A Silver Shadow Over The World - December 2023 to May 2024

[mysty]

We would be on Thursday Island on March 5, 2024.  We have visited this port before.  The last time we were there we wandered around in the sweltering heat ducking into shops to cool off.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:
"Cruise ships are not able to dock here, you will be tendered ashore.

Thursday Island is the most developed island in the Torres Strait Islands group. Located just north of Cape York Peninsula, Australia's most northern point, Thursday Island offers tourists an inviting
glimpse into a lovely cultural mosaic. This cultural fusion exists because of the Torres Strait Islands are situated just south of Papua New Guinea and approximately 39 kilometers north of Queensland's
coast.
Thursday Island is rich in history. In 1893, the Green Hill Fort was built on fears of a Russian invasion. Also, that same year, the All Souls Quetta Memorial Church was built in memory of the Quetta
shipwreck in 1890,which killed 133 people when it struck an unknown reef. The Japanese Pearl Memorial is dedicated to the hundreds of pearl divers who died from decompression sickness.
Thursday Island was also important during World War II as a base for Australian and American troops. Today, the main industries on the island are pearling and fishing. The island is only about three square
kilometers and is a wonderful destination to enjoy a relaxing day."

 

The the ship excursions on offer here do not really appeal.

We may explore Gab Titui.  It's very close to the dock where the tenders land.

https://www.gabtitui.gov.au/gab-titui

"The Gab Titui Cultural Centre provides visitors with a unique insight into the vibrant art and culture of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. The Wabunaw Geth gallery – our main gallery space – has a changing program of exhibitions displaying artworks that include sculptures, headdresses, intricate lino-cut prints, wood carvings and paintings, as well as jewellery made from local materials such as pearl and sea shells.  Artworks on display represent the unique Indigenous cultures of the surrounding communities and illustrate Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal myths, legends, and connection to the sea and land.  Experience the spirit of the Torres Strait during our exhibition openings as traditional dancers relay stories from the different islands through dynamic performances, distinctive music, and songs in our outdoor performance area."

 

 

[mysty]

On 1/29/2023 at 2:19 PM, mysty said:

Shall we chat about the eye-watering costs of travel insurance?  As part of the planning process related to determining the total cost for this leaky pipe dream I wanted to get a rough idea of what travel insurance would cost us.  We completed the required health questionnaires and they were submitted by our travel agent to the main supplier of this product in Canada.  We had been insured by this company for both previous big adventures.  And no claims were filed for either. Our health status hadn't changed but, obviously, we are older.  The quote (which was good for 3 month) was 75% higher than what we paid in 2019.  We're talking an increase of $15,000.  Now, this increase is definitely driven by the nasty.  I, of course, tried to find an alternative insurer here in Canada.  Most would not cover anything over $25,000.  Some would insure more but the trip interruption was capped at $20,000.  Some would not provide Emergency Health Care coverage.  Not good enough.  We will purchase the insurance from the previous supplier when we make the final payment in July.  We will need to resubmit the health questionnaires.  Not sure what the new quote will be.  

 

 

Update...we just received the new quote for the Emergency Medical and the Non-Medical All Inclusive Trip Insurance.  Hold on to your hats folks!  New quote is a 117.75 % increase over what we paid in 2019.  Finances will need to be reviewed.  EGAD!  To be clear, 2024 fare cost is approximately 14% higher than the 2019 fare cost.  We are older (obviously).  However, the plan category we were and are both in for both years was Plan A.  The insurer will not cost out separately the Holiday cruise and the World Cruise. 

[drron29]

With our annual travel insurance if we include the USA it doubles in cost. Looked at the 2025 world cruise for 2025. If we debark in the last Canadian port we save several thousand dollars in insurance premium. Checked on board so if you begin the last segment even if you don't complete it you get all the World cruise benefits but if you delete a segment you forfeit those.

The cruise is from Tokyo to New York.

[mysty]

7 minutes ago, drron29 said:

With our annual travel insurance if we include the USA it doubles in cost. Looked at the 2025 world cruise for 2025. If we debark in the last Canadian port we save several thousand dollars in insurance premium. Checked on board so if you begin the last segment even if you don't complete it you get all the World cruise benefits but if you delete a segment you forfeit those.

