A Holiday Down Under

A Holiday Down Under

Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand to Hawaii, USA

Monday, December 16, 2024 to Wednesday, January 8, 2025

With Regent Cruises and Don and Mary Marsden

Monday, December 16 - 18/24 – Clearwater, Florida to LA, CA to Sydney, Australia

Flying out of Tampa on a 6 PM United Flight to LA (4 ½ hours) with a 3 hour layover before boarding the 15 hour flight to Sydney Australia. We did pay an extra $250 US for bulkhead seats so we had a bit more legroom on this long flight. We flew over the international dateline which skipped us to December 18th so we lost December 17th. 

Wednesday, December 18/24 – Sydney, Australia.    Mostly sunny – temp of 60 to 73 degrees.

We arrived at 9:30 AM, collected luggage and through Customs. $20 US Uber ride to the Hyatt Regency Sydney Hotel on Sussex Street by 11 AM and booked into Rm 1193. We made use of the Regency Lounge just down the hall from our room for meals. Mary went on a walk exploring downtown Sydney and Don did a workout in the gym and explored around the hotel.
Mary’s tour included the Grace Hotel, Queen Victoria Hotel, Town Hall, New South Wales Police Brass Band Concert in St Andrew’s Cathedral; with a harbourfront walk back over the old bridge, by the Crown Hotel, Movin Bed Cinema, Maritime Museum to name a few.
Bed by sunset at 8 PM.
(Australian News reporting that Vale John Marsden died today. He was 74 years old, an author of “Tomorrow When the War Began.”)

Thursday, December 19/24 – Sydney, Australia  -  Sun/Cloud – temp of 65 to 75 degrees

Up at 6 AM. To Gym. Don to local Firehall for change of shift and got a t-shirt. Big breakfast in Regency Lounge. Mary out at 9 AM to walk to Town Hall and meet Leo the guide of Free City Tour (prearranged from home) with 20 more tourists. Was a bit early for meeting so toured the Queen Victoria Building which was 4 floors of expensive shops, a huge Christmas tree and 2 fancy hanging clocks. 

This was a 3 hour tour through downtown George Street to the Custom’s House, Australia Square, Sydney Tower (aka the Golden Bucket atop the Westfield Shopping Centre), Old Sydney Hospital funded by Rum money, Old Post Office, The Rocks, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge (6 million rivets).  History included Governor Lachlan Macquarie, Captain Byle and James Cook. 

 Today’s walking buddy on tour was Suzette Plaisted from Clover, South Carolina who took Don’s ticket because he opted out of the tour. Suzette and I explored the Opera House together and then I went on to spend the afternoon in the beautiful Sydney Botanical Gardens. 

Back to the Hyatt by 5 PM – tired and with sore feet. Wine and dinner in the Lounge helped. Watched the news, showered and to be by sunset. 

Friday, December 20/24 – Sydney, Australia to Sea  -  Sunny – temp of 65 to 75 degrees

Up at 5:30 AM – still working on the time change. Did emails and went to breakfast at 7 AM. Out walking at 8 Am to Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral and then to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanical Gardens. 

Did a 10 AM tour in the Botanical Gardens and was back at the hotel by 11:30 AM to pack up and check out and Ubered (driver was 30 minutes late) to the White Bay Terminal to board the Regent SS Explorer to start our 14 day trip around Australia and New Zealand. Room 936.
Since we knew this ship from our May Alaska trip, we had lunch and spent the afternoon in the Spa and a swim in the Infinity Pool at the back of the ship before new passengers found their way there.
Sail away out of Syndney Harbour at 6 PM. Dinner in the Compass Rose Dining room and bed by 9 PM. Rough seas. Missed Welcome Aboard Variety Show in Theatre at 9:30 PM.

Saturday, December 21/24 – At  rocky, windy Sea  -  Sunny – temp 70 degrees

Up at 6 AM, 7 AM Stretch Class, 8 AM Ab Class, 9 AM Yoga – all classes in Ship’s Gym
10 AM Speaker on Melbourne – “Gold Rush Galleries, Hype and History” with Kay Taylor (Southern Hemisphere Destination Speaker). Melbourne is the State Capital of Victoria (Canberra is the capital of Australia) and has sport venues of all kinds. It has viable weather stating “Four Seasons in One Day.” It has a population of 4.8 multicultural million with large Australian, British and Asian people. It is built on the ”Hoddle Grid” named after Robert Hoddle (designer) and features with wide main streets.
Gold was discovered in 1851 in the Yarra River Valley. German, Irish and Chinese people came and became wealthy and the city grew quickly. Melbourne is also famous for trams since 1885 and 250 kms of track exist. There is the Puffing Billy running on a narrow gauge railway.
Flemington Park has hosted hrose racing since 1840 and the races are anti-clockwise. Citizens get the first Tuesday in November for the Melbourne Cup which began in 1861. 

