Aussie-New Zealand 2017 - Eden NSW Australia

Eden, New South Wales

November 20, 2017

We had planned on doing a whale watching tour but it was canceled.  Instead we opted for a DIY walking tour to a nearby beach. I loved this small town.

Aussie-New Zealand 2017 - Cruising Fiorland National Park of New Zealand

Cruising through the Fiordland National Park was an indescribable day.  It was so peaceful and so beautiful that I will NEVER forget it.

Aussie-New Zealand 2017 - Port Chalmers (Dunedin) New Zealand

Dunedin, New Zealand

November 12, 2017

When we first arrived at our southern-most stop in New Zealand, we thought we were in for a wet day.  It was was blustery with dark ominous clouds.  As we prepared to leave, it cleared.  Still cold but the rain was brief and sporadic.

We stopped in town for quick pictures of the historic train station and the World’s steepest Street.

Next we headed out in search of penguins, wildlife & seals.

Aussie-New Zealand 2017 - Akaroa New Zealand

Akaroa, New Zealand

November 11,2017

Akaroa quickly turned into my favorite port of New Zealand.  It is nestled in a cove with beautiful blue waters surrounded by majestic peaks in shades of blues,greens and yellows.

The ship was unable to dock here so we were shuttled assure via tender boats.  The tides change quickly thereby increasing the chances that we would be allowed to tender.  When we first arrived the skies we cloudy and there was increased chance of rain but by the time our day was over there was bright blue skies overhead.

We decided to first explore the streets of this small harbor town before our scheduled sailing onboard a vintage schooner.  We followed the street as it hugged the coast stopping for coffee and French pastry.

  Akaroa is a French settlement making us feel right at home among the fleur di lis everywhere.

We came upon a town green area where youth cricket was being played. 

We decided to watch and learn a bit about this game we knew so little of.  After an hour of so we did a bit a shopping before heading back for our sailing tour.

Our sail captain was waiting on the wharf and off we went.  It was a lovely 2-1/2 hours.  We were chased by dolphins, spotted a family of New Zealand fur seals sunning along some rocks and blue penguins swimming in the waters.  Afterwards we shared a cup of delicious fish chowder.

Aussie-New Zealand 2017 - Picton New Zealand

Picton

November 10, 2017

We went to tastings at 3 local wineries and a chocolate tasting.  

Our guide was Paul, a retired minister.  We were driven through gorgeous countryside dotted with sheep farms.

Aussie-New Zealand 2017 - Wellington New Zealand

Wellington

November 9, 2017

Wellington is a huge eclectic city.  

Our ship provided complimentary shuttle service into town.  From there we purchased cable car tickets up the Mountain for a fantastic view of the city & coastline. 

We then walked down via the botanical garden followed lovely rose gardens.

We viewed the Parliament House then proceeded to a lovely waterfront park we found accidentally.  Next we walked down Cuba Street and Courtney Place.

Aussie-New Zealand 2017 - Napier New Zealand

Napier, New Zealand

November 8, 2017

Napier is a wine lovers delight.  We toured several  local wineries, each providing breathtaking views of the countryside in addition to delicious wines. 

We stopped at a very scenic overlooks along the way.