The cruise is from Tokyo to New York.

 

We're getting off in Vancouver.  Makes no difference to our Canadian insurer unfortunately.   We booked the 2024 because it offered more new ports for us and we enjoy the smaller ship.  I hope you decide to try a World Cruise.   I think you would really enjoy it! 🥰

[jpalbny]

1 hour ago, mysty said:

I hope you decide to try a World Cruise.   I think you would really enjoy it! 🥰

 

I hope Ron and Ann get to try a WC too, but OTOH, I fear that I would not be able to keep up with Ron's "Live From" thread if that were to happen!

[mysty]

We would be in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on January 8, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

"Three ships can dock at the Marina Vallarta Maritime and Cruise Terminal, about three miles north of downtown. Other ships will anchored and you will be tendered to the same terminal. 
Depending on which dock your ship uses, there are different resorts which sell day passes. Hotel Krystall, not too far from the cruise terminal allows cruise passengers (show your cruise card) to use their pool and beach if you buy your food and drinks there.

If you're looking for transportation into the city, you can pick up a taxi or a bus just outside the Terminal area. The bus fare is 10 pesos per ticket, and since there are no transfers, you have to buy a new ticket each time you board a bus. No need to pay exact fare, Often US$ are accepted (10 pesos) change in Pesos will given. To go downtown, take any bus marked "Centro" heading south but not "Tunel" since these bypass downtown. To head back, look for buses marked "Marina" or "Walmart".

There is now an open top bus available at this port of call. It’s not a HoHo bus, but takes you from the port through the main town and along the coastal road, where it turns round and comes back. The round trip is approximately 2.5 hours and is well worth it. The stop is easily found, just outside the exit from the terminal building, in the car park opposite the petrol (gas) station. 

Taxi fare to the downtown area is negotiable, but should run about
US$5-7.

If the weather is agreeable, walking is also a good option. 

 

Puerto Vallarta is quite simply one of the most beautiful, cultured, luxurious vacation spots in all of Mexico, and indeed in the world. Here you will find the ultimate fusion of traditional Mexican culture,
from bullfights to grilled marlin served beachside; and the finest of resort living, from spectacular sportfishing to all-inclusive resorts that cater to your every whim."

 

We booked PUERTO VALLARTA CITY TOUR & SHOPPING.

Discover Puerto Vallarta and its hidden gems during this memorable, half-day sightseeing and shopping excursion.

PUERTO VALLARTA CITY, SCULPTURE PLAZA, CATHEDRAL AND ELIZABETH TAYLOR ESTATE

Depart the pier for the short drive to Puerto Vallarta City. Upon arrival, begin your guided walking tour. Along the way, experience the local architecture, colours, flavours, art, and sounds of this vibrant city. Take a stroll through Sculpture Plaza, and pass by the Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, exquisite former home of Elizabeth Taylor and other renowned local landmarks. A stop is also made to sample local specialties.

SILVER SHOP, COASTAL DRIVE, TROPICAL FLOWERS AND LOS ARCOS LOOKOUT POINT

Next, a stop is made at a silver shop to browse the jewelry and other items for sale. Afterward, re-board your coach and continue along a scenic coastal road to a beautiful area with a variety of tropical flowers. Here, a photo stop is made at a panoramic viewpoint for breath-taking panoramic vistas overlooking Los Arcos. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

 

Los Arcos.....

[rojaan19]

Isn't that the port  the "LOVE BOAT"  sailed from  ?

[mysty]

40 minutes ago, rojaan19 said:

Isn't that the port  the "LOVE BOAT"  sailed from  ?

Good memory rojaan!  According to Wikipedia....."Based in the port of Los Angeles, the ship's regular ports of call were Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Mazatlán. The series was primarily filmed on sets in southern California: 20th Century Fox Studios for seasons one through five, and the Warner Hollywood Studios for the remainder of the series, and occasionally filmed aboard the actual vessels. Regardless of where the episode was filmed, the actual ship was extensively shown in the establishing shots."  😁

[jillyf]

On 5/23/2023 at 7:58 PM, mysty said:

 

Just catching up on your great thread.  We visited TI in 2019 while on an expedition cruise. After doing a tour of the island we visited Gab Titui and found it interesting. Doesn’t take long and there was an artist showing his work.  Worth a quick trip off the ship if you want to stretch your legs.

