Cruising the Edge of the World: Australia & New Zealand

If there's one way to feel like both a seasoned explorer and a pampered guest of Poseidon, it’s sailing aboard the Celebrity Edge through Australia and New Zealand. We kicked off this unforgettable voyage on March 12 through April 5th, with a stylish two-night pre-cruise stay in Sydney. From hobbit holes to helicopters, and rainforest rails to reef dives, this trip had it all—plus a floating five-star hotel to call home the whole way.

Pre-Cruise in Sydney: Big City, Big Views

We kicked things off with a two-night stay in Sydney, giving us time to shake off the jet lag and soak in the city. The star, of course, was the Opera House—that architectural icon perched at the edge of the harbor like a crown jewel. Yes, it really is that stunning in person—and no, you’re not allowed to leave without taking at least 27 photos from 13 different angles.

And the Harbour Bridge loomed large over it all, offering those brave enough to climb it a sky-high view (we took the ground-level admiration route, thank you very much).

Milford Sound: Mood, Mist, and Mountains

One of the absolute highlights came when the Edge glided silently into Milford Sound, New Zealand’s answer to a fairytale postcard.  Sailing through Milford Sound was the kind of experience that makes you forget about everything else.  Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, misty peaks—it’s like cruising into a live-action National Geographic special.  It felt like a secret fjord at the end of the world—magical, dramatic, and worth every bit of anticipation. Pro tip: Grab your coffee early and head to the Magic Carpet or upper decks for jaw-dropping views and a few dozen “I can't believe this is real” moments.

Christchurch: From the Hills to the Water

In Christchurch, we climbed into a gondola—not the Venetian kind, but a cable car that whisked us up to panoramic views of the city and the Southern Alps.  From the summit, you truly get a sense of the scope—and serenity—of the South Island. 

Later, we traded altitude for attitude with a punting ride on the Avon River.  We enjoyed a punting ride on the Avon River, a peaceful float through the botanical gardens. Our guide, dressed in traditional Edwardian attire, steered us past weeping willows and blooming roses, giving us major Cambridge-meets-Kiwi energy – all the while delivering dry wit and fun facts. Bliss.

Tauranga & Hobbiton: A Day in the Shire

If you’ve ever fantasized about escaping to a simpler life—one filled with second breakfasts, round doors, and zero emails—Hobbiton is your dream come to life. Docking in Tauranga, we set off on a scenic drive through New Zealand’s lush Waikato countryside to Matamata, home to the world’s most famous movie set pasture.

The moment you step through the gates of Hobbiton, you’re transported. Rolling green hills stretch out like they’ve been hand-painted, sheep graze lazily in the distance, and a faint breeze rustles the party flags still strung up across Bilbo’s birthday field. It’s all real—and it’s all ridiculously charming.

Our guided tour wound through the 44 hobbit holes, each lovingly maintained down to the tiniest detail. Some had gardening tools left out, others had miniature mailboxes, and all had bright, colorful doors that made our cameras very, very happy. Each one was built to scale—some small enough to make us feel like Gandalf, others larger for Frodo-sized filming.

The set isn’t just a leftover film location—it’s a living museum, a place that feels like the hobbits just popped out for elevenses. Our guide was full of behind-the-scenes stories and fun facts (like how the gardens are real and require full-time tending, or how Peter Jackson had them age the set before filming to make it feel lived-in).

Then came the highlight: The Green Dragon Inn. Rebuilt exactly as it appeared on screen, it’s cozy and dark-wooded, with a roaring fireplace and tankards of ale brewed exclusively for the site.

Bay of Islands: High-Flying Views & Island Daydreams

If ever there was a port that feels like it belongs on a postcard, Bay of Islands is it. Located near the top of New Zealand’s North Island, this subtropical slice of paradise is made up of—get this—144 islands, each seemingly more idyllic than the last. Think turquoise waters, hidden beaches, forested cliffs, and dolphins that apparently moonlight as greeters.

But we didn’t just see it from the shore. Oh no. We took things to new heights—literally—with a helicopter tour that swept us above this stunning natural playground and delivered what might be the most jaw-dropping 30 minutes of the entire cruise.

Strapped in, headsets on, rotors whirring, we lifted off from the waterfront and soared over the shimmering bay. The water was so clear we could spot reefs, sandbars, and even the occasional sailboat looking like a toy.

At one point, the helicopter banked to the side and gave us a view straight down the Hole in the Rock, a natural rock formation on Piercy Island that boats can pass through when the tide’s right. We were very glad we weren’t in a boat.

