Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
Introducing Silver Nova – the twelfth ship to join our fleet. Our newest vessel will join us in summer 2023, and will be a home away from home for up to 728 guests. Silver Nova's innovative asymmetrical design introduces the world like never before, offering an immersive destination experience to our guests. With a gross tonnage of 54,700 tons she will offer a space-to-guest ratio of 75 GRT-per-passenger becoming one of the most spacious cruise ships ever built. What's more, Silver Nova will be our most environmentally friendly, and thanks to her groundbreaking technological solutions, she will propel Silversea into a new era of sustainable cruising. It's the Nova way to travel.
Silver Nova preserves all our trademarks and delivers a new way of luxury cruising. Her revolutionary horizontal design ensures outstanding public areas, which fuse seamlessly together. Silver Nova will introduce a brand new selection of superb, spacious suites, many of which promise a 270° view from sea to sky. Nine dining venues and an unprecedented choice of bars complete the experience, offering delicious drinking and dining at any time of the day.
Cruise ID: 22826
Diverse dining between sea and sky
You'll be spoilt for choice with Silver Nova's outstanding range of dining venues and bars. Enjoy casual cocktails under the stars in The Dusk Bar, tasting destination specific recipes in S.A.L.T. Kitchen, savouring French fine dining in La Dame or why not relax with a pizza and beer in Spaccanapoli? Silver Nova's ten bars and eight restaurants are perfect for enjoying your favourite drink or dish, with your favourite people. Come for the food and stay for the views.
Setting sail on Silversea promises peace of mind from start to finish. That means no worrying about tipping the butlers or staff. Our crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1 ensures flawless service from pole to pole, but with us, you never have to think about who should get a tip, how much you should give and when. It's all included! We believe that not having to deal with tipping helps make your luxury cruise even more special and stress-free. And that is worth every penny.
| Date | Time | Price * | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 December 2025 | 19:00 | €11,687 | Call us to book |
* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
1-5
The Silver Suite is a Silversea favourite. It's one of the Venetian Society's favourite choices, and we can see why! The Silver Suite aboard Silver Nova offers an innovative design layout that will unlock full sea views from both the living room and bedroom, while the spacious living area allows for comfortable relaxing. A generous dining area makes cosy nights dining in veritable experiences in themselves. The suite features a generous walk-in closet as well as a bathroom with whirlpool bath, a walk-in shower, double vanity and separate lavatory.
One bedroom: 63 sq.m. including veranda
Two bedroom: 96 sq.m. including veranda
Wheelchair accessible suites: 6022, 7018
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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1-5
Silver Nova's Junior Grand Suite is a comfortably sized home away from home. Spaciously proportioned at 54-58 m2 or 581-624 sq. ft, including 6 m2 or 64 sq. ft of balcony, the Junior Grand builds on the success of the Grand Suite. It has inherited the best features of the Grand Suite by being positioned in the top bow position, offering spectacular views of the destination. The interior layout features a spacious living and dining area, as well as a secluded bedroom. The large bathroom features a double vanity, whirlpool and walk-in shower.
One bedroom: 54-58 sq.m. including veranda
Two bedroom: 87-91 sq.m. including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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1-3
With features similar to our best-selling Medallion Suite, the Premium Medallion has an optimal placement at the aft. The Medallion Suite design builds on the phenomenal success of our iconic Veranda suite, while offering the comfort of a generous interior and balcony (49 m2/527 sq. ft. and 8 m2/86 sq. ft respectively). Additionally, the suite features a large bathroom with a double vanity, a spacious bathtub and separate shower, as well as a secluded bedroom area with king-size bed.
One bedroom: 49 sq.m. including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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1-3
A mark of distinction, the Medallion Suite boasts a sumptuous and spacious living area, complete with rich textures and panoramic views from your large private veranda (8 m2 or 86 sq. ft.) Nestle up under plush bed linens for one of the best night's sleep of your life, or rejuvenate after a busy day of exploring onshore in the cosy indoor sitting area (49 m2 or 527 sq. ft.) The large bathroom with double vanity, spacious bathtub and shower is the perfect place to soak the day away. Relax with ease in the Medallion Suite, as the grandeurs of this stateroom surround you with distinguished luxury.