We were lucky that we had a Moa Island artist on board for lino print workshops. His extended family came aboard and danced for us. 
We bought one of his Lino prints. It tells the story of their sea creature ancestors.

 

 

On 5/23/2023 at 7:58 PM, mysty said:

The the ship excursions on offer here do not really appeal.

We may explore Gab Titui.  It's very close to the dock where the tenders land.

https://www.gabtitui.gov.au/gab-titui

"The Gab Titui Cultural Centre provides visitors with a unique insight into the vibrant art and culture of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. The Wabunaw Geth gallery – our main gallery space – has a changing program of exhibitions displaying artworks that include sculptures, headdresses, intricate lino-cut prints, wood carvings and paintings, as well as jewellery made from local materials such as pearl and sea shells.  Artworks on display represent the unique Indigenous cultures of the surrounding communities and illustrate Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal myths, legends, and connection to the sea and land.  Experience the spirit of the Torres Strait during our exhibition openings as traditional dancers relay stories from the different islands through dynamic performances, distinctive music, and songs in our outdoor performance area."

 

 

[mysty]

4 hours ago, jillyf said:

 

Just catching up on your great thread.  We visited TI in 2019 while on an expedition cruise. After doing a tour of the island we visited Gab Titui and found it interesting. Doesn’t take long and there was an artist showing his work.  Worth a quick trip off the ship if you want to stretch your legs.

We were lucky that we had a Moa Island artist on board for lino print workshops. His extended family came aboard and danced for us. 
We bought one of his Lino prints. It tells the story of their sea creature ancestors.

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Jill!  Thank you for chiming in! 🥰

[mysty]

We would be in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 24, 2023.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

"Wake up in time: the sail-in is great!
Pier/Terminal Information:
Pier 1 - A modern two-tiered terminal 770 feet in length.
Equipped with pier-side passenger and baggage gangways,
elevators, parking and shopping concessions.
Pier 3 - Used for transit cruise ships, mainly used by the Royal
Caribbean line.
Pier 4 - A modern terminal at the north shore of the harbor with
a total length of 1,196 feet. Managed by Carnival Cruise Lines.
Pier 6 - A marginal wharf with a total length of 1,196 feet.
Frontier Pier - A single berth used for cruise vessels and
conventional ocean carriers handling open storage cargo.
Pan American Pier - A modern, two-tiered passenger terminal
with a marginal wharf 2,000 feet in length. Managed by Royal
Caribbean International.
Piers 1 to 6 are located in the heart of Old San Juan at Marina Street and within walking distance of all the major points of interest. If your ship is docked at Old San Juan Cruise Piers you could use the free trolley to take you to the city center. The Pan American Pier is located south of Old San Juan in Isla Grande and further away, because the docks serve larger cruise ships. There are no hotels near the Pan American Pier. The closest hotel is the Caribe Hilton, located approximately 5 minutes away by car.

 

San Juan is the capital of, and at two million the largest city in, Puerto Rico. It has one of the best harbors in the Caribbean. A popular point of interest is Old San Juan, a 7-block area that has
become popular for tourists as well as residents. The narrow streets of old San Juan are packed with people so it is recommended to experience Old San Juan by foot in order to avoid too much traffic.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro sits atop a high promontory  overlooking the entrance to the San Juan Bay. It is the result of the efforts of Spanish engineers over a period of more than 250 years and
is one of the largest fortifications built by the Spain in the Caribbean.

Castillo de San Cristóbal, is considered the largest fortress built in the Americas. It was built for the purpose of protecting the city of San Juan from attack by land from the east. It is a fortification with three levels and an extensive series of outer defenses and it took over 150 years to complete.

Public transportation in Puerto Rico is fairly bad: outside San Juan, there are no scheduled buses or trains. Taxi's are very expensive, but fixed prices.
Rental cars can be had for as little as $30 a day.