But the adventure didn’t stop in the skies.

Back on solid ground, we hopped aboard the passenger ferry from Paihia to Russell, a short but scenic ride across calm, sparkling waters. Russell was once dubbed the “Hellhole of the Pacific”—a rough-and-tumble 19th-century whaling town full of drink, duels, and dubious behavior. These days? It’s about as hellish as a lavender-scented bed and breakfast. The town has reinvented itself into a peaceful seaside retreat, full of colonial charm, galleries, cozy cafés, and lovingly restored buildings that whisper stories of a wilder past.  The vibe was relaxed, welcoming, and full of that signature Kiwi friendliness.

Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef: Coral Castles and Jellyfish Couture

Ah, the Great Barrier Reef—one of those world wonders that you hear about your whole life but can’t fully appreciate until you’ve got a snorkel in your mouth and a clownfish making eye contact. Our day in Cairns was all about going beneath the surface—both literally and metaphorically—on an adventure that was equal parts magical and mildly hilarious.

First came the boat ride out to the reef, a smooth and scenic cruise over bright blue waters, with towering mountains in the distance.  After about 90 minutes, we reached our base for the day: a floating pontoon anchored directly over the reef.

And when we say “base,” we mean it was basically an aquatic resort. This thing had everything: sun decks, changing rooms, underwater viewing platforms, snorkel gear, diving stations, and even a glass-bottom boat ride that gave a window into the reef’s kaleidoscope of color without ever getting your toes wet.

But for the rest of us, it was time to suit up—stinger suits and all. Yes, jellyfish season was in effect, and slipping into full-body lycra was the day's fashion statement. We may not have looked glamorous, but we were protected and ready for action. And while some of the local jellyfish species can pack a punch, we were happy to report that none of the dangerous ones showed up to the party. Not even a nibble.

With our sleek suits on, we slid into the water and were instantly surrounded by a vibrant world that felt almost surreal. Giant coral bommies, curious fish in colors Crayola hasn’t invented yet, and swaying anemones that danced in rhythm with the currents. We even had a couple of those “was that a turtle?!” moments—always the sign of a good snorkeling session.

Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef is more than just a travel story—it’s the kind of memory that settles deep into your brain and resurfaces whenever someone mentions Australia, coral reefs, or wetsuits that make you look like an aquatic superhero.

Skyrail & Kuranda: From Treetops to Tracks

After snorkeling with Nemo, we traded fins for altitude and boarded the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a jaw-dropping gondola ride over the ancient canopy of the Daintree Rainforest—one of the oldest on Earth —we’re talking 130 million years old.

The Skyrail isn't your typical gondola ride. This is a full-on immersive experience. You’re floating 4.5 miles (7.5 km) above the Wet Tropics of Queensland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a glass-enclosed gondola that gives you 360-degree views of nothing but emerald canopies, rugged mountains, winding rivers, and the occasional waterfall cascading through the trees like a rainforest postcard brought to life.

There are two stops along the way—each one letting you step off and explore the rainforest from ground level.

At Barron Falls Station, things got dramatic. A short walk brought us to a lookout with a sweeping view of Barron Gorge, where Barron Falls thunder down a rocky cliff in rainy season (and still impressively cascade in the dry season). It’s one of those “wow” moments where even the most seasoned traveler finds themselves reaching for their camera. Multiple times.

Our rainforest journey ended in the hilltop village of Kuranda, a bohemian mix of market stalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and great coffee. But the real treat? The ride back down.

We boarded the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic train that winds its way through hand-carved tunnels, across towering bridges, and along dramatic cliffs with rainforest just inches from the windows. The vintage wooden carriages and panoramic views made it feel like a step back in time—with the occasional “how did they even build this?” moment.

The Skyrail and Scenic Railway combo gave us a full-circle rainforest adventure—from sky-high serenity to heritage rail charm—all in a single day. And yes, our camera roll still hasn’t recovered.

Final Thoughts: One Cruise to Rule Them All

This cruise was part luxury getaway, part cinematic adventure, and part nature documentary. Every port offered something wildly different—from towering fjords to underwater kingdoms, from rainforest heights to hobbit-sized holes in the ground.

The Celebrity Edge was the ideal home base: chic, sleek, and effortlessly indulgent. Whether we were sipping champagne on deck or watching dolphins from our veranda, the Edge made everything feel elevated (sometimes literally, on the Magic Carpet).

Would we do it again? Oh yes. But next time, we’re packing a second suitcase just for the photos.