphere. Known as a creative hub of the South Pacific, there are shows to see, art installations to enjoy and rich flavours to savour here. Various museums cover everything from Maori traditions to earthquake simulations and even the real-life Kraken, a displayed colossal squid. The smell of a fresh artisan espresso is never far away so stop in at countless cool cafes to top up your caffeine levels.
The sounds of rare and beautiful birdlife fill the hills around the city, while the green belt bush provides an easy-to-access sanctuary for strolls and cycle rides. The Botanical Gardens break up the buildings and the iconic red cable car rumbles up Wellington's slope to the city's best viewpoint.
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Departs 19:00
Sip the fine wines of legendary producers, visit crowds of birds at Cape Kidnappers and wander the stylish streets of the world's Art Deco capital. Located on the huge arc of Hawke's Bay, Napier enjoys a generous Mediterranean-style climate and a breezy cafe culture. Wander along Marine Parade, which borders the rich blue Pacific and invites you to stroll along a tree-lined seafront.
Take a gentle hike up to Bluff Hill for panoramic views over the lively Napier Port and out towards Cape Kidnappers. This is where you'll encounter one of the world's largest mainland gannet colonies, creating a colourful cacophony by the sea. Set on sheer cliffs, the golden-headed birds are an incredible sight as they swirl overhead and dance before you.
The city's renowned Art Deco architecture glows in the sunshine, built following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake which ripped through the region in 1931. The rebuild, in the architectural fashion of the time, has left an authentic treasure trove of 30s-style buildings.
Grapes thrive in the warm, dry climate of Hawke's Bay, which is one of New Zealand's oldest wine regions. Swirl glasses in waterfront bars or head out to walk among the vineyards of pinot gris and syrah grapes, learning about the climate conditions that help add sophisticated flavours to every bottle.
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Overnight: Silversea, 'Silver Nova'
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to disembark and make your own way to your hotel. Once checked in, the remainder of your day is at leisure.
Overnight: QT Auckland, or similar, Auckland
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Auckland, sightseeing natural beauty and urban charm. Visitors can explore the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views, stroll along the vibrant Viaduct Harbour or relax at the scenic Auckland Domain. The city's diverse culture is reflected in its bustling markets, art galleries and cafes. With nearby volcanic cones like Mount Eden and coastal gems such as Mission Bay, Auckland is a captivating destination for every traveller.
Overnight: QT Auckland, or similar, Auckland
Meals included: None
After check out this morning, a transfer is arranged to Auckland airport for your return flight.
Meals included: In-Flight