11 AM Speaker “The World’s Erupting Political & Economic Fault Lines” with Steve Clemons (Journalist and Washington DC Insider) discussing what is happening in all the worlds hot spots. Mentioned he thinks at this time the USA is soul searching to reset relationships in the world. 

Lunch at 12 PM. Did emails and journal and then time in Spa at aromatherapy steam room, sauna and rain shower. Don played Regent games several times a day to win “Regent Points” which will be redeemed for Regent swag on the last day of the cruise.  Went to 3:30 PM to Needlepoint Nook followed by Team Trivia at 4:30 PM. Our team of 6 consisted of Robert and Kaye Dalby of Sydney Australia and John and Anna ? from Houston Texas. 

6 PM Captain’s Welcome Reception with Captain Luksa Kristovic introducing his Senior Officers in the Constellation Theatre. 6:30 PM Lobster Dinner and Pittsburg Steak in the Compass Rose. Bed by 9 PM missing Australian vocalist and electric violinist Fem Belling at 9:30.

Sunday, December 22/24 – Melbourne, Australia  -  Sun/Cloud – temp 70 degrees, little wind

Up at 6 AM. Gym workout and walk around upper deck. Did own laundry and breakfast at 9 AM.
Off on excursion “Melbourne and Gardens” at 10:30 AM for 4½ hours.
Scenic bust tour through Melbourne to Fitzroy Gardens (a classic Victorian-era designed garden started in 1848). On the grounds I visited “Cook’s Cottage” which was the home of explorer James Cook’s parents, brought brick by brick from Yorkshire England in 1934 to commemorate Victoria’s centenary. Period furniture is in the cottage and the 3 voyages of James Cook are documented in the attached stable. I learned Cook married a woman 20 years younger than himself, had 6 children – 5 boys and 1 girl – 4 died in childhood and 2 boys in war battles – so no grandchildren and Cook’s widow lived to the age of 93 years old.
From that stop I walked over to St Patrick’s Cathedral (a massive bluestone Gothic RC cathedral) before we got back on the bus to the “Shrine of Remembrance” which was Victoria’s memorial to the service and sacrifice of Australian Men and Women in time of war and peacekeeping.
Our final stop was the Eureka Skydeck – 88 stories up an office building in a super fast elevator for fantastic views of Melbourne and area in a clear sky. 
Back to the ship at 3:30 PM for the tea time and trivia. Dinner at 6:30 PM in Compass Rose and Bed by 9 PM. Rolling seas tonight. Missed 9:30 PM show of “Broadway in Concert.”

Monday, December 23/24 – At Sea  - The Bass Strait  -  Sun/Cloud/Rain – Rolling Seas

(The Bass Strait is between Australia and Tasmania and has earned a reputation of one of the world’s most dangerous waterways. The strait is named after the English explorer George Bass, who along with Matthew Flinders, circumnavigated Tasmania in 1798 proving it to be an island.)

Did fall over in room getting dressed this morning as the ship rocked in 3 metre waves. No injury. Morning fitness classes were challenging too due to ship rocking.
Attended the lecture “America’s Big Election, What It All Means” with Steve Clemons. Different issues affecting this subject such as Covid, Borders, AI, China, BLM, inflation, abortion etc. Nationalism vs Globalism; Tariffs vs Cheap Stuff; Journalism is challenged–need clear reporting. 

11 AM lecture by Kay Taylor was “Apples, Art, Convicts: Hobart & Tasmania.” Learned Tasmania is 240 miles south of Australia mainland. 45% of the land is Nature Preserves. It does have 4 seasons with autumn colors. There are non-polluted clear skies and have west to east air currents with lots of wind.
Tasmania is named after Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer, in 1642 and named it Van Dieman’s Land after the then Governor of the Dutch East Indies. In 1788, Captain Bligh explored area.
The Port Arthur Penal Colony  (20 miles from Hobart) ran from 1788 to 1868. It was a timber station with no escape. Did build boats and a nondenominatal Church where prisoners were allowed to worship but had to be hidden behind a curtain. Known as and Island of the Dead with 1000 deceased. 75,000 convicts were the basis of settlement of Tasmania.
In 1996, there was a massacre of 35 people by a lone gunman at the Broad Arrow Café which brought in a review of gun ownership.
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania since 1842 with its shelterd fog-free harbour, timber, minerals, ship building, fresh water and 4163’ Mt Wellington behind it (Chales Darwin is said to have climbed it.) Expeditions for the Antarctic Base leave from Hobart and it has a Mawson Hut Museum named after the Antarctic explorer. Hobart hosts the “Blue Water Classic” since 1945 which is a Yacht Race that begins in Sydney on December 26th with all size boats for the 630 nautical mile race and ends in Hobart. We did hear on the news that 2 men lost their lives within the first few days of that race while we were sailing. 

