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During your stay in New Zealand, be sure to take an eco-cruise in the Bay of Islands, for this region is best seen up close. Explore and shop in the leafy Auckland suburbs of Parnell and Ponsonby, and in Tauranga, enjoy the beaches and make a bee line to Te Puke, home of Kiwi 360. In Napier, discover a city rebuilt in the Art Deco style, after a major earthquake in 1930. In Christchurch, try a spot of punting on the River Avon and in the university city of Dunedin, consider an excursion aboard Taieri Gorge Railway or a visit to Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Whatever you, do, though, don’t leave New Zealand without trying the local delicacy - a meat pie curiously stuffed with cheese.
Experience the first revolutionary Edge Series ship—Celebrity Edge. Enjoy luxurious staterooms, cuisine, and service. From the incredible new Magic Carpet to the private plunge pools in 2-story Edge Villas, this is one of the most refined ships at sea. The unique outward-facing design breaks from traditional ship design. Aboard, you will feel more connected with the sea and the places you will visit at spaces ranging from Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas to the reimagined, terraced pool deck that offers views of land and sea.
Crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, 29 unique food and beverage experiences will delight your taste buds. Quality entertainment, unique venues such as a rooftop park and the Magic Carpet, glamorous bars, and public spaces will offer you space to relax. A 25-yard lap pool, gym, hot tubs, and spa will keep your mind and body in tune. And shoppers will love the array of shops onboard.
Sydney to Bay of Islands
Day 1 Sydney
Depart 5pm
Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers so much—from beaches and wineries to stunning landmarks and world-class shopping. Tour architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, view life below the surface from Sydney Aquarium’s underwater walkways, or take it all in from above on a tour of the Sydney Tower. Explore lively pubs, shops, and historic buildings at The Rocks, located on Sydney harbour.
Days 2-3 At Sea
While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until you arrive at the next amazing destination.
Day 4 Bay of Islands
Arrive 10am, Depart 8:30pm
Discover indigenous New Zealand Maori culture in a land of sparkling seas and pristine beauty. Bay of Islands is a sub-tropical paradise of clear blue water, hundreds of undeveloped islands, diverse wildlife, and historical significance. The pristine oceans, warm weather, and many animal species attract nature lovers from around the globe. Take an eco-cruise and discover the area’s dolphins, penguins, marlins, whales, and bird life. Journey into a beautiful cave with majestic rock formations and glow worms. Kayak, sail, swim, or sunbathe on one of the many beaches. Those who love beaches consider these in Bay of Islands & New Zealand some of the world’s finest, with their perfect white sand and crystal-clear water. And as tempted as you’ll be to pull up a lounge chair and soak in the surroundings, many consider a Bay of Islands cruise the ideal time to partake in more active pursuits, such as kayaking, mountain-biking, parasailing, swimming with dolphins and scuba-diving.
Auckland and Tauranga
Day 5 Auckland
Arrive 6:30am, Depart 7pm
Day 6 Tauranga
Arrive 7:30am, Depart 4:30pm
Napier and Christchurch
Day 7 Napier
Arrive 10am, Depart 3pm
Discover Art Deco architecture, an alluring seaside town, and some of Hawke’s Bay’s finest wineries. Napier’s devastating 1931 earthquake resulted in a magnificent rebuilding effort that makes the city home to the greatest density of Art Deco buildings in the world. Stroll along Napier’s lovely streets and admire the architecture characterized by bold symmetrical shapes, linearity balanced by gentle curves, and sometimes intricate ornamentation. Visit lovely cafés, restaurants, and shops as you explore Napier’s seaside sights. Enjoy a beer, or fish and chips. Take a traditional tea break and sample a Pavlova, a New Zealand dessert of meringue and fresh fruit. Journey outside the city to explore some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wine vintages in Hawke’s Bay. Tour the wineries and enjoy exclusive wine tastings. Bird watchers and eco-tourists can visit Cape Kidnappers to admire the world’s largest gannet nesting site. Explore sheep farms, lush coastal scenery, mountain top lookouts, or just sit back and relax at a café in Napier, taking in the ambiance of another era.
Day 8 Christchurch
Arrive 10:30am, Depart 8pm
At the centre of town is Christchurch Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Sydney
Day 9 Dunedin
Arrive 8am, Depart 5pm
Day 10 Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound
Scenic cruising throughout the day
Dusky Sound
Steep cliffs that have been carved over centuries by dozens of waterfalls surround the largest and most complex of the many fjords along the New Zealand coast, Dusky Sound. It's also a wildlife paradise, with seals and dolphins patrolling the water, and birds like broad billed prions, mottled petrels and sooty shearwaters floating on the overhead thermals.
Doubtful Sound
As cold mountain water cascades from the cliffs above Doubtful Sound, it creates an unusual phenomenon-a dual-layered marine ecosystem of fresh and saltwater. This serves as a playground for a number of species, including fur seals and two types of penguins - the fiordland crested and blue penguin.
Milford Sound
As you sail into the narrow fjords of the Milford Sound, even your massive ship seems to shrink in comparison to the towering cliffs topped by lush mountain terrain. Situated within Fiordland National Park, this natural wonder is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site and is protected by its natural geography, which makes it a haven for all types of wildlife.
Days 11-12
At Sea
While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until you arrive back in Sydney.
Day 13 Sydney
Arrive 6:30am
12 night New Zealand cruise from Sydney return
Upgrades available:
Ask your RAA travel advisor about other Celebrity Cruise itineraries in Australia and New Zealand over the 2024 - 2025 season.
Leisurely pace with increased walking on uneven ground and cobblestone surfaces, climbing and descending stairs, plus standing for a reasonable length of time in museums or at points of interest. You must be able to get on/off transportation unassisted, manage distances at airports and railway stations without assistance, and handle your luggage as required. Please note: Whilst most cruises (apart from active expedition cruises) feature moderate activity, many smaller ships and river cruise ships have extensive stairways and no elevators. Ask your RAA Travel sales consultant for up-to-date information on river or ocean cruise ship accessibility. Please carefully consider your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour.