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Papeete to Auckland/Silver Dawn
Cruise holidays   >   Transatlantic   >   Papeete to Auckland

Silver Dawn

Papeete to Auckland - 16 night cruise



Cruise only from €14,207

Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.


Description

Gratuities

Dates and Prices

Cabins

A new world of luxury is waiting aboard Silver Dawn. Elegant and modern, Silver Dawn is the natural evolution of our fleet. Large enough to offer eight dining options – including the superb Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programme – yet small enough for the famed Silversea onboard ambience, Silver Dawn inherits the best features of her sister ships Silver Muse and Silver Moon, but is in a class all of her own. With sumptuous suites, outstanding itineraries, plus cutting-edge design and technology and the outstanding OTIVM wellness concept, Silver Dawn sets new standards of luxury. Wake up to a new dawn with Silversea.

Cruise ID: 27999

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
07 February 2026 19:00 €14,207 Call us to book

* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.

Cabins on Silver Dawn

Silver Suite
1-5

A Silversea favourite and by far our best-selling suite! The Silver Suite is one of the foundations of ultra-luxury cruising. Take travelling to a whole new level with the Silver Suite's unparalleled levels of service, comfort and of course style! Available in either a one bedroom, a two bedroom or wheelchair accessible configuration, Silver Suites are fully equipped for the discerning traveller. Whether enjoying the spectacular views from the veranda or relaxing in the large sitting room, Silver Suites offer a comfortable haven on the high seas.

One bedroom: 73 sq.m. including veranda

Two bedroom: 104 sq.m. including veranda

Wheelchair accessible suite: 931

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 9, 10, 11
  • Section: Forward, Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Whirlpool bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • King size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canape service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Dining Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Coffee Machine
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Whirlpool Bath

Vista Suite
1-2

Comfortable, spacious and offering stupendous ocean views, the Vista Suite carries its name very well! Wake up to wide ocean views, breakfast to the sound of the waves lapping at the side of the ship or simply relax with the in-suite entertainment system and comfy sofas. Some Vista Suites are a little larger than standard – perfect for our guests with limited mobility. If you have ever wanted a home away from home on the high seas, the vista Suite is it.

One bedroom: 32 sq.m.

Wheelchair accessible suites: 407, 409, 417

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 4
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Window
  • Sitting area
  • Standard vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Vanity Area
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station

Owner's Suite
1-5

Available in a one or two bedroom configuration (so perfect for families) the Owner's suite is the epitome of elegance at sea. A large seating area is the hub of the suite, equipped with all mod cons – think a Bose sound system, an interactive 55” TV and even an Illy coffee machine! Whether inside or relaxing on the large teak veranda, the Owner's suite offers supreme comfort every hour of the day!

One bedroom: 88-98 sq.m. including veranda

Two bedroom: 119-129 sq.m. including veranda*

*The difference in size is largely due to a larger entry corridor space and does not concern the living or sleeping area.

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 9
  • Section: Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Separate dining area
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Whirlpool bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • King size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canapé service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
  • Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Second Bedroom
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Whirlpool Bath
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Butler Service
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Coffee Machine
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • King or Twin Configuration

Grand Suite
1-5

A grand traveller needs a grand suite, and we are happy to oblige! Get ready to scale new heights of comfort in our ultra-luxury Grand Suite. Situated at the front of the ship for the most spectacular views, the Grand Suite is for travellers who like the finer things in life. A large veranda, furnished with sunbeds, makes for perfect memories. Indoors, the sumptuous seating area and cosy bedrooms are the very definition of relaxing in style.

One bedroom: 137-146 sq.m. including veranda

Two bedroom: 174-183 sq.m. including veranda

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 8, 9
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Separate dining area
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Whirlpool bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • King size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canape service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
  • Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Second Bedroom
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Coffee Machine
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Whirlpool Bath

Royal Suite
1-5

With just two Royal Suites on board, this stateroom is in a class all of its own! Spacious and dignified, commanding and majestic, there's no secret to why we named this suite Royal. Ample indoor space with a living room (including state of the art entertainment systems), twin beds that can be joined upon demand and even an adjoining bedroom if required, the Royal Suite is the answer when travelling with the family! Not to mention unlimited Wi-Fi, a sumptuous marble bathroom and spacious teak veranda, the Royal Suite is fit for a king!