If you are into history both of the Forts are within walking distance or you can take the free trolley. Either fort can take several hours to go through. The free trolley is winding throughout the area, with
opportunities to get off at marked stops wherever desired. The trolley tends to stay full on afternoons when cruise ships are in."

 

We booked WALKING TOUR THROUGH OLD SAN JUAN.
Explore the highlights along cobblestone streets and gain a fascinating guided look at the history of Old San Juan during this walking tour of the old city.

 

Fort San Cristobal

Upon disembarkation, meet your experienced guide who will lead you through the historical Old City including a visit to Fort San Cristobal, a fortification that successfully defended the old city from attack by the British and Dutch in centuries gone by.

Next, walk into the City through one of the side streets and commence on a stroll through history. Getting just off the beaten track offers some fascinating finds that eludes most visitors that never leave the main streets.

La Plazoleta de la Rogativa

Exit the gardens of Casa Blanca through a partially hidden access to Calle Sol, or the Street of the Sun. After making the tight descending turn downwards, you suddenly find yourself in the most beautiful section of the entire old city - the Plaza of the Procession. Dominating this little park area is a statue commemorating the miraculous saving of the old city from sacking by the British in the 16th century.

This vantage point offers views of the Governor's Mansion, the El Cañuelo fortress across the port entrance and the Bacardi distillery. A short walk down hill through San Juan Gate takes you to the water's edge. As you return through the San Juan gate continue to San Juan Cathedral, retracing the steps of the original conquistadores. Your guide will walk you to the corner of Cristo & Fortaleza Streets; at this point you decide if you wish to have the guide escort you back to the ship or if you wish to stay to explore the many boutiques and shops that line the cobblestone streets of the old city and return to the ship at your leisure.

Major points of interest seen on this excursion may include:

La Rogativa

San Cristobal Castle (Fort)

Cristo Street - San Juan Cathedral, El Convento and Cristo Chapel

Fortaleza Street - Fortaleza The Governor's Mansion

San Juan Gate

La Plazoleta de la Rogativa

[Mr Luxury]

42 minutes ago, mysty said:

We would be in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 24, 2023.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

"Wake up in time: the sail-in is great!
Pier/Terminal Information:
Pier 1 - A modern two-tiered terminal 770 feet in length.
Equipped with pier-side passenger and baggage gangways,
elevators, parking and shopping concessions.
Pier 3 - Used for transit cruise ships, mainly used by the Royal
Caribbean line.
Pier 4 - A modern terminal at the north shore of the harbor with
a total length of 1,196 feet. Managed by Carnival Cruise Lines.
Pier 6 - A marginal wharf with a total length of 1,196 feet.
Frontier Pier - A single berth used for cruise vessels and
conventional ocean carriers handling open storage cargo.
Pan American Pier - A modern, two-tiered passenger terminal
with a marginal wharf 2,000 feet in length. Managed by Royal
Caribbean International.
Piers 1 to 6 are located in the heart of Old San Juan at Marina Street and within walking distance of all the major points of interest. If your ship is docked at Old San Juan Cruise Piers you could use the free trolley to take you to the city center. The Pan American Pier is located south of Old San Juan in Isla Grande and further away, because the docks serve larger cruise ships. There are no hotels near the Pan American Pier. The closest hotel is the Caribe Hilton, located approximately 5 minutes away by car.

 

San Juan is the capital of, and at two million the largest city in, Puerto Rico. It has one of the best harbors in the Caribbean. A popular point of interest is Old San Juan, a 7-block area that has
become popular for tourists as well as residents. The narrow streets of old San Juan are packed with people so it is recommended to experience Old San Juan by foot in order to avoid too much traffic.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro sits atop a high promontory  overlooking the entrance to the San Juan Bay. It is the result of the efforts of Spanish engineers over a period of more than 250 years and
is one of the largest fortifications built by the Spain in the Caribbean.

Castillo de San Cristóbal, is considered the largest fortress built in the Americas. It was built for the purpose of protecting the city of San Juan from attack by land from the east. It is a fortification with three levels and an extensive series of outer defenses and it took over 150 years to complete.

