AN AUSSIE UM EXPERIENCE FROM SYDNEY TO AUCKLAND!
- Lauren N. Lasson
- Aug 5, 2016
- 3 min read
Nine thousand four hundred and twenty nine miles from the U.S., is a landmass, which has a unique and exotic ring to it, Australia. Something people often wonder is what is Australia? A continent? An island? A country? Australia possesses all three characteristics and due to its remote location, the country is home to the most unusual animal species in the entire animal kingdom. To get an all-inclusive expedition of the “land down under” join Oceania Cruise to explore your world, your way.
You will board the ship in Sydney, which is one of Australia’s largest and most well known cities. Millions of tourists come to visit the cosmopolitan city to snap shots of the beautiful landmarks of the Sydney Harbor and the Sydney Opera House. After you board and make yourself at home on your ship the “Sirena,” you will find yourself in the city of Eden the very next day. In Eden, you will have the opportunity to visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum, which is wildly popular among tourists. The museum is appropriate for all ages as it covers the town history, and you will get to see real artifacts from the killer whales. The next two days will be spent in Melbourne, which is a city known for its exquisite architecture and street graffiti. You will have the chance to get acquainted and capture Aussie wildlife especially with koalas and kangaroos at rainforests and wildlife parks.

As the ship departs to the island of Tasmania, you will embark to Burnie, which is know for it inventive process of paper making. Make sure to check out the Maker’s Workshop (won the Tasmanian Architectural Award in 2010) where tourists can admire the art and jewelry gallery, which is on display and for purchase. Keep a close eye out for gray kangaroos whose natural habitat is in the areas of Tasmania. As you spend three days at sea cruising the Tasman Sea and the Fjords of Milford Sound, take advantage of the multi cuisine restaurants on the newly renovated ship. Guests can opt for a French, Italian, Asian and more at specialty restaurants serving fresh seafood and steaks. Aside from the exquisite dinning, there is constant programming to keep you busy, like engaging lectures, game tournaments, and musical performances.

It may be hard to believe that you have been on the cruise for nine days, but it may be harder to believe that you have finally made it to New Zealand! The rest of the cruise will be visiting various cities on the island beginning in Dunedin. You can expect to see whimsical gardens enveloping the historic 19th century Larnach Castle on the Otaga Peninsula. Keep an eye out for wildlife because Kea and Albatross birds, fur seals, and yellow eye penguins have been known to hang out on the banks of Dunedin. In the next stop Akaroa, you will find the largest colony of little penguins, which can only be found within the coastlines of Australia and New Zealand. Their little bodies of only 33 centimeters are often referred to, as “fairy penguins” and are sure to make your heart melt. The waters of Akaroa have been a favorite amongst kayakers because of the likelihood to spot the smallest marine dolphin and sea lions.

As you reach Nelson, you will notice the apparent creative essence that flows through this town, which is home to more than 350 artists and craftsmen. This city is renowned for its consistently sunny weather and beautiful beaches. If you get a chance, cool off at the spectacular Penguino Gelato Ice-Cream Café which is known for it traditional and unique flavors. Next you will reach the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington. Visitors love to take cable cars up to this mountainous region for a breathtaking view of the botanic gardens and sandy beaches.

The next two locations are major tourist attractions because of their interesting culture and impressive agriculture. Napier has beautiful vineyards to tour as well as the art deco architecture, which was built after a destructive earthquake in 1931. You might want to pull out your camera to snap a picture of the “Pania of the Reef” a statue, which is the most photographed landmark in all of the country. The second location Rotorua, is famous for its geothermal activity which features “geyser formations” and hot mud pools. After a jam-packed itinerary, you will end off in the subtropical city of Auckland, NZ where you will disembark after two weeks in the region of Oceania.
As your fourteen-day voyage on the Sirena has come to an end, and you are scrolling through your camera roll photos; hopefully you are only delighted with memories from a trip to remember!
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