One bedroom: 105 sq.m. including veranda

Two bedroom: 142 sq.m. including veranda

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 7
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Separate dining area
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Whirlpool bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • King size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canape service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
  • Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Coffee Machine
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Whirlpool Bath

Deluxe Veranda Suite
1-3

After a busy day of on shore exploring, the Deluxe Veranda Suite is the perfect home away from home. Spacious and well-situated, enjoy ultra-luxury amenities from the 24-hour butler service to the well-stocked mini-bar (and yes, they're all included!). Not forgetting the teak veranda from which the suite takes her name, the Deluxe Veranda is the perfect setting for making perfect memories.

One bedroom: 36 sq.m. including veranda

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 6, 7, 8
  • Section: Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Sitting area
  • Standard vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Luxury bed mattresses
  • Media & Communication
  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Sofa Bed
  • Vanity Area
  • Media/Entertainment Station

Superior Veranda Suite
1-3

A superior location makes the Superior Veranda Suite, well … superior! From the sumptuous views from the teak veranda to the spacious sitting room and large marble bathroom, everything about the Superior Veranda has been designed for your comfort. So settle in and get comfortable, order some 24-hours room service from your butler and enjoy a bit of R&R. We guarantee you won't want to leave.

One bedroom: 36 sq.m. including veranda

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.


Essentials

  • Deck(s): 7, 8, 9
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Sitting area
  • Standard vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Sofa Bed
  • Vanity Area
  • Media/Entertainment Station

Classic Veranda Suite
1-2

A lower-bow location makes the Classic Veranda Suite a comfortable choice for travellers. A lovely comfortable bed – available in a twin or queen bed configuration – with a choice of mattress makes sure that you enjoy the best night's sleep of your life, while the seating area is perfect for in-suite dining. But perhaps the Classic Veranda's best feature lies outside the suite – with the 6m2 veranda for which the suite was named.

One bedroom: 36 sq.m. including veranda

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 5, 6
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Sitting area
  • Standard vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Vanity Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Hair Dryer

Panorama Suite
1-2

Beautiful elegant furnishings are the perfect choice to soothe and relax as you sail from one destination to the next. Large windows flood the room with light, making for luxurious sea views whether it's morning, noon or night! Panorama suites are the perfect accompaniment to a Silver Suite for larger parties, or just perfect on their own. With all the mod cons that you would expect from an ultra-luxury cruise line, Panorama Suites offer comfort, space and style!

One bedroom: 31 sq.m.

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.


Essentials

  • Deck(s): 9
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Floor-to ceiling window
  • Sitting area
  • Standard vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu 
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Bath
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Suite Benefits
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Vanity Area

View Itinerary By Date



Day 1 Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Papeete will be your gateway to the tropical paradise of French Polynesia, where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia, and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti – an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. Wonderful lagoons of crisp, clear water beg to be snorkelled, stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage, and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures, as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax inside picturesque stilted huts, which stand out over shimmering water, as you settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life, in this Polynesian paradise.

Day 2  Cruising

Day 3 Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Even high praise like the 'world's most beautiful island' from Lonely Planet's co-founder, Tony Wheeler, won't prepare you for the intoxicating intensity of the coal blue ocean, the glow of the pure white sand, and the soothing ripple of the palm-tree forests at incredible Aitutaki. Breathless romance hangs thick in the air here, especially when a riot of purples, reds and oranges are spreading across the sky, accompanying the sun's descent each evening. It wasn't until 1789 that Europeans discovered this island haven, with the HMS Bounty's crew arriving, just a few weeks before a mutiny tore them apart. The Europeans were beaten to the islands, however, by the streamlined wooden canoes of the Polynesian settlers, who arrived around 900AD. While Western missionaries would eventually visit to spread Christianity to the island - evidenced by the white, coral-encrusted walls of the many churches - their efforts to repress the people's deep love of communal singing and dancing ultimately failed, and music forms a key component of the islanders' culture to this day.The beaches here are flawless, and swaying in a hammock, suspended between leaning palm trees, as the ocean gently ruffles the sand nearby, feels gloriously indulgent. Aitutaki Lagoon is a huge aquamarine pool of water, alive with a kaleidoscopic swirl of tropical fish, which lurk just below the surface. You may even be lucky enough to spot turtles padding across the sand, scraping themselves towards the open ocean.The snorkelling opportunities here, and on One Foot Island - where you'll want to acquire the badge of honour of having your passport stamped with the island's iconic huge footprint - are sublime. Don't miss the tiny island of Moturakau either, which is crammed full of exotic birds and crabs, who have dominion over the island's tangled, jungle terrain. 

Days 4-6  Cruising

Day 7 Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Nukualofa is the capital city of the Kingdom of Tonga, a group of islands in the South Pacific. The islands of Tonga are lined with coral reefs and white sand beaches, and are protected by picturesque lagoons and limestone cliffs. Tonga is also one of the very few places in the world where visitors have the opportunity to swim with whales in the tropical ocean waters.

Day 8  Cruising

Day 9 Savusavu, Fiji

Suva, a multiracial city, is the pulsing heart of the South Pacific. Its location is on a hilly peninsula in the southeast corner of Viti Levu Island, the largest in the Fijian archipelago. Suva was named the country's capital in 1882; the former capital was Luvuka. Suva's natural harbour was no doubt a deciding factor that prompted the change. Its port is the country's main shipping facility, accommodating vessels from all over the world. The town is backed by the lush green hills of the Suva-Rewa range. The waterfront district, much of which is built on land reclaimed from tangled mangrove swamps, provides the hub for much of Suva's activities. The downtown centre is a hodgepodge of high-rise office buildings, colonial houses with second-story verandas, parks and government structures. The northern and western mountains catch the trade winds, with the result being damp conditions year-round and frequent tropical downpours. Despite the ever-present possibility of showers, Suva is an excellent place to explore on foot. Many points of interest are located on Victoria Parade and along tree-shaded Queen Elizabeth Drive. Suva's botanical park is lush with flowering plants, trees and green lawns. In its centre stands the Fiji Museum, where objects reflect 3,000 years of Fijian history. The museum boasts a fine collection of Melanesian artefacts and various exhibits that reflect on Fiji's maritime era. Government House stands on a hillside surrounded by landscaped grounds. A stern, uniformed sentry guards the pillared gate entrance. The monthly Changing of the Guard is executed with almost as much pomp and ceremony as at London's Buckingham Palace. Friendly Fiji will charm you; here Melanesia mixes with Polynesia, ancient India with Oceania and tradition with the modern world. The Fijian greeting "Bula!" is extended warmly to strangers on city streets and country roads. Fiji is one of the South Pacific's most hospitable countries and a holiday destination that has much to offer in recreational activities, shopping and joyous celebrations.

Day 10  Cruising

Day 11 Mystery Island (Inyeug), Vanuatu

Day 12 Nouméa, New Caledonia

With its elegant urban infrastructure in a stunning natural setting, Noumea is a truly unique island and part of the New Caledonia archipelago. Noumea started as a penal colony, but has since evolved to a lovely metropolis and today has almost two thirds of New Caledonia's population. While much of the archipelago of New Caledonia has a large percentage of Kanak people – the indigenous inhabitants who live in tribal areas across the country – Noumea is predominantly European with a strong French influence. The city's center and Place de Cocotiers, the main park, are located close to the harbor and several churches date back to the late 19th century. Other attractions include a world-class aquarium at Anse Vata, several long beaches to the south, and a noteworthy collection of Kanak and South Pacific objects at the Museum of New Caledonia. The architectural gem of the city is the Tjibaou Cultural Center, the structure of which resembles sails, or the roofs of Kanak houses hidden behind mangroves.

Day 13 Nouméa, New Caledonia

With its elegant urban infrastructure in a stunning natural setting, Noumea is a truly unique island and part of the New Caledonia archipelago. Noumea started as a penal colony, but has since evolved to a lovely metropolis and today has almost two thirds of New Caledonia's population. While much of the archipelago of New Caledonia has a large percentage of Kanak people – the indigenous inhabitants who live in tribal areas across the country – Noumea is predominantly European with a strong French influence. The city's center and Place de Cocotiers, the main park, are located close to the harbor and several churches date back to the late 19th century. Other attractions include a world-class aquarium at Anse Vata, several long beaches to the south, and a noteworthy collection of Kanak and South Pacific objects at the Museum of New Caledonia. The architectural gem of the city is the Tjibaou Cultural Center, the structure of which resembles sails, or the roofs of Kanak houses hidden behind mangroves.

Day 14  Cruising

Day 15 Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island

Day 16  Cruising

Day 17 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 18 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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