There is nothing more exciting than the thought of going Down Under to explore two of the world’s most beautiful countries. Australia and New Zealand will tire you out before you tire of them.

Located between the Indian and South Pacific oceans, Australia is a land of excitement.

Dive the Great Barrier Reef, go rock climbing, experience the glow of Ayers Rock, watch Serena Williams play at the Australian Open, or have a relaxing dinner in Sydney Harbor. There is never a lack of dynamic things to do in this magical land. C’mon and say “G’Day!”

Just a short hop across the ocean from Australia (990 miles) lays one of the most isolated countries in the world, New Zealand. Made famous by the J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, this country is second to none in its rugged appeal. At the same time, it is a country of rare beauty. In addition to its breathtaking scenery are the people of New Zealand, whose reputation for friendliness is renowned. Tramp along the Great Walks trails, explore fourteen national parks, get a rush in Queenstown, or have a relaxing day air-ballooning in wine country. The Kiwis will keep you busy in their lush unspoiled land.

Since there are so many amazing places to see in both countries, the best way to get the most out of a trip down under is to take a multiple-day luxury cruise aboard a ship such as the SilverSea Silver Whisper.

Sydney:
Arrive a couple days early and check into Sydney’s premier hotel, The Observatory, which is only a short stroll from all of the city’s hottest attractions. After a long flight, start with a trip to the Day Spa at The Observatory.
Have a relaxing massage or rejuvenating facial. Then it’s on to sightseeing. Do the Sydney Harbor Bridge climb. Be sure to bring your camera to get a great shot of the world famous Sydney Opera House. Walk through the many great art galleries, restaurants, and shops of the King Street Wharf. The Silver Whisper is docked right down the street from The Observatory Hotel, which makes embarking a breeze.

Melbourne:
There’s so much to do in this great city, so get out there and explore. Book an excursion to see the world famous “Twelve Apostles,” spectacular rock stacks that jut out of the Southern Ocean. Drive a road that hugs the side of sheer cliffs, where the native bushland meets the blue waters of Australia’s most spectacular coastline. Experience the temperate rainforest as you walk among the gigantic rainforest trees. Be sure to check out the quaint coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. No trip to Melbourne would be complete without a visit to Rod Lever Arena. Take a look behind the scenes of one of the world’s busiest sports and entertainment venues, and home to the Australian Open tennis tournament.

Devonport, Tasmania:
Located on Tasmania’s northwest coast, Devonport is a charming, small town of tin-roofed weatherboard bungalows. Book an excursion to see one of Tasmania’s 60 vineyards. The cool climate of Tasmania results in wines of light-to-medium body, and grapes of adequate ripeness in terms of sugar levels. Check out Chudleigh Honey Farm, a 45-minute journey away. Founded by a Dutch family in the 1800s, the farm now produces more than 50 different kinds of honey. The shop has gigantic bees on the ceiling. (Artificial, of course.)

Hobart, Tasmania:
Situated on the wide expanse of the Derwent River, Hobart’s green-and-red tin-roofed timber houses climb the lower slopes of Mount Wellington.

Take a walk around downtown Hobart, and check out the many cool shops that line the busy streets. Take a wilderness and wildlife excursion to see southern Tasmania’s tall-tree forests and wilderness areas. Who knows, you may even see the famed Tasmanian Devil.
Spend two glorious days at sea en route to Mother Earth, New Zealand.

Cruising Milford Sound:
Set your alarm to wake up early, for the ship enters the sound at 8 am sharp! See the majestic beauty of New Zealand’s fjord country. Since the Silverwhisper is a small ship, it can cruise through the sound, giving you a perfect view of the tall, green mountains. Incredibly beautiful, wild, and remote, the region is a wonderful mix of jagged peaks, lush rainforest, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Be sure to have your camera, tripod, and lots of digital memory cards (or film!)—this is something you want to capture.

 

A place in the sun:
The spectacular Melbourne coastline at sunset

Dunedin, New Zealand:
Welcome to Mother Earth! One of the joys of exploring Dunedin is that there is a great amount to see in a very small area. In the 1860s Dunedin had its heyday when gold was discovered. People flocked to the town to seek their fortunes. The city is filled with Victorian and Edwardian buildings, complete with spires, gables and gargoyles.
Bird lovers will want to check out the Albatross colony at Taiaroa Head. Nowhere else in the world do these very large birds breed so close to humans.
Arrange a tour through the SilverSea tour director to see Dunedin by fine motorcar. You can arrive in style in a vintage Bentley, Jaguar, or Daimler. Take a ride on the Taieri Gorge train through the countryside. The train serves lunch with your choice of refreshing New Zealand wines.

Christchurch,
New Zealand:
Canterbury’s provincial capital, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island, and the main route to its scenic wonders. Locally, Christchurch is known as the “Garden City,” for its numerous parks and gardens. Visit the botanical gardens, which are among the finest in New Zealand. Hop on the Christchurch Tram to see the city in style. For nightlife, drop by Oxford Terrace. This is Christchurch’s trendiest area with tons of bars, cafés, and beautiful people. Because of its central location, Christchurch is an ideal place for exploring the Southern Alps and Banks Peninsula.

Picton, New Zealand:
Set in the upper reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is the quintessential European town with wide streets and historic buildings along the waterfront. Picton is the place to explore Marlborough Sounds. For the wine lovers, take an excursion to explore Pelorus Sound, the largest of the Marlborough Sounds. Sit back and enjoy a variety of fine New Zealand wines while cruising through this magical place.

Napier, New Zealand:
This charming seaside resort, located on the eastern side of North Island, is home to a rich farming and horticultural community. Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, this elegant city is adorned with 1920s Art Deco style architecture. Check out the Napier Antique Centre, The Daily Telegraph building and the Criterion Hotel. All of these stunning buildings are a flashback to old Napier. Within walking distance to Napier’s inner-city Art Deco buildings is the oceanfront marine parade, replete with Norfolk pines, beautiful sculpture, and sunken gardens.

Tauranga, New Zealand:
Welcome to the Bay of Plenty. The founders of this enchanting city discovered a world of lush green parks and tropical gardens for visitors to enjoy. The area of the Bay of Plenty is blessed with good climate and gorgeous beaches. Take an excursion to Rotorua and see one of New Zealand’s most famous attractions—its geothermal system. The geothermal area at Rotorua’s southern edge comprises two separate sections­—the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. This is a very interesting venue that will familiarize people with ancient Maori culture. Listen to lectures on volcanic activity and learn how important this geothermal center is to the people of New Zealand.

Auckland, New Zealand:
The last stop on your journey is the amazing city of Auckland. With its population of 1 million people, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. Often called the “City of Sails.” Auckland has more boats than any city in the world. Take a stroll along the harbor and relax on the many charming cafés. Auckland, with its cosmopolitan flair, offers amazing dining and excellent wines. Check out the Auckland Art Gallery to see a collection of paintings ranging from 19th-century landscapes to abstracts by New Zealand artists. Head on over to the Auckland Zoo and check out the unique kiwi, a flightless bird that is New Zealand’s national symbol. A must-see is the Skytower, the country’s tallest building. Go to the observation deck and view the glorious city below.

Check into the Westin Auckland. Let this unique harborside property be your sanctuary. Be sure to book a suite overlooking the harbor.
Before your long flight back to the States, book a refreshing spa treatment at the Senses Spa and Wellness Center, located within the Westin. Have a great night of sleep and get ready for your long flight home.

Inside Info:

-Visit during their summer: December, January, and March.

-Cruise accommodations can be claustrophobic—book an outside cabin with a balcony. It is worth the extra money.
Photocopy your passport. Leave a copy with a responsible person. Bring at least $100 in local currency.

-New Zealand has many climates; it can get very chilly during the day and especially at night. Be sure to bring an assortment of sweaters.

-The tipping system is different. Tip a small percentage—around 5 percent—if the service was good.


Enjoy ship and shore:
Sun at the pool area on-board; shop the galleries at King Street Wharf in Sydney; or take a speedboat ride in Sydney Harbor.


Eclectic eats: Sumptuous array of sushi (above) in the main dining room, and (below) a delectable apple tart, with Tahitian Vanilla ice cream from the talented chefs on-board the Silver Whisper.



Australia’s
cuisine:
British influences are apparent in traditional Australian meals, which typically include one serving of meat and three vegetables. In recent years, the country’s shifting cultures have introduced a smorgasbord of flavors with contemporary adaptations, interpretations, and fusions of tastes, creating a range of “Modern Australian” standards.
Try local favorites such as Chiko Roll, a deep-fried savory roll similar to a spring roll. Hand-sized Pie Floaters, generally made with minced meat and gravy, are another popular meal.