Lunch on the Pool Deck specializing in Greek Cuisine today. Again Spa, Needlepoint, bowling game and Trivia in the afternoon, Block Party at 6 Pm where you have a glass of wine in your hallway with your neighbours and the Captain comes by and says hello. Dinner in Compass Rose. Stayed up till 9:30 PM and attended the Guest Entertainer, Comedy Magician and Mentalist John Taylor performance – not great and then bed.

Tuesday, December 24/24 – Hobart, Tasmania  -  Sun/Cloud – temp 55 to 68 degrees

Up for 7 AM Stretch, 7:30 AM Abd Class in Gym with Sam. Breakfast at 8 AM and 9:15 AM left for a bus tour “Historic Hobart, Countryside and Winery” with the first stop at the Puddleduck Winery. It was a small family run business producing 1800 cases of wine annually which they sold exclusively from their cellar door. The name came from the way ducks dive into to feed in the water with their behinds in the air which is called puddling. There were many ducks roaming their vineyards so no pesticides were used in their wines since the ducks took care of the bugs, We sampled 4 types of their wine.
Back on the bus to the scenic town of Richmond in the Coal River Valley. I toured the Richmond Gaol which is Australia’s oldest existing Colonial Gaol from 1825 to 1928 for men and women.
We were to visit the Runnymede Estate (National Trust) (a whaling captain’s elegant homestead) and grounds but it was closed due to the Christmas Eve holiday. 

Back to ship for lunch after our last stop at a lookout. Afternoon spent with Regent game, neck massage, trivia show and Christmas show before dinner in Compass Rose. Bed by 9 PM with a one hour time change forward made through the night. 

Wednesday, December 25/24 – Cruising the Tasman Sea on Christmas Day  -  Sun/Cloud – temp 55 to 70 degrees

No exercise classes. Breakfast at 8 AM. Cruising the Tasman Sea. The Tasman Sea has depths over 5000 meters with underwater mountains, volcanic ridges and abyssal plains. It’s strong currents makes for challenging passages but it is the link between Australia and New Zealand. 

At 10 AM I attended the Kay Taylor lecture “The Sound of Silence Fiordland” since we will be cruising into Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds tomorrow. Kay said this time of year was a good time to see the Sounds because the mountains still had snow and there would be lots of waterfalls. There are actually 14 sounds but only 3 are accessible for cruise ships. Since 1952, 3.1 million acres of unspoiled dramatic scenery has been preserved with the Southern Alps and the area carved by glaciers 10,000 years ago. It is the “Place of Greenstone” which is unique to this part of the world.
The first we will see is Milford Sound and it is the longest (16 km) and our ship will go in and turn around in it. It was first sailed in 1812 and on the cliffs tree avalanches can be seen. There is road access to it from the interior. It has 4000’ rock faces with Mitre Peak being the highest at 5372”. Yearly rainfall is 268 inches so there are many waterfalls. There is a walking pass since 1888 which is 55 km called the Milford Track and is a 5 day hike serviced by helicopters, no vehicles. (In Australia and NZ, trumping is hiking.)
The second is Doubtful Sound which is also accessible by land from Lake Manapouri (tourist town). The sound has 34 islands, is 1500’ deep and has 4 arms. In 1904, hydro electric power started from the Kepler mountains and today Meridian Energy has the Manapouri Power Station housed in a solid granite cavern where 1800 workers spent 5 years to build an underground tunnel which is 1.25 miles long. An old ship was used to house the workers from 1963 to 1969. Power produced in 1972. Wimot Pass is 21 km long and there is a Kepler hiking track  developed in 1988 which is 60 km long. Elizabeth Island is the head of the Sound. Captain Cook did see the opening of Doubtful Sound in 1770 but did not enter for fear it could not be navigated under sail. There are dolphins, seals and whales in this sound. An interesting phenomenon is the 2 layers of water, the top (6 to 30’) being dark tannin rich fresh still water from the forests and the bottom being seawater which is warmer and goes to depths of 1.380’.
The third one is Dusky Sound which has no vehicle access, only boats and float planes. It is a safe harbour and the sound is 40 km long and 8 km wide in places which makes it the longest and the deepest but it is land locked. James Cook noted it on his first voyage in 1770 and on his second voyage he spend March and April of 1773 to explore the area, working with the Maori and even setting up an observatory. 1791 George Vancouver visited the area and then sealers and whalers used the sound. In 1795 a group of British settlers (242 men and 2 women) landed in the sound but were rescued 2 years later. It is a breeding ground for crested fiