Day 30 – 3rd February 2020, Dunedin

Posted on February 4, 2020 by oriana77

Penguin sanctuary young one in rehab

After a slow steam down the coast from departure Akaroa yesterday, we were docked in Port Chalmers, the port for Dunedin, about 07:00. This is a scenic arrival, as the ship navigates the buoyed channel through the inlet, but on checking outside, I noted it was totally overcast, with very low clouds obscuring the shore. Therefore, no point heading out to watch the arrival.

Today we have a private tour, which starts with a drive through Dunedin, with multiple stops, followed by a drive around the Otago Peninsula viewing various birds, sea lions, penguins and albatross.

The camera shutter got a serious workout today, so my dilemma is how to pick only 30 or 40 photos for the blog out of almost 250. Well, I culled photos down to 66, so enjoy.

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Day 29 – 2nd February 2020, Akaroa

Posted on February 4, 2020 by oriana77

Punting 7 passing under willow tree

Looking forward to berthing with our sister ship Viking Orion, in Lyttelton today, unfortunately a couple of months ago, we received the not so good news that we were going to Akaroa. This is a tender port about 55 miles from Christchurch and has been used extensively by cruise ships since the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

Today we did 2 ship’s tours – the included in the morning and Punting on the Avon in the afternoon.

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Day 28 – 1st February 2020, Wellington

Posted on February 1, 2020 by oriana77

Wellington harbour atop Mt Victoria 2

The winds around Napier were a harbinger for the voyage down the coast, then into Cook Strait and finally the approach to windy Wellington Harbour. Mid-way through the show last night, Judi felt the ship moving, which continued throughout the night.

Way back in 1975, as a lowly cadet on my very first trip to sea, windy Wellington was our first port of call, after departing UK. After almost 45 years, this was my first time back at this port and like the others it has experienced massive changes.

Alongside at 09:00, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before wandering ashore for our excellent included tour of Wellington.

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Day 25 – 29th January 2020, Auckland

Posted on January 29, 2020 by oriana77

Andy and Judi at Muriwai Beach

With 2 days in Auckland we planned for a day in the city and a day touring the countryside, so today was our Kiwi Countryside Tour. What a complete contrast to yesterday’s hustle and bustle, and traffic congestion of the city. We drove through pristine farm and grazing lands, watched sheep shearing and saw the spectacular vistas of the West Coast.

Read on for more details and photos of this great tour.

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Day 24 – 28th January 2020, Auckland

Posted on January 28, 2020 by oriana77

Sunset from couple of days ago

Departing the Bay of Islands yesterday evening, we enjoyed a very calm and pleasant overnight voyage down the New Zealand coast to Auckland, where we have our 3rd overnight. Auckland is a beautiful city, with many similarities to Vancouver.

Read on for our impression of the local Ho-Ho bus and the evening cultural performance.

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Day 23 – 27th January 2020, Bay of Islands

Posted on January 27, 2020 by oriana77

New Zealand Flag

Having finally crossed the vast Pacific Ocean, this morning we arrive in Bay of Islands, New Zealand, a country where we visit 7 ports in the next 8 days. It also includes overnight in Auckland.

I spent almost a week in the Bay of Islands on my first trip to sea, way back in 1975, so I have eagerly awaited this port, to see the changes in 45 years. Great start to the day, capturing my first sunrise, as we sailed into the bay.

Today is another private tour visiting Haruku Falls, Kerikeri, Russell and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Read on for lots of photos and a description of this great day of touring.

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