One bedroom: 527 ft² / 49 m² including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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1-3
A Silversea signature, the Veranda Suite offers elegant décor, a stunning marbled bathroom with a luxurious double vanity and sumptuous walk-in shower or large bathtub. Located now in the top aft location, the Premium Veranda will offer a comfortable interior. Additionally, an ample sitting area provides a generous expanse of interior comforts. Four suites (one on each deck) will offer spacious interiors adapted for guests with disabilities which will be located in the ideal mid-ship position. A new iteration of our iconic and perfect suite configuration.
One bedroom: 33 sq.m. including veranda
Wheelchair accessible suites: 6045, 7037, 8031, 9041
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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1-5
Whether you are preparing for a dynamic day on shore, primping for a romantic dinner on board, or settling down for a quiet evening in-suite, you will be enveloped by the Deluxe Veranda Suite's warm touches. Located in the ideal mid-ship position, the Deluxe Veranda Suite offers a comfortable 33 m2 of interior luxury. But perhaps this suite's finest asset lies just outside, as floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a furnished private teak 5 m2 veranda offering sweeping views of your destination.
One bedroom: 33 sq.m. including veranda
Two bedroom: 33 m² including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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1-3
Well situated at the front and back of the ship, the 28 m2 interior of the Veranda Suite is only the beginning. The 5m2 teak balcony makes each spectacular sunset feel like it is yours alone. From beautiful bed linens to sumptuous furniture, our Superior Veranda suites are luxurious inside and out! Whether enjoying some down time with the state of the art entertainment system or taking in dinner in-suite, the Superior Veranda is the cosiest home away from home on the high seas.
One bedroom: 33 sq.m. including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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1-2
Located at the bow and aft of the ship, the Classic Veranda Suite will offer travellers a taste of our famous on board luxury. After a busy day of exploring, welcome home to the haven of the Classic Veranda Suite. With butler service, a queen size bed (which can be separated on demand) and beautiful marble bathroom, you won't want to leave! However, the best part of our Classic Veranda suite is by far the large (5m2) private, teak veranda which offer sweeping views of the destination. Pure bliss.
One bedroom: 33 sq.m. including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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1-3
The Otium Suite is one of our newest and finest suites. Located in the premium aft corner position, the Otium Suite has a total size of 123 m2 (1,324 sq. ft.), including a 40 m2 (431 sq. ft.) balcony, which comes complete with a whirlpool. Features include a spacious living room area, a luxurious walk-in closet, a separate large bedroom, plus a bathroom with a whirlpool and walk-in shower. The crowning glory of the Otium Suite however must surely be its unprecedented 270 degree view, giving you some of the best views of your destination possible.
One bedroom: 123 sq.m. including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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1-5
The eponymous Owner's Suite is a Venetian Society favourite. So, why not travel in this stylish suite and get a taste of the ultimate in luxury lifestyle. The suite's total size is a huge 98 m2 or 1055 sq. ft., which includes 16 m2 (172 sq. ft.) of balcony making for comfortable outdoor living. The favourite mid ship position gives incredible views from both the dining area and bedroom. A luxurious bathroom with double vanity, plus a whirlpool and walk-in shower, bidet, lavatory and guest restroom perfect the in-suite experience.
One bedroom: 98 sq.m. including veranda
Two bedroom: 131 sq.m. including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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1-5
If you have ever wanted to indulge in one of our epitomes of ultra-luxury cruising, then the Grand Suite is perhaps the answer. Situated at the front of the ship, the Grand Suite offers sophistication and style for serious travellers. Thanks to an innovative design, the Grand Suite is one of the most luxurious and spacious suites aboard Silver Nova, offering sweeping sea to sky views on your destination from all living areas. A luxurious bathroom with double vanity, whirlpool and walk-in shower, plus a guest restroom complete.
One bedroom: 85 sq.m. including veranda
Two bedroom: 118 sq.m. including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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This new suite category is exclusive to Silver Nova. The Master Suite is stately, commanding and majestic and perfect for relaxing after a days' exploring on shore. Located in the premium aft corner position, the Master Suite has a total size: 67-77 m2 (721-826 sq. ft) and includes 22-31m2 (233-330 sq. ft.) of balcony. The incredible floor-to-ceiling glazing surrounding the living room and bedroom area will offer outstanding 270° views on your destination, regardless of whether you are in the world. A sumptuous bathroom will feature sweeping views of the destination.
