New Zealand

Depart Sydney aboard Celebrity Edge, one of the most talked-about ships in the world. Settle into your stateroom — the outward-facing design means even inside cabins feel spacious and connected — then head up to the Rooftop Garden or the Magic Carpet for a cocktail as you sail out of the harbour.

Your first sea day is the perfect opportunity to explore Celebrity Edge’s extraordinary public spaces. Don’t miss the Magic Carpet — a cantilevered platform that moves between decks and transforms from a casual bar to an intimate dining venue. Eden, the multi-level restaurant and lounge at the ship’s stern, is worth a visit at sunset.

A second day at sea as you cross the Tasman. Take advantage of your included beverage package at the Martini Bar or Craft Social, book a treatment at the spa, or enjoy an afternoon in the Solarium — an adults-only retreat with stunning ocean views.

The highlight of the entire voyage — a full day of scenic cruising through three of New Zealand’s most spectacular fiords. Milford Sound’s towering Mitre Peak, the serene stillness of Doubtful Sound, and the wild remoteness of Dusky Sound all unfold from the ship’s decks and balconies. Keep an eye out for dolphins, fur seals, and penguins in the waters below. Have your camera charged and ready from dawn — the scenery changes constantly and every angle is extraordinary.

New Zealand’s Scottish heritage city sits at the head of a long natural harbour on the South Island’s southeast coast. The Otago Peninsula is the star attraction — home to the world’s only mainland royal albatross colony, rare yellow-eyed penguins, and New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks. In town, the Victorian architecture is beautifully preserved, and Dunedin’s craft beer scene and chocolate factory (Cadbury World) are worth exploring.

New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’ has been reinvented since the 2011 earthquake, emerging as one of the country’s most creative and resilient places. The transitional Cardboard Cathedral, the street art, and the innovative Riverside Market are all symbols of the rebuild. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens remain stunning, and if time allows, a day trip to Akaroa — a charming French-settled harbour town on Banks Peninsula — is a real highlight.

A sea day as you cruise from the South Island to the North. Perfect timing to revisit your favourite restaurant onboard or try one you haven’t yet — Le Petit Chef at Le Grand Bistro is a uniquely playful dining experience exclusive to Celebrity Edge.

New Zealand’s largest city straddles an isthmus between two harbours, with 48 volcanic cones dotting the skyline. Head to the Viaduct Harbour for waterfront dining, take the ferry to Devonport for harbour views and seaside village charm, or ride up the Sky Tower for a 360-degree panorama. Auckland’s food scene is diverse and vibrant — from Pacific-fusion restaurants to the buzzing eateries of Ponsonby Road.

Gateway to the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is your launchpad for both coastal beauty and geothermal adventure. Climb Mount Maunganui for panoramic views and a swim at the base, or head inland to Rotorua for geysers, bubbling mud pools, and an authentic Maori cultural experience. The region’s kiwifruit orchards and avocado groves also make for a surprisingly rewarding food tour.

A scattering of 144 islands across a warm turquoise bay — this is New Zealand at its tropical best. Swim with dolphins, kayak through sheltered coves, or visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where modern New Zealand began. The small town of Russell, just a short ferry ride from the tender pier, is one of the country’s most charming historic villages with waterfront cafes and colonial-era buildings.

The first of two sea days heading home to Sydney. Reflect on the New Zealand highlights, enjoy your last evening shows in The Theatre, and make the most of any remaining inclusions from your beverage package.

Your final day at sea. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, pick up any photos or souvenirs from the onboard shops, and soak in the last of the ocean views from the Rooftop Garden before arriving into Sydney tomorrow morning.

Arrive back in Sydney to complete your 12-night New Zealand voyage. The ship docks at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay — right in the heart of the city if you’d like to extend your stay.