Public transportation in Puerto Rico is fairly bad: outside San Juan, there are no scheduled buses or trains. Taxi's are very expensive, but fixed prices.
Rental cars can be had for as little as $30 a day.

If you are into history both of the Forts are within walking distance or you can take the free trolley. Either fort can take several hours to go through. The free trolley is winding throughout the area, with
opportunities to get off at marked stops wherever desired. The trolley tends to stay full on afternoons when cruise ships are in."

 

We booked WALKING TOUR THROUGH OLD SAN JUAN.
Explore the highlights along cobblestone streets and gain a fascinating guided look at the history of Old San Juan during this walking tour of the old city.

 

Fort San Cristobal

Upon disembarkation, meet your experienced guide who will lead you through the historical Old City including a visit to Fort San Cristobal, a fortification that successfully defended the old city from attack by the British and Dutch in centuries gone by.

Next, walk into the City through one of the side streets and commence on a stroll through history. Getting just off the beaten track offers some fascinating finds that eludes most visitors that never leave the main streets.

La Plazoleta de la Rogativa

Exit the gardens of Casa Blanca through a partially hidden access to Calle Sol, or the Street of the Sun. After making the tight descending turn downwards, you suddenly find yourself in the most beautiful section of the entire old city - the Plaza of the Procession. Dominating this little park area is a statue commemorating the miraculous saving of the old city from sacking by the British in the 16th century.

This vantage point offers views of the Governor's Mansion, the El Cañuelo fortress across the port entrance and the Bacardi distillery. A short walk down hill through San Juan Gate takes you to the water's edge. As you return through the San Juan gate continue to San Juan Cathedral, retracing the steps of the original conquistadores. Your guide will walk you to the corner of Cristo & Fortaleza Streets; at this point you decide if you wish to have the guide escort you back to the ship or if you wish to stay to explore the many boutiques and shops that line the cobblestone streets of the old city and return to the ship at your leisure.

Major points of interest seen on this excursion may include:

La Rogativa

San Cristobal Castle (Fort)

Cristo Street - San Juan Cathedral, El Convento and Cristo Chapel

Fortaleza Street - Fortaleza The Governor's Mansion

San Juan Gate

La Plazoleta de la Rogativa

I'll never forget that hangover in San Juan on New year's day 2018

[mysty]

6 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

I'll never forget that hangover in San Juan on New year's day 2018

Memories are made of these! 😁

[jpalbny]

12 hours ago, mysty said:

Memories are made of these! 😁

 

More like foggy memories I'd gather.

 

M, we'll be flying into SJU on Saturday. Not staying in the Old Town though. But it's definitely worth a long stroll.

Edited May 26, 2023 by jpalbny

[mysty]

6 minutes ago, jpalbny said:

 

More like foggy memories I'd gather.

 

M, we'll be flying into SJU on Saturday. Not staying in the Old Town though. But it's definitely worth a long stroll.

 

Enjoy your trip JP!  And foggy memories are sometimes better than those clear as a bell!  Just saying! 😁

[Stumblefoot]

16 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

I'll never forget that hangover in San Juan on New year's day 2018

On the Spirit?

[Stumblefoot]

16 hours ago, mysty said:

Memories are made of these! 😁

That’s not what Annie Lennox said.

[mysty]

We would be in Cabo San Lucas (Bahia California Sur), Mexico on January 9, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

"Ships anchor offshore beside the famous arches and tender passengers to the marina, which is a pleasant 10-minute waterfront walk to the heart of Cabo San Lucas. If it is hot you might want to take a taxi.
Studies are under way for the possible construction of a cruise ship dock.
Cabo San Lucas is located approximately 29 miles (48km) southeast of the Los Cabos Airport.

 

At the tip of Mexico's 1,000-mile long Baja California peninsula Cabo San Lucas & San Jose del Cabo is one of the destinations with a perfect combination of great weather, exotic and spectacular scenery.
Cabo San Lucas, with its large marina and beautiful bay where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, is famous for its casual atmosphere and exciting nightlife. Long a favorite for anglers out to
land the big one, Cabo San Lucas also has great beaches, lots of shopping and restaurants, and a variety of hotels and resorts for any budget.

