Cruising Australia and New Zealand (Part 4)
To avoid high swells at sea, we made a dash to Wellington during the night, tied up around midnight and when we awoke, sun drenched Wellington was awaiting our exploration. Known as “Windy” Wellington, it didn't disappoint. It is a beautiful little city, mixing ultra modern new architecture with the beauty of designs of yesteryear along city streets. A short cab ride to the Tram station and we were off to The Botanical Gardens and miles of walking through winding paths and beautiful gardens. On our walk down to the city, we enjoyed the bustle of lunchtime which brought out joggers, and watched happy folks eating in local parks, enjoying the summer sun. We had a bite along the waterfront and then a soft ice cream from a street vendor and THEN, off to the Te Papa Museum, one of the most beautiful, most exciting, most diverse, interactive adventures covering so many subjects. We spent our time learning about New Zealand’s Maori culture but there was so much more. Time to get back to the ship for our sail away to Napier. The Captain has advised us we may not be able to make the port because of very high swells that could make landing impossible. We won't know until tomorrow. Keeping our fingers crossed.
During the night, rock and roll took on a new meaning. The movement, plus discomfort form sunburn/windburn acquired in Wellington, made our sail to Napier a bit trying. Just before dawn, the rocking became a glide along swells as great as 10 feet and then, the entry into Napier, was, as the Captain promised, very difficult. We were warned to hold on and to stay in bed or stay seated, until we were tied up at the pier and then, he told us the ship would continue to rock all day as the wild tides buffeted the port. His skills and and a turn in the weather made the entry and the stay, perfect.
Morning was warm, sunny, relaxing, so totally different from the uncomfortable journey to Napier. We boarded a shuttle bus, arrived in the City Center in about 5 minutes, and started our Art Deco walking exploration. In 1931, a huge earthquake leveled Napier (one building was left standing) and the town was rebuilt as an Art Deco city. Some of the architecture is divine, some simple but still lovely. The best part of our quick visit was meeting so many kind and interesting locals. So glad we were able to get here and as we prepare to sail away at 1:30 in the afternoon, the seas have calmed, the sky is clear, and we are off to our last port of call in fabulous New Zealand.
We are here in Tauranga, bathed in morning sunlight. Sailing boats are dotting the harbor as we look out of our cabin. Today, we plan to visit Rotorua, a Maori region steeped in history and offering some of the most exciting geothermal displays in the world. For Charles, it is a return visit after 72 years of absence.
On our way to Rotorua, we stopped at Kiwi 360, a touristic but still interesting Kiwi Farm. Our guide took us through the ins and outs of Kiwi growing. The stop was most interesting and the site quite beautiful.
Then it was off to our final destination, the thermal Maori village of Whakarewarewa. A famous guide, Rangi, once lived here and is buried in the village cemetery. Charles, when a child, met Rangi, and now the circle has been closed as he posed in front of her memorial, remembering his visit 72 years ago with his parents. For Charles, it was a spiritual reunion with his past, and his Mom and Dad.
The sulphur odors were pungent, geysers were splashing, mud was boiling, and we ate corn which had been cooked in a boiling thermal pool. It was a splendid finale to our New Zealand adventure.
It is time to start packing up. We have a day of scenic sailing, and tomorrow, we arrive in Auckland. It will be a bit sad to say goodbye to our ship and shipmates. We have covered a lot of ocean, a lot of ports. The sights have been beautiful, the people we met, (Kiwis and Aussies), warm and welcoming.
Our days of exploration were filled with laughter and endlessly delightful conversations. A voyage can be good, and sometimes it can be great. This was a great voyage. Australia and New Zealand are wonderful countries to visit. For the experienced and inexperienced traveler, warm welcomes await you. So go Down Under and say G’day, Mate. They’ll put another shrimp on the Barbie for you and make you feel right at home!