One bedroom: 67-77 sq.m. including veranda
Two bedroom: 100-110 sq.m. including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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Another exclusivity for Silver Nova. The Signature Suite is one of our most distinctive new suites, offering unparalleled destination immersion through unobstructed views from all interior areas. The Signature Suite is one of the most spacious suites on board totalling 65 m2 or 700 sq. ft., including 16 m2 or 172 sq. ft. of balcony for superlative outdoor living. The innovative layout will feature a large dining and living room area, as well as a secluded bedroom. The large bathroom features a double vanity, whirlpool and walk-in shower and lavatory is completed by a guest restroom.
One bedroom: 65 sq.m. including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
Please note the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of suites that have 3rd berth capacity.
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Day 1 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Consistently rated among the "world's most livable cities" in quality-of-life surveys, Melbourne is built on a coastal plain at the top of the giant horseshoe of Port Phillip Bay. The city center is an orderly grid of streets where the state parliament, banks, multinational corporations, and splendid Victorian buildings that sprang up in the wake of the gold rush now stand. This is Melbourne's heart, which you can explore at a leisurely pace in a couple of days.In Southbank, one of the newer precincts south of the city center, the Southgate development of bars, restaurants, and shops has refocused Melbourne's vision on the Yarra River. Once a blighted stretch of factories and run-down warehouses, the southern bank of the river is now a vibrant, exciting part of the city, and the river itself is finally taking its rightful place in Melbourne's psyche.Just a hop away, Federation Square—with its host of galleries—has become a civic landmark for Melburnians. Stroll along the Esplanade in the suburb of St. Kilda, amble past the elegant houses of East Melbourne, enjoy the shops and cafés in Fitzroy or Carlton, rub shoulders with locals at the Victoria Market, nip into the Windsor for afternoon tea, or rent a canoe at Studley Park to paddle along one of the prettiest stretches of the Yarra—and you may discover Melbourne's soul as well as its heart.
Day 2 Cruising
Day 3 Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Straddling the Derwent River at the foot of Mt. Wellington's forested slopes, Hobart was founded as a penal settlement in 1803. It's the second-oldest city in the country after Sydney, and it certainly rivals its mainland counterpart as Australia's most beautiful state capital. Close-set colonial brick-and-sandstone shops and homes line the narrow, quiet streets, creating a genteel setting for this historic city of 215,000. Life revolves around the broad Derwent River port, one of the deepest harbors in the world. Here warehouses that once stored Hobart's major exports of fruit, wool, and corn and products from the city's former whaling fleet still stand alongside the wharf today.Hobart sparkles between Christmas and New Year's—summer Down Under—during the annual Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race. The event dominates conversations among Hobart's citizens, who descend on Constitution Dock to welcome the yachts and join in the boisterous festivities of the crews. The New Year also coincides with the Tastes of Tasmania Festival, when the dockside area comes alive with the best of Tasmanian food and wine on offer in numerous cafés, bars, and waterfront stalls. Otherwise, Hobart is a placid city whose nightlife is largely confined to excellent restaurants, jazz clubs, and the action at the Wrest Point Casino in Sandy Bay.The Hobart Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre hours are weekdays 8:30–5:30 and Saturday 9–5.
Day 4 Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia
Day 5 Cruising
Day 6 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Australians think of Adelaide as a city of churches, but Adelaide has outgrown its reputation as a sleepy country town dotted with cathedrals and spires. The Adelaide of this millennium is infinitely more complex, with a large, multiethnic population and thriving urban art and music scenes supported by a "space activation program" that encourages pop-up shops, markets, performances, street food, mini festivals, art exhibitions, and other "off-the-cuff" experiences in the cities underutilized streets and public spaces.Bright and clean, leafy and beautiful Adelaide is a breeze to explore, with a grid pattern of streets encircled by parkland. The heart of the greenbelt is divided by the meandering River Torrens, which passes the Festival Centre in its prettiest stretch.
