Photo Review of Solstice November 11, 2017 New Zealand & Australia Cruise

[MicCanberra]

Oh, those Bundy bears - very dangerous, particularly at this time of year when they're out in huge numbers.

Yep, they are a rum lot too.:cool:

[Harrylinden]

Enjoying your review.Did you need to get a visa for New Zealand and Australia or was your passport enough?? Thinking about this cruise and gathering some info before I book it!

[MicCanberra]

Enjoying your review.Did you need to get a visa for New Zealand and Australia or was your passport enough?? Thinking about this cruise and gathering some info before I book it!

You definitely need to get a visa for Australia, http://dfat.gov.au/about-australia/visiting-australia/Pages/visa-and-immigration-requirements.aspx

[Harrylinden]

You definitely need to get a visa for Australia, http://dfat.gov.au/about-australia/visiting-australia/Pages/visa-and-immigration-requirements.aspx

 

 

Thank You. So where do I begin to obtain one and how much does it cost per person?

[cruise kitty]

regarding the Australia Visa, here's the link:

https://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ETAS3/etas

 

you apply online it's about $20 & it's electronically attached to your passport, when I applied I had approval & confirmation in a couple of hours, easy peasy. ;)

 

Also, thanks everyone for the fun poems & info!

[cruise kitty]

Day 9, Tauranga, New Zealand, docked

 

I had been lucky enough to secure a private tour with Jim Archer, an incredibly knowledgeable & entertaining Maori tour guide. He was to take us (& two other couples from our roll call) to Te Puia, the Maori culture heritage center, & the surrounding geo-thermal valley, with many interesting little side stops on the way.

Rose had let us know previously that she would be escorting us down again, so our little group met up & were led straight to the front of the line, very nice! There's always some worry touring with total strangers, but once again, we were so lucky! The two couples who went with us were fun & easy going, & it made for a great, relaxed day.

 

Jim was waiting with a sign with my name on just outside the port gates, after introductions, he led us to his immaculate mini van, where of course, we entered from the left hand side (so confusing for us Yanks) He drove alongside the coastal town, with its pricey homes, & explained how these had started out as beach cottages & ended up as high end real estate, (interesting to me, as that's my business) We stopped at a beautiful beach to stretch our legs & snap a few photos (Steve ran down to touch the water, he always does) & then we were on our way towards Rotorua. There's a beautiful lake on the way, & amazing forests, this was similar to the landscape I'd seen on my Hobbiton day, because we really we're that far from there.

 

Another fun fact we learned, many New Zealanders buy 2 year old cars imported from Asia, it's the custom there to get a new car every two years, so New Zealand imports them, fixes them up, & most can afford to drive a nice car that's practically new for a fraction of the cost.

 

Lake living in New Zealand (sorry about the bunny)

 

One of the carved gods at the entrance to Te Puia

 

handweaving flax : (this stuff grows all around us, I had no idea it was so useful)

 

Jim, explains the carving we are viewing:

 

 

We really learned so much about the Maori culture & history from Mr. Archer, I can't recommend him enough.

 

Part of the cultural center includes a viewing of the traditional Haka dance, intended to be a display of strength & ferocity, if you've ever watched the All Black's Rugby team, they preform a version of the dance before matches.

 

Speaking of sports, my husband was fascinated by cricket while in NZ. We watched a few games (or matches sorry, I'm not sure) while in Auckland interesting game, very unlike anything we have here in California.

 

But, I digress.. we had lunch at the center (not included, but inexpensive & quite tasty, with local beer for me)

[cruise kitty]

Tauranga, cont.

 

Next it was time for the geo thermal area, which was just stunning, boiling mud, hot water pools, geysers... I didn't take many photos because I was just taking it all in.

 

 

 

 

there was also a Kiwi habitat, but try as we did, we couldn't see any.

 

On the return we stopped at Rotorua Lake

 

 

We also made a stop at the government gardens & drove through nearby neighborhoods, many of which had the sulfur smoke of the geo thermal activity rising from their yards & sidewalks, a challenging way to live!

 

 

On the ride back, I nodded off for a bit, & I think everyone but Jim did also, it really had been a long, great day!

 

Back on board, we decided to try the MDR, I'm not going to go into detail, but there was a hour wait for select dining & then we were served inedible food. I don't want this to be a negative thread & this was our best cruise ever, so that's all I'm going to say. We stuck with the specialty restaurants for the remainder of this cruise, & we're back in AQ for our next one.

 

We hung around the Martini Bar for a bit, & then headed to Cellar Masters & the lovely Maria ( I previously called this Gallery tastings, which show you how much attention I pay to the ship)

 

Day 10: first of 4 sea days!

 

Boy did we need this! We had breakfast in the buffet, & then we headed to pool area, I was looking forward to a day relaxing with my kindle & attending Mickey's talks about Wellington. His first speech in the morning was packed, standing room only, & his second was the same, best destination speaker ever, hands down. We were back in Tuscan that evening for our first chic night. Steve wore his blazer & Iooked quite dashing. There were quite a few tuxes & nicer cocktail gowns spotted about the ship. I'd say this is one of the dressiest cruises I've been on in a long time, even more so than our last Europe cruise. There was also a younger crowd on board, ( & by younger I mean mostly 50's & 60's) & this seemed to be a pretty lively & active crowd too. One thing to note, if you're really into the casino, it was closed quite a bit, I guessing this is due to much of the first half of the cruise closely hugging the shoreline, but I'm not sure. Just something to take note of.

[MicCanberra]

Wonderful, thanks.

[Beejay4016]

Cruise Kitty, it is such a pleasure to log on and read your updates and see your fantastic photographs. Enjoy your sea day (we love them). I'll look forward to your post about Wellington. It's now 41 days until we board the Solstice and your posts just whet my appetite so much.

 

Oh, and cricket? It's just the most beautiful game, so your man is right to be fascinated by it. And as for test matches, just imagine, a game that goes all day for five days - heaven. You can play Candy Crush, read a book, knit (if you're so inclined), do suduko, all while watching those lovely men in white trousers running around a beautifully manicured field. Just love it. While you're in Australia do try to check out a T20 game. They are super fast and super exciting.

[OhioDogLover]

Loving your review. Took this cruise in Dec 2015 the other way (from Sydney to Aukland). We also stayed at the Hilton and agree that its convenience makes it a great idea for pre or post cruise. We did more time in Sydney than Aukland, so didn't get to do all you did there.

 

NZ is a lovely place to visit. I'm glad you had such a good time.

 

Also agree that it is wonderful cruise.

 

Ohiodoglover

[MicCanberra]

Cruise Kitty, it is such a pleasure to log on and read your updates and see your fantastic photographs. Enjoy your sea day (we love them). I'll look forward to your post about Wellington. It's now 41 days until we board the Solstice and your posts just whet my appetite so much.

 

Oh, and cricket? It's just the most beautiful game, so your man is right to be fascinated by it. And as for test matches, just imagine, a game that goes all day for five days - heaven. You can play Candy Crush, read a book, knit (if you're so inclined), do suduko, all while watching those lovely men in white trousers running around a beautifully manicured field. Just love it. While you're in Australia do try to check out a T20 game. They are super fast and super exciting.

With this heat, I have been doing a lot of cricket watching (Aussies vs Poms vs the heat) and also lots of puzzles, ironing, cooking and other indoor chores whilst in the air conditioning.

[jeixgg6]

With this heat, I have been doing a lot of cricket watching (Aussies vs Poms vs the heat) and also lots of puzzles, ironing, cooking and other indoor chores whilst in the air conditioning.

Which month is nicer for the Aus/Nz cruise late March or November. ?

[MicCanberra]

Which month is nicer for the Aus/Nz cruise late March or November. ?

I would say Australia is nicer every month but I am biased.

In terms of weather, NZ is generally cooler at any time of the year and also gets much more rain.

As for temperatures in those months, it is much the same I suppose, November would likely be a little warmer in both countries, but it is likely to have more storms as well.

I would probably a pick November cruise but I that is so it doesn't affect my sports season too much.

[jeixgg6]

I would say Australia is nicer every month but I am biased.

In terms of weather' date=' NZ is generally cooler at any time of the year and also gets much more rain.

As for temperatures in those months, it is much the same I suppose, November would likely be a little warmer in both countries, but it is likely to have more storms as well.

I would probably a pick November cruise but I that is so it doesn't affect my sports season too much.[/quote']

Thanks . Kids still in school March and November ?

[MicCanberra]

Thanks . Kids still in school March and November ?

Yes, although late November may have the year 11 and 12s (16-18 years old) finishing up for the year.:D

[cruising to paradise]

Loved your review. We are going on Solstice November 2019 so we are starting research for this trip. What book would you recommend to read about Australia and New Zealand?

[oskarNZ]

Which month is nicer for the Aus/Nz cruise late March or November. ?

 

For NZ, I’m going to vote March.

My general feeling is that autumn (on average) is drier than Spring.

I also think that most years, with some exceptions, March is warmer than November.

 

If my statements sound a bit vague, it’s because there are never any promises with NZ weather.

Just as a comparison, I live in the Deep South and in 2016 we had snow falling on the mountains the day before Xmas. Last year, we had October temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius. There is just no predicting what the weather gods will do.

 

One thing I know for sure though is that the end of March this year is Easter and kiwi kids will be off school for 5 days. The official school holidays are not until mid April though (my favourite time of the year around Central Otago where the leaves all change colour). Definitely worth a road trip after your cruise.

[oskarNZ]

Loved your review. We are going on Solstice November 2019 so we are starting research for this trip. What book would you recommend to read about Australia and New Zealand?

 

The official NZ tourism website as well as the AA travel website are both good and free. If you want to buy an actual book, I think Lonely Planet is one of the better ones. Or better yet, ask questions online of the locals. I’m happy to answer any questions you have, although perhaps better to start a new thread. :)

[MicCanberra]

The official NZ tourism website as well as the AA travel website are both good and free. If you want to buy an actual book, I think Lonely Planet is one of the better ones. Or better yet, ask questions online of the locals. I’m happy to answer any questions you have, although perhaps better to start a new thread. :)

Agreed. lots of great information and plenty of varied opinions.

[cruise kitty]

Loved your review. We are going on Solstice November 2019 so we are starting research for this trip. What book would you recommend to read about Australia and New Zealand?

 

Hi, guide book wise, I like the DK eyewitness guides. I also spend a lot of time on lonely planet, & trip advisor, & the ports boards here on cruise critic reading member trip reports, I cut & paste a lot onto word docs & take a light weight binder with tabs for each port, these contain not only my note & maps for each port, but also any tickets I've pre purchased. There is also an iPhone app called 100% pure New Zealand that was very helpful, I believe it's New Zealands official app.

 

I know I already mentioned it, but the ports boards on this site are amazing, lots of local experts & fellow cruisers ready to answer my most banal questions ;) I try & pay it forward by doing the same when I come back from a trip.

 

Have fun planning! New Zealand is truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited.

[portcbob]

Hi cruise kitty

How is the solstice. Going on her in 2 weeks time.??????

 

Cheers Bob.

:)

[cruise kitty]

Hi cruise kitty

How is the solstice. Going on her in 2 weeks time.??????

 

Cheers Bob.

:)

 

Hi Bob, we thought she was in wonderful shape. Some furnishings are starting to show their age, but everything is immaculate. The crew was outstanding & Captian Tasos is awesome & a lot of fun!

[cruise kitty]

Day 11: Wellington, New Zealand, docked

 

We woke up to a glorious day as we sailed towards New Zealand's capital; Wellington. Located at the the south tip of the North Island, it's an amazing blend of cosmopolitan city & gorgeous natural beauty. Definitely one of my favorite ports & I wish we'd had an overnight here, so much to do & see! There's the Weta Workshop, where most of the Lord of the Rings props were made, lots of LOTR tours to filming locations, the world renowned National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, & much more!

 

We however, were only here from 8 am to 6 so we had to pick & choose how to spend our day. Since we prefer outdoor activities & walking to being inside we decided to visit Zealandia, then do a self guided walking tour of the botanical gardens & a self guided walking tour of the Government houses area.

 

We enjoyed breakfast at the back of the ship as we pulled into the harbor & watched the docking procedure, then we headed to meet with Rose, who once again escorted us off the ship, this way we did not have to wait in line for shuttle bus tickets or for our number to be called. By the way, once again, the shuttle bus into the CBD was FREE! I can't tell you how much a free shuttle bus sets you up for an awesome day. From the shuttle bus we walked about a block & a half to the Cable Car, an adorable restored funicular that carries you about 2000 feet up above the business district. There's a very interesting cable car museum that we spent some time at & of course I bought a little cable car Christmas tree ornament.

 

Steve, getting onto the cable car:

 

 

one of the original restored cars in the museum:

 

 

After the museum we headed to the area where the little shuttle bus (free again!) to Zealandia picks you up, we waited for a bit, but no shuttle, & we like walking so we walked. It's about 15 minutes, maybe 20, but a very pretty walk past a little town & over a bridge.

 

A few shots along the way:

 

street art:

 

even the manhole covers are cool in New Zealand:

 

 

Welcome to Zealandia:

 

 

Zealandia is a fully fenced eco sanctuary with a goal of restoring this little area to it's prehuman state, when New Zealand was filled with incredibly diverse birds & wildlife & almost zero land mammals, except for bats. It's an amazing undertaking, honestly the fences look like Jurassic Park, except no T-Rexs, just beautiful birds, the like of which I've never seen. Some bird you'll see here:

The Saddleback, the Ka'Ka', the flightless Takahe', the Kereru', several varieties of Shags, little Bluebells & more.

 

[cruise kitty]

Wellington, cont.

 

More Zealandia

 

 

 

 

[cruise kitty]

A little more Zealandia:

 

 

 

 

 

From Zealandia, we took the shuttle back to the top of the Cable Car area, then we walked thru the Botanical Gardens

 

view from top of cable car area: