From Sydney to Auckland · Australia & New Zealand · 14 nights
Viking’s hugely successful river cruise operation expanded into ocean cruising with a fleet of ten contemporary 930-guest ocean ships featuring attractive inclusive pricing and interesting itineraries. A slightly larger ship joined the fleet in 2024 with two additional ships scheduled in 2025 and 2026 each carrying 998 guests.
The airy contemporary style of the ships, with fresh Nordic
décor, is most appealing. Add to that the huge choices in dining
and other facilities, and veranda staterooms throughout, not to
mention included shore excursions and an excellent spa, and you
have a winner. In 2024 Viking Vela joined the fleet which is very
slightly larger, carrying 998 guests, yet identical in all other
respects to her predecessors. Two further 998-guest ships, Viking
Vesta and Viking Mira, launch in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
One of our favourite cities in the world, we love pretty much everything about Sydney. Offering outdoor living at its best, the city is known for the excellent beaches but offers so much more, including a thriving and varied food scene inspired by Asian and European flavours. Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens and admire the amazing views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from Mrs Macquarie's Chair, enjoy the cafés and bars in The Rocks district, walk across the top of the Harbour Bridge (or enjoy the easier option of a view from the top of one of the stone towers) or just relax on the beach.
Culturally sophisticated and fashionably hip, Melbourne combines edgy street art with gold rush era architecture while offering excellent restaurants and top museums. If you have time, check out some of Victoria's other attractions, including the beautiful 12 Apostles and the excellent wines of the Yarra Valley.
Tasmania’s capital has been revitalised in recent years with a slew of new museums, restaurant openings and festivals. Hobart’s highlights include the provocative Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), the lively waterfront and a thriving foodie and craft beer scene.
Visitors to Dunedin are amazed by the extraordinary Victorian and Edwardian buildings dating back to the gold rush, which bring to mind the city's Scottish roots - not least when the sound of the pipes echoes through the streets.
A garden city where punts glide down the Avon River, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were still in the UK when arriving into Christchurch, New Zealand’s most English of cities.
New Zealand’s cosmopolitan capital is arguably the country’s most likeable city. Hemmed in by forest-clad hills, Wellington is compact and easily walkable, with a lovely waterfront area where you’ll find the must-see Te Papa national museum. The city is also renowned for its strong winds, so make sure you hold on to your hat!
When Napier was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 the city was rebuilt entirely in the Art Deco style, making this a fascinating architectural time capsule. It’s a lovely, sunny seaside city, and a visit to the surrounding Hawke’s Bay wine region makes for an enjoyable day trip.
Tauranga is the largest city on the Bay of Plenty, and is said to be one of the sunniest spots in the whole of New Zealand. There’s a real boom town feel here, with new restaurants, bars and hotels opening all the time, and neighbouring Mount Maunganui is a popular beach destination.
Auckland offers a buzzing waterfront and a vibrant arts scene, and provides a fascinating introduction to New Zealand’s proud cultural heritage. The centre is home to excellent shopping and a number of fantastic restaurants, and to the west is the city's oldest wine region.