Day 7 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Australians think of Adelaide as a city of churches, but Adelaide has outgrown its reputation as a sleepy country town dotted with cathedrals and spires. The Adelaide of this millennium is infinitely more complex, with a large, multiethnic population and thriving urban art and music scenes supported by a "space activation program" that encourages pop-up shops, markets, performances, street food, mini festivals, art exhibitions, and other "off-the-cuff" experiences in the cities underutilized streets and public spaces.Bright and clean, leafy and beautiful Adelaide is a breeze to explore, with a grid pattern of streets encircled by parkland. The heart of the greenbelt is divided by the meandering River Torrens, which passes the Festival Centre in its prettiest stretch.
Day 8 Port Lincoln, South Australia, Australia
Port Lincoln is the second-largest city on the lower Eyre Peninsula in the Australian state of South Australia. Nestled on the shore of Boston Bay, Australia's largest natural harbour, Port Lincoln opens eastward into Spencer Gulf. Port Lincoln is the largest city in the west coast region, and located approximately 174 miles (280 kilometres) from the capital city of Adelaide. Port Lincoln has a contrasting coastal landscape, ranging from sheltered waters and beaches to surf beaches and rugged oceanic coastline. The Great South Australian Coastal Upwelling System brings cold, nutrient-rich water into nearby waters of the Great Australian Bight and Spencer Gulf. This phenomenon supports lucrative fisheries, including that of the southern bluefin tuna and sardine, making Port Lincoln locally-renowned as the 'Seafood Capital of Australia'. The Eyre Peninsula has been home to Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The Nauo (south-western Eyre), Barngarla (eastern Eyre), Wirangu (north-western Eyre) and Mirning (far-western Eyre) being the predominant original cultural groups present at the time of the arrival of Europeans. Port Lincoln was discovered by Matthew Flinders under his commission by the British Admiralty to chart Australia's unexplored coastline. Flinders dropped anchor in Boston Bay in February 1802, and named the spot Port Lincoln after his native Lincolnshire in England. Port Lincoln was initially considered as the alternative site for the State's capital, but was subsequently rejected by Colonel Light in 1836 in favour of Adelaide; a lack of fresh water supplies was a major determining factor. The first settlers arrived in Port Lincoln in March 1839 aboard the Abeona, the Dorset and the Porter. There is an historic plaque at the First Landing site to commemorate the event. In the years since, Port Lincoln has evolved into one of the nation's biggest combined agricultural, fishing and aquaculture industries, with tourism becoming a major contributor towards the local economy. Port Lincoln offers ample opportunities to explore its unique blend of cultures and storied past. The local culture, traditions and storied past can be experienced during visits to any of Port Lincoln's scenic and informative museums. The Axel Stenross Museum is filled with maritime history, relics and artefacts from windjammer days. The Koppio Smithy National Trust Museum is a vast, Heritage-listed, open-air museum nestled amidst the rolling hills of Koppio, and replete with buildings and artefacts representing the early pioneer heritage of Eyre Peninsula. The Mt. Dutton Bay Woolshed Museum is a Heritage-listed 'working' museum consisting of hundreds of local artefacts depicting the history of Port Lincoln's historic shearing, farming and fishing era. The National Trust 'Mill Cottage' offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the pioneering life of the Bishop family, one of Port Lincoln's first settlement families, during a visit to their 1866 home. The Railway Museum provides an authentic setting for many of the museum displays, with many internal features still intact from the days when it was an active railway station. Port Lincoln is home to 148,263 acres (60,000 hectares) of national parks, with abundant beaches, local wildlife, flora and fauna, 250 bird species, and breath-taking panoramic vistas of Boston Bay, Spencer Gulf and beyond. Port Lincoln National Park, Coffin Bay National Park and Kellidie Bay Conservation Park are all located nearby, and represent a unique opportunity to explore Port Lincoln's exquisite natural and coastal beauty. Land-based outdoor excursions include bird-watching, scenic walking tours, off-road 4WD excursions and wildlife tours at the Glen-Forest Tourist Park and Wilderness Wanders Adventure Tours, or a relaxing round of golf at the Port Lincoln Golf Club, located 6.2 miles (10 kilometres) from Port Lincoln. The abundant blue waters off Port Lincoln, Boston Bay, Spencer Gulf and the ocean beyond are ideally-suited for aquaculture tours, windsurfing, surfing, snorkelling, scuba-diving, fishing, boating, sailing, swimming with bluefin tuna at Swim with the Tuna, and shark cage-diving and swimming with sea lions, seals, rays, and grouper at Calypso Star Charters and Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions. Due to its compact size, Port Lincoln can be easily explored in just a single day.
Day 9 Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia
Kangaroo Island is with 1,740 square miles the third largest island off the coast of Australia. It is 96 miles long and 34 miles wide, and known for its outstanding natural beauty. Due to its remote location, Kangaroo Island was less affected than the mainland by the impact of European development. To this day, the island is rich in diverse flora and fauna seldom found elsewhere. As one of the world's last unspoiled wilderness places, about 30 percent of the island has been designated as National Parks. The most important one is Flinders Chase at the western end of Kangaroo Island, with Seal Bay Conservation Park following close behind. Its large sandy beach and dune area is home to Australian sea lions where they come to rest and nurse their young. Kingscote, formerly known as Queenscliffe, is the largest town on the island and its main supply depot. Tourism is a significant element in the local economy. A mix of attractive small townships, wildlife sanctuaries and fascinating wilderness areas guarantee a steady stream of visitors each year.
Day 10 Robe, South Australia, Australia
Day 11 Cruising
Day 12 Burnie, Tasmania, Australia
Burnie overlooks Emu Bay, on the north-west coast. This proudly industrial city is Australia's fifth largest container port and a vibrant place to visit. Burnie was once surrounded by dense rainforest, but this has slowly disappeared, while fortunes were made felling and milling timber. The paper and pulp mill on the city's outskirts operated from 1938 to 1998. Burnie was first explored by Bass and Flinders and was known as Emu Bay when it was settled by the Van Diemen's Land Company in 1827. Today, Burnie has a population of almost 19,000. Burnie experiences temperate conditions, with an average maximum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) in January and 56.5 degrees Fahrenheit (13.5) degrees Celsius in June.
Days 13-15 Cruising
Day 16 Bay of Islands, New Zealand
The Tasman Sea on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east meet at thetop of North Island at Cape Reinga. No matter what route you take, you'll passfarms and forests, marvellous beaches, and great open spaces. The East Coast,up to the Bay of Islands, is Northland's most densely populated, often withrefugees from bigger cities—looking for a more relaxed life—clustered aroundbreathtaking beaches. The first decision on the drive north comes at the footof the Brynderwyn Hills. Turning left will take you up the West Coast throughareas once covered with forests and now used for either agricultural orhorticulture. Driving over "the Brynderwyns," as they are known,takes you to Whangarei, the only city in Northland. If you're in the mood for adiversion, you can slip to the beautiful coastline and take in Waipu Cove, anarea settled by Scots, and Laings Beach, where million-dollar homes sit next tosmall Kiwi beach houses.An hour's drive farther north is the Bay of Islands, known all over theworld for its beauty. There you will find lush forests, splendid beaches, andshimmering harbors. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 betweenMaoriand the British Crown, establishing the basis for the modern New Zealandstate. Every year on February 6, the extremely beautiful Waitangi Treaty Ground(the name means weeping waters) is the sight of a celebration of the treaty andprotests by Maori unhappy with it. Continuing north on the East Coast, theagricultural backbone of the region is even more evident and a series ofwinding loop roads off the main highway will take you to beaches that are bothbeautiful and isolated where you can swim, dive, picnic, or just laze. .The West Coast is even less populated, and the coastline is rugged andwindswept. In the Waipoua Forest, you will find some of New Zealand's oldestand largest kauri trees; the winding road will also take you past mangroveswamps. Crowning the region is the spiritually significant Cape Reinga, theheadland at the top of the vast stretch of 90 Mile Beach, where it's believedMaori souls depart after death. Today Maori make up roughly a quarter of thearea's population (compared with the national average of about 15%). The legendaryMaori navigator Kupe was said to have landed on the shores of Hokianga Harbour,where the first arrivals made their home. Many different wi (tribes) livedthroughout Northland, including Ngapuhi (the largest), Te Roroa, Ngati Wai,Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Ngaitakoto, Ngati Kahu, and Te Rarawa. Many Maoriherecan trace their ancestry to the earliest inhabitants
