Fjords of New Zealand from Sydney with Stay – Celebrity Edge – 31 March 2025
Fjords of New Zealand from Sydney with Stay – Celebrity Edge – 31 March 2025. When you hear the word “fjord,” you probably think of Alaska, Iceland, and Norway. However, New Zealand’s fjords are some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world.
For those unfamiliar with these phenomenons, fjords are narrow inlets of water surrounded by dramatic cliffs. They were formed thousands of years ago when receding glaciers carved out the terrain and left these stunning underwater valleys in their wake.
In Norwegian, the word “fjord” means “where one fares through,” and that’s exactly what you’ll do on a cruise through these beautiful bodies of water.
While New Zealand’s fjords are similar in geography to those found throughout the rest of the world, the key difference between them is that in New Zealand they are referred to as “fiords” instead of fjords. And while they have a slightly different spelling, they have similarly impressive landscapes.
Fantastically deep and hemmed in by towering cliffs, New Zealand’s majestic fjords are all found in the southwestern nook of the nation. The region is home to one of the country’s largest nature and wildlife reserves, Fiordland National Park.
A massive nature wonderland, Fiordland National Park offers some of New Zealand’s most jaw-dropping vistas, including towering waterfalls, majestic cliffs, and untouched rainforest.
On a New Zealand cruise, you can visit three of the most spectacular fjords in Fiordland National Park: Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, and Doubtful Sound. (All three were mistakenly labeled as sounds by British explorers, but in reality, all of them are considered fjords.)
Here are some of the highlights and wildlife you’ll find at each of these stunning destinations.
You’ll feel like you’ve entered another world once you sail into Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful landmarks.
As you glide into the serene, narrow passage surrounded by steep, lush cliffs and magnificent waterfalls, you’ll find it hard not to stare in awe. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll treasure long after your trip.
As part of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Milford Sound is a naturally protected habitat that was once described as “the eighth wonder of the world” by Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book.
Towering over Milford Sound, you’ll see Mitre Peak, which rises over 5,000 feet above the water. Mitre Peak is easy to spot from around the sound and earned its name because of its distinctive cone-shaped crest, which bears a resemblance to a bishop’s hat or mitre. Mitre Peak is one of the most famous mountains in New Zealand and offers an ideal backdrop for picture-perfect memories.
During your cruise through Milford Sound, you’ll be able to spot a variety of rare birds and other unique wildlife that can only be found in Fiordland’s wet, damp weather.
Watch fur seals and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitats. Look out for Kea, the only alpine parrot in the world, as well as the endangered South Island takahē bird and the Fiordland Crested Penguin, one of the rarest breeds of penguins in the world.
This natural reserve is also home to some of the oldest plant species in New Zealand, including groves of Southern Beech trees that are nearly 1,000 years old.
Overview
Celebrity Edge Class – Ships Designed to leave the future behind!
- Infinite balconies! Never before seen at sea
- Rooms with a view possibly the best views ever
- The retreat – A private paradise on board a floating paradise, exclusively for Suite guests
- The retreat lounge, open 24/7
- Pool, Jacuzzi and Retreat Pool Bar
- Latest technology with in-room automation technology
- Cashmere Collection bedding features handcrafted, cashmere mattresses from Italy
COMPLIMENTARY 3 NIGHT SYDNEY HOTEL STAY