January 14, 2024 Another early morning pickup and I am headed to the Fiordland National park for a cruise on the Milford Sound. It is going to be a challenging day because it is pouring rain but I am geared up with waterproof shoes, rain jacket and quick dry pants so I am ready for …
New Zealand – Mt. Cook Mackenzie
January 13, 2024 For the next four days I will be traveling the South Island of New Zealand by bus through the back roads and small towns. This adventurer will push the boundaries of this introvert but I hope to see lots of interesting landscape and interact with local people. The day started early with …
New Zealand – Christchurch
January 12, 2024 As we docked in Christchurch it was time to say goodby to the friends I made on ship and begin the adventures I had planned in south New Zealand. Time to explore Christchurch!! Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Flat-bottomed punts …
New Zealand – Kailkoura
January 11, 2024 Today we are anchored in the bay near the small town of Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a coastal town on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s known for its abundant wildlife and its sperm whale population. The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway winds from the town centre to lookout points at Point Kean. Close …
New Zealand – Picton
January 10, 2024 Today we are in Picton. Picton is a town in the Marlborough of New Zealand’s South Island The town is located near the head of the, Queen Charlotte Sound. As I went out on deck to watch the sunrise I was disappointed that the thick cloud cover prevented me from viewing it. …
New Zealand – Wellington
January 9, 2024 A specular sunrise started the day as we cruised into port Wellington. Today we are in Wellington the capital of New Zealand, it sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. We are headed out on a private tour heading out the Cook Strait. Strong winds through the Cook Strait …
New Zealand – Napier
January 8, 2024 Today we are docked in Hawk’s Bay near the city of Napier, New Zealand. Hawk’s Bay is the leading wine producing region in New Zealand so of course I am going wine tasting . We drove along the coast on the way to our first winery. Surfing is really popular here along …
New Zealand – Gisborne
January 7, 2024 Today we are in Gisborne a city on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. But most important to me Gisborne is the first city in the world to greet the sun each morning and the sunrise I experience was amazing!!! …
New Zealand – Auckland Day 3
January 5, 2024 The internet on ship has been down or really slow since I got on board and it’s not getting any better. It took 1 hour and 26 minutes to upload one picture so I will suspend posting until I get on land in a few day. This makes me really sad because …
New Zealand – Auckland Day 2
January 4, 2024 About 2 hours outside of Auckland is the movie set Hobbiton that was created for the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogy. The set is on the rolling hills of a 1200 acre sheep farm. There are 39 hobbit holes that were created into the hillside along with the Dragon …