From Sydney to the Bay of Islands

Board Celebrity Edge at Sydney’s Circular Quay this afternoon and settle in as she departs at 4:30 PM – one of the world’s great departure views, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House framing the exit as the ship heads south into the Tasman Sea. New Zealand lies ahead.

A first, languid day at sea as the Tasman opens up around the ship. Celebrity Edge’s restaurants, spa and open decks are yours to explore – a perfect introduction to one of Celebrity’s most innovative and beautiful ships.

A second day at sea as the South Island draws closer. The pool deck, the spa, a long lunch – time to rest and look forward to the extraordinary scenery that tomorrow will bring.

One of the great days in New Zealand cruising. Celebrity Edge glides through three of Fiordland’s most spectacular sounds across a single extraordinary day – Milford, Doubtful and Dusky – their sheer rock faces, cascading waterfalls and ancient rainforest reflected in the dark, still water below. This is scenic cruising at its most humbling, and the open deck is the only place to be. No going ashore is required – the view from the ship is the destination.

One of the great days in New Zealand cruising. Celebrity Edge glides through three of Fiordland’s most spectacular sounds across a single extraordinary day – Milford, Doubtful and Dusky – their sheer rock faces, cascading waterfalls and ancient rainforest reflected in the dark, still water below. This is scenic cruising at its most humbling, and the open deck is the only place to be. No going ashore is required – the view from the ship is the destination.

One of the great days in New Zealand cruising. Celebrity Edge glides through three of Fiordland’s most spectacular sounds across a single extraordinary day – Milford, Doubtful and Dusky – their sheer rock faces, cascading waterfalls and ancient rainforest reflected in the dark, still water below. This is scenic cruising at its most humbling, and the open deck is the only place to be. No going ashore is required – the view from the ship is the destination.

Dunedin is New Zealand’s most Scottish city – its Victorian and Edwardian stone buildings, its magnificent railway station and its strong university culture giving it a character entirely its own. Nine hours ashore opens up the Otago Peninsula, home to the world’s only mainland royal albatross colony and a thriving population of yellow-eyed penguins, as well as the city’s fine galleries, cafes and the famous Baldwin Street – the world’s steepest residential street.

Christchurch is New Zealand’s garden city – a place of remarkable resilience and renewal, its rebuilt city centre blending innovative architecture with the restored heritage buildings that survived the 2011 earthquake. Nine hours ashore gives you time to explore the Botanic Gardens, the revitalised arts precinct, the punting on the Avon River, or venture to the charming French-influenced village of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula.

Wellington punches well above its weight for a capital city – compact, walkable and full of character. The Te Papa Museum of New Zealand is one of the finest national museums in the world, the waterfront is lively and beautiful, and the city’s cafe culture and craft beer scene are both exceptional. Nine hours ashore is enough to take the cable car to the Botanic Garden, explore the Cuba Street precinct and still find time for a long waterfront lunch.

A well-placed day at sea between Wellington and Tauranga as Celebrity Edge crosses Cook Strait and heads north along the North Island coast. The spa, the pool, a last afternoon of pure relaxation before the northern ports begin.

Tauranga is the gateway to one of New Zealand’s most dramatic natural regions. The geothermal wonders of Rotorua are within easy reach – boiling mud pools, erupting geysers and the extraordinary Maori cultural heritage of Te Puia. Closer to port, the Mount Maunganui beach precinct and the famous hot salt water pools offer a more relaxed introduction to the Bay of Plenty. Over eleven hours ashore gives you every reason to make the most of both.

The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most treasured destinations – 144 islands scattered across a sheltered subtropical bay of extraordinary natural beauty. Ten hours ashore opens up the possibility of dolphin watching, sailing between islands, visiting the historic town of Russell, or exploring Waitangi, where New Zealand’s founding Treaty was signed in 1840. In November, the pohutukawa trees are beginning to bloom – their scarlet flowers lining the coastline in one of the most distinctly New Zealand of summer sights.

Celebrity Edge glides into Auckland Harbour in the early morning light, the Sky Tower marking the skyline as the city wakes up around her. Disembark and check into your 4-star hotel for two nights in one of the Pacific’s most vibrant cities.

A full free day in Auckland – the waterfront, the Viaduct, Ponsonby Road, the volcanic summit of One Tree Hill, or a ferry across to Waiheke Island for wine, olive oil and views across the Hauraki Gulf. Auckland in November is warm, green and at its very best.

A final morning in Auckland before heading home. After 13 nights at sea and two cities well explored, New Zealand will have left its mark – and the Bay of Islands will already be calling you back.