CS Lucas is also known for its famous stone arch, called El Arco, a magnificent natural rock formation at Land's End. Cabo San Lucas' long sandy main beach, El Medano, is the place for swimming and water sports, with lots of fun restaurants in the sand, golf and postcard perfect views. A popular Cruise Port for cruise ships along the Mexican Riviera, CS Lucas is also a popular destination for Spring Break and a hideaway for the rich and famous.

You can also take a water taxi to the arches or the short trip from the marina to Medano Beach.
Take a tour boat to a snorkeling beach (there are dozens of them right at the tender drop off area).
The Pez Gato Whale Watch tour is also a popular excursion. Swimming with the dolphins. Truly an awesome memorable experience. It is a very quick 5 minute walk from where the tender
drops you off."

 

We booked CABO'S LAND AND SEA PANORAMA.

Experience Cabo by sea and land on this introductory excursion that explores the areas highlights. See Land's End, visit a glass blowing factory and the mission church of San Jose del Cabo on a coastal, panoramic drive.

CATAMARAN CRUISE

Begin your adventure at the pier as you board a catamaran for a 40-minute trip to the very tip of the longest, most desolate, and perhaps most beautiful peninsula in the world. A short ride brings you to pristine beaches, towering rock formations and the famed El Arco at 'Land's End', a dramatic natural rock monument that arches starkly out of the sea. Enjoy a complimentary beverage onboard as an enlightened narration by Jean Michel Cousteau comments on the underwater life, wildlife, ecology and major points of interest in the area, including the early history of Baja California.

Looking landwards, you see that Cabo San Lucas lays claim to miles of unspoiled beaches, little coves and impressive Hotels. Admire the unforgettable view of Land's End, its famed arch and the ship at anchor in the Bay of Cabo San Lucas.

PANORAMIC DRIVE - SAN JOSE DEL CABO

After your scenic boat ride and brief walk to the coaches, a short drive takes you to a local glass blowing factory. Here, observe the talents of native craftsmen. Afterwards, get a different perspective of the cape region, striking in appearance, from its arid desert setting and white sand coves, to its swaying palm trees and the deep blue sea. Your drive takes you north to view the contrasting coastal scenery before arriving at San Jose del Cabo, a picturesque town. Visit the local mission church and its plaza.

Continue to a restaurant with a sweeping panoramic view of the Bay of Cabo San Lucas, where you enjoy a complementary beverage and views of the bay, El Arco and your ship at anchor. Finally the coach returns to the ship, or if time allows; you may have the option to drop off in town and return to the ship independently.

 

El Arco.....

[Mr Luxury]

6 hours ago, Stumblefoot said:

On the Spirit?

No,on the wine 😀

[Mr Luxury]

6 hours ago, Stumblefoot said:

That’s not what Annie Lennox said.

Sweet Dreams 😋 

[Lois R]

13 hours ago, jpalbny said:

 

More like foggy memories I'd gather.

 

M, we'll be flying into SJU on Saturday. Not staying in the Old Town though. But it's definitely worth a long stroll.

Hi JP, have a safe and Uneventful flight. Looks like the airports are going to busier this weekend than even going back to before Covid.

Enjoy your holiday weekend🙂

[Lois R]

Mysty, I have been to San Juan many, many times over the years. Hope you enjoy yourselves🙂. Not sure if you or  Myster enjoy a Pina Colada but there is a restaurant in the old city called Barrachina's...here is a link. They are known for being the birthplace of the Pina Colada😃 and the food is excellent too!

https://www.barrachina.com/

[mysty]

38 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Mysty, I have been to San Juan many, many times over the years. Hope you enjoy yourselves🙂. Not sure if you or  Myster enjoy a Pina Colada but there is a restaurant in the old city called Barrachina's...here is a link. They are known for being the birthplace of the Pina Colada😃 and the food is excellent too!

https://www.barrachina.com/

 

Thank you Lois!  We do indeed enjoy Pina Coladas.  The search will be on! 😁

[mysty]

We would be in New Plymouth, New Zealand on February 19, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

 

Things You Have to See in New Plymouth
Three Sisters rock formations on the Whitecliffs Walkway
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge on the Coastal Walkway
The tropical-looking forest in the Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve
Mt Taranaki’s reflection in Lake Mangamahoe
Wind Wand on the Coastal Walkway

 

I found some helpful information on this website:

https://nzpocketguide.com/10-new-plymouth-must-dos/

 

2. Walk or Cycle the Coastal Walkway
The New Plymouth Coastal Walkway is kind of a staple in New Plymouth featuring lots of fun sculptures and picturesque coastline along the way. The whole walkway is concrete which is also perfect for cycling. Walk the entire length (12.7km/7.9 miles) or simply join onto the walkway spanning almost the length of the New Plymouth coast. A highlight of the walk is the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge so if you have to pick one spot to check out, head there!
Location: The Coastal Walkway spans between Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki to Bell Block Beach.

https://www.newzealand.com/us/feature/new-plymouth-coastal-walkway/

5. Head to the Mountain and Forests of the Egmont National Park
There are some awesome road trips to be taken from New Plymouth. One of the most popular is to that mountain you can see from the city, Mt Taranaki. Take a trip to the North Egmont Visitor Centre to start one of the many short walks and full-day hikes in the dense forests of the Egmont National Park under the watchful peak of Mt Taranaki. It takes 30 minutes to drive from New Plymouth to the North Egmont Visitor Centre. Check out some of the walks in the 6 Hikes You Have to Do in Egmont National Park.

Location: From New Plymouth, take State Highway 3 south to Egmont Village. Then follow Egmont Road for 16km (10 miles) all the way to the North Egmont Visitor Centre car park.

8. Walk Around Pukekura Park
For an outdoors activity a little closer to the city center, don’t miss Pukekura Park. The park has a number of quaint walkways through gardens, duck ponds, lookouts, playgrounds and more. There’s plenty to explore! Come between December and February to catch the Festival of Lights in Pukekura Park which is a free festival with light displays throughout the park and a number of events like live gigs.

Location: There are a number of entrances to the park, the most popular are on Fillis Street and Brooklands Road, less than a kilometer from New Plymouth city center.

 

There are currently no included excursions listed for New Plymouth.  We booked PUKEITI GARDENS & OKURUKURU WINERY.

Explore the beautiful Pukeiti Gardens of New Plymouth and also discover the wines of New Zealand with a trip to Okurukuru Winery. The gardens are renowned for their rhododendron collection and beautiful views. The Okurukuru Winery is a small family operation producing Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay.

PUKEITI GARDENS & MORNING/AFTERNOON TEA

Board your coach for a short, 30-minute ride to the gardens located on 360 hectares (889 acres) of rainforest grounds in the foothills of Mt. Taranaki. Established in 1951, Pukeiti offers extensive gardens and plant collections with numerous short walking paths and vantage points offering splendid views. Explore your choice of trails after you have been greeted and introduced to the gardens with a brief history.

 

OKURUKURU WINERY & WINE TASTING

Re-board your coach and make your way to Okurukuru Winery, a brief 15-minute drive away. Owned by Peter and Chris Hayward, who live locally, the winery is a father/daughter venture with Kate Acland based in Marlborough, who owns the Sugar Loaf Winery, and is the wine maker for both Okurukuru and Sugar Loaf companies. There is approximately 7 acres (2 hectares) planted with Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. Enjoy the spectacular coastal views from the vines rolling down to the Taranaki's surf coast across the stunning Tasman Sea. Sample a selection of four wines with lite bites, including cheese and grapes to compliment your tasting selections.
 

[mysty]

Update on Travel Insurance......our wonderful travel agent got the insurer to reassess their quote for the Non-Medical All Inclusive.   It came in at about $7,000 less.   I think they had made an error on their first quote.  However,  the new dollar amount was still a bridge too far.  We approached CAA (the Canadian version of AAA) for a quote on Trip Cancellation/Interruption.   That came in at $5,500 less than the new amount from the first insurer.  We're going to get Emergency Medical with the first insurer and the Trip Cancellation/Interruption with CAA.  Still pricey but absolutely necessary.