Live - Standing Ovation from the Land Down Under - New Zealand, 11 Nights Feb. 2, 2020

twangster · February 6, 2020

Our skipper Darryl introduced himself and the crew took turns introducing themselves.

Ovation in the distance as we boated across the bay.

Darryl called out the menu and we were given the choice of three mains. New Zealand Venison, Lamb or Fish. With orders taken the crew begins to season our lunch that we'll eat after our first stop.

RFerrington · February 6, 2020

I like the way this one is starting off !!!

twangster · February 6, 2020

Picture intensive post.

Mid-thread reminder... please don't quote pictures. Thanks!

We stopped in a quaint little village called Russell. In the days of whaling Russell was known for two things. Bars and brothels. It's come a long way since then...

Interesting note for pedestrians, the cars don't stop. Fortunately there aren't very many. Cars that is.

An hour was plenty of time to explore from one end of the beach to the other. Russel is a pretty little area that is popular.

Edited February 6, 2020 by twangster

twangster · February 6, 2020

Back on the boat we continued down into the bay.

Remember that rock formation from my earlier pictures?

Darryl explained there are 140 islands in the region. To qualify as an island there must be something like 130 sq. meters of vegetation.

It was getting to be that time...

Lunch preparations continued as we boated around sailboats and around some of the bays in the area.

The panoramic nature of this boat lended itself to the scenery.

Lunch on the barbie. Or is that only an Aussie thing?

New Zealand Venison, medium rare. Cooked to order so if you prefer charcoal they were willing to cook it that way.

Salad and other fixings. Beer and wine was around $7.50 NZD per glass or ~$5 USD at the moment. They ran a tab and collected payment at the end. I didn't have any NZD cash so just used my credit card that doesn't incur any foreign transaction fees. A beer and a glass of wine came to just under $10 USD.

twangster · February 6, 2020

Approaching the end we passed by a nearby town that is a free shuttle bus ride from the tender dock.

The preparations for the Waitangi Day festivities were continuing.

A Māori longboat.

twangster · February 6, 2020

Many of my fellow lunch cruise guests immediately went back onto a tender. I chose to walk the 25 minutes to that little town we passed by. The free shuttle buses were nice looking, plentiful and waiting but I wanted to stretch my legs.

Bridge jumping was a popular local youth activity today.

It's a very beautiful area.

This small park had many local artisans with booths set up. I must confess I flexed my credit card a couple of times. It's always nice when you can meet the artist that actually created an item and so I supported the local arts community on this day.

With my backpack full of memories that will bring this day back to me it was getting quite warm so I hopped on a free shuttle bus back to the tender dock.

Sea Dog · February 6, 2020

Beautiful Pictures! I now what to go. What was the temperature that day and what is the average temp down there at this time of year?

twangster · February 6, 2020

20 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Beautiful Pictures! I now what to go. What was the temperature that day and what is the average temp down there at this time of year?

So far there have been cooler mornings in 60s in F or mid teens in C. By midday it’s been near or just above 80 F or mid twenties in C.

It hasn’t been as humid as Sydney. Quite pleasant but bring a light jacket for evenings on deck where the sea temperature rules the nights.

Sea Dog · February 6, 2020

1 minute ago, twangster said:

So far there have been cooler mornings in 60s in F or mid teens in C. By midday it’s been near or just above 80 F or mid twenties in C.

Good to know even though it is considered summer down there. Sounds like you should pack sort as if it's like a summer Alaska cruise. Thanks and enjoy! Love what you are doing.

Cheers!

TRUEBLUE66 · February 6, 2020

Thank you. Bringing it all back! We sailed on the r tucker Thompson rigged schooner that is in some of your excellent photos. Loved walking around Russell, such a picturesque little town. I do remember however several of our fellow passengers being upset as to how long the tender took as they were missing out on their drinks package!

Oceansaway17 · February 6, 2020

after looking at your wonderful photos, I quickly checked my Nov 2020 cruise on P Majestic, and YES it is going to Bay of Islands right after doing Auckland.

Let us know besides your tour if there was another one that others on the ship took and liked. I of course have to wait and see what my cruise line will off.

Appreciate the way you frame your photos by doing little boats and birds.

toodles

twangster · February 6, 2020

For reference here is the tender dock:

Back on board I hopped in the shower and enjoyed a beer on my balcony while the remaining hour wasted away before our departure..

The sail out is very pretty.

Up to the North Star Bar to watch us depart the area.

North Star was running.

It's a beautiful coastline.

twangster · February 6, 2020

The North Star Bar is a secret gem at dusk. It's seems so few people are present when the sky offers some of the best views of the day.

A movie was playing on the outdoor pool TV screen.

I didn't think there was going to be much of a sunset but then in that space between the sky and the sea a hole opened up and the sun presented itself in the gap.

I spotted a small boat returning to land.

It's always pretty special watching the day end this way and tonight's wrap of our first day in New Zealand was no exception.

Tree_skier · February 6, 2020

Exceptional pics Twangster... I'm loving every post!

M-H-B · February 7, 2020

Wow

NumnuT · February 7, 2020

@twangster Stunning photos as usual.

Love the Bay of Islands, been there about 15 times!

Waitangi is impressive & the bays are stunning.

if you don't see dolphins in the bay that usually means you have your eyes shut!

NumnuT · February 7, 2020

please keep the photos coming...😎

Edited February 7, 2020 by NumnuT

perfect match · February 7, 2020

I am loving my virtual cruise with you, Twangster! Thank you!

twangster · February 7, 2020

Day 5 - Tauranga

Our beautiful weather continues for our day in Tauranga.

Today is February 6 which makes it Waitangi Day in New Zealand, a national day of celebration.

twangster · February 7, 2020

My excursion today is booked through a 3rd party. We were directed to meet outside the port exit.

There is a short walk down the pier to the exit.

Maps were being handed out for anyone who wants to self explore.

The port entrance.

Immediately in front of the port entrance was a crowd of 3rd party vendors meeting their guests with sign boards.

My excursion today is the Deluxe Rotorua Geothermal Valley Geishers, Redwood Forest and lunch. We were presented a menu to pick from and pre-order.

Kids menu:

Our driver had arrived early to secure a great parking spot right in front of the port entrance.

twangster · February 7, 2020

Our driver toured us around town a little before getting on a highway and heading away from town. Eventually we made our way through Kiwifruit Country.

On each side of the road were tall natural barriers separated each parcel of farmland.

We had arrived in the land of Kiwi!

Samples of the Golden Kiwi (left) and the popular Green kiwi (right).

The store featured endless products made from kiwi. Jams and chocolates to just about anything you can put fruit in was available including kiwi ice cream. Yum.

Restrooms were also available.

twangster · February 7, 2020

After leaving the farm we drove for an hour or so to the Rotorua area. The entire Rotorua area is within the collapsed dome of a volcano. This includes a recreational freshwater lake and the town. It also includes a Māori living community where we went next.

This is home to many people who open it up to run tours during the day.