Day 17 Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is called the City of Sails, and visitors flying in will see why. On the East Coast is the Waitemata Harbour—a Maori word meaning sparkling waters—which is bordered by the Hauraki Gulf, an aquatic playground peppered with small islands where many Aucklanders can be found "mucking around in boats."Not surprisingly, Auckland has some 70,000 boats. About one in four households in Auckland has a seacraft of some kind, and there are 102 beaches within an hour's drive; during the week many are quite empty. Even the airport is by the water; it borders the Manukau Harbour, which also takes its name from the Maori language and means solitary bird.According to Maori tradition, the Auckland isthmus was originally peopled by a race of giants and fairy folk. When Europeans arrived in the early 19th century, however, the Ngati-Whatua tribe was firmly in control of the region. The British began negotiations with the Ngati-Whatua in 1840 to purchase the isthmus and establish the colony's first capital. In September of that year the British flag was hoisted to mark the township's foundation, and Auckland remained the capital until 1865, when the seat of government was moved to Wellington. Aucklanders expected to suffer from the shift; it hurt their pride but not their pockets. As the terminal for the South Sea shipping routes, Auckland was already an established commercial center. Since then the urban sprawl has made this city of approximately 1.3 million people one of the world's largest geographically.A couple of days in the city will reveal just how developed and sophisticated Auckland is—the Mercer City Survey 2012 saw it ranked as the third-highest city for quality of life—though those seeking a New York in the South Pacific will be disappointed. Auckland is more get-up and go-outside than get-dressed-up and go-out. That said, most shops are open daily, central bars and a few nightclubs buzz well into the wee hours, especially Thursday through Saturday, and a mix of Maori, Pacific people, Asians, and Europeans contributes to the cultural milieu. Auckland has the world's largest single population of Pacific Islanders living outside their home countries, though many of them live outside the central parts of the city and in Manukau to the south. The Samoan language is the second most spoken in New Zealand. Most Pacific people came to New Zealand seeking a better life. When the plentiful, low-skilled work that attracted them dried up, the dream soured, and the population has suffered with poor health and education. Luckily, policies are now addressing that, and change is slowly coming. The Pacifica Festival in March is the region's biggest cultural event, attracting thousands to Western Springs. The annual Pacific Island Secondary Schools' Competition, also in March, sees young Pacific Islander and Asian students compete in traditional dance, drumming, and singing. This event is open to the public.At the geographical center of Auckland city is the 1,082-foot Sky Tower, a convenient landmark for those exploring on foot and some say a visible sign of the city's naked aspiration. It has earned nicknames like the Needle and the Big Penis—a counterpoint to a poem by acclaimed New Zealand poet James K. Baxter, which refers to Rangitoto Island as a clitoris in the harbor.The Waitemata Harbour has become better known since New Zealand staged its first defense of the America's Cup in 2000 and the successful Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in early 2009. The first regatta saw major redevelopment of the waterfront. The area, where many of the city's most popular bars, cafés, and restaurants are located, is now known as Viaduct Basin or, more commonly, the Viaduct. A recent expansion has created another area, Wynyard Quarter, which is slowly adding restaurants.These days, Auckland is still considered too bold and brash for its own good by many Kiwis who live "south of the Bombay Hills," the geographical divide between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand (barring Northland). "Jafa," an acronym for "just another f—ing Aucklander," has entered the local lexicon; there's even a book out called Way of the Jafa: A Guide to Surviving Auckland and Aucklanders. A common complaint is that Auckland absorbs the wealth from the hard work of the rest of the country. Most Aucklanders, on the other hand, still try to shrug and see it as the parochial envy of those who live in small towns. But these internal identity squabbles aren't your problem. You can enjoy a well-made coffee in almost any café, or take a walk on a beach—knowing that within 30 minutes' driving time you could be cruising the spectacular harbor, playing a round at a public golf course, or even walking in subtropical forest while listening to the song of a native tûî bird.
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