Day 126 At Sea

Today was a lovely, relaxing day at sea. After 3 consecutive ports it’s always nice to have a day at sea to recharge. I had a meeting this morning regarding an Overland Adventure I booked on the spur of the moment a week or so ago. Here is a preview:
Spectacular New Zealand: Rotorua, Queenstown & Milford Sound Overland Adventure
Day 1
On arrival in Auckland you will set out by motor coach on a short orientation tour of the City of Sails. Drive along the picturesque waterfront to Mission Bay, passing by some of Auckland’s most exclusive streets, including Paratai Drive. From the summit of Mt. Eden, enjoy panoramic views of the city built on seven volcanoes, and of the harbor. Leaving the city, you will journey south to Rotorua, across the Hauraki Plains via Matamata to this remarkable city that is renowned for its geo-thermal activity and its intriguing Maori culture.
For lunch you will take the cable
car (funicular) to a restaurant that boasts spectacular views over Lake Rotorua. After lunch, visit Rainbow Springs for a guided stroll through this picturesque wildlife reserve. The river here offers some of the largest rainbow trout you will ever see in crystal-clear spring-fed pools, and you’ll be introduced to many of New Zealand’s native birds, including the
nocturnal kiwi and the rare tuatara lizard. Next, visit Te Puia—the highly acclaimed New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute where young Maori apprentices learn the ancient arts of
weaving and carving. You will then be guided through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve renowned for its thermal activity. You’ll marvel as subterranean heat bursts through the earth’s thin crust in the form of geysers, hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming fissures. Indeed, the sulfurous smell and fury of steam will never let you forget that the earth
has a molten core. Check in at your hotel before dinner. Tonight’s meal is a traditional Maori hangi—a feast of food that is steamed under the ground, thus retaining all the natural
flavors. This will be followed by a highly entertaining and energetic Maori cultural performance, showcasing the action songs and dances of the local Maori people.
Day 2
After a full breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Rotorua Airport for a flight to Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island. Upon arrival, you will head away from town, out to the Gibbston Valley Winery for lunch. Visit the historic gold mining township of Arrowtown—it’s like stepping into a time warp with tiny miners’ cottages marching along a beautiful tree-lined street. Enjoy a walk among the many galleries and cafés. You will head back to Queenstown along the scenic Arthur’s Point Road. Queenstown’s setting can only be described as magical, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with mountains soaring above on all sides. This is New Zealand’s leading alpine resort center. Although gold and sheep farmers
brought early prosperity to the region, tourism is now the major industry. Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is famous for its bungy jumping, jet boating, rafting and skiing. Dine tonight at Walter Peak Sheep Station, located on the far shore of Lake Wakatipu. You will reach the farm by sailing on the historic steamship tss Earnslaw. In the Colonel’s House enjoy a carvery-style buffet dinner overlooking the lake. Before returning to Queenstown, enjoy a brief demonstration of sheep dog skills.
Day 3
Breakfast at your hotel before your visit to Milford Sound—one of the most spectacular scenic areas of New Zealand. A chartered coach will take you along the shores of Lake
Wakatipu down to Kingston at the southern end of the lake, before crossing the North Southland Plains to Te Anau. After a short stop in the town of Te Anau, continue through
the beautiful Fiordland National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will stop for photos at the Mirror Lakes, and continue through the Eglington Valley, before descending
through the mighty Homer Tunnel to the Cleddau Valley. Stop at the Chasm before arriving in Milford Sound. At Milford, board a day boat for a luncheon cruise on Milford Sound. Sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the sound. Highlights include towering Mitre
Peak and the majestic Stirling and Bowen Falls. Returning to the Milford Marina, you will reboard your coach and return to Queenstown in time for a late dinner.
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a cable car ride up to Bobs Peak, for a final spectacular view of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown and the Remarkables mountain range. You’ll then fly to Christchurch and take a brief orientation tour of the city. Highlights include visiting the magnificent gardens at Mona Vale, the Christchurch Arts Centre and
panoramic views from the Port Hills. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will drive through the tunnel to Lyttleton and reboard the ship. I will depart the ship to start this Overland Adventure on the 1st of February. Since we will have crossed the International Dateline by then (we skip the 27th) it will be the 31st of January back home. It should be an amazing journey. Unfortunately it became apparent at the meeting that there are a couple of people going that probably will have some physical limitations that will slow us down… too bad. All HAL can do is point out that these trips are a strenuous activity. The people who sign up sometimes would amaze you. I will enjoy it no matter how slow the pace gets (well not too slow). Tonight is a formal night and Allan, Sandra & I are eating at the Pinnacle Grill… yummy! Tomorrow is another day at sea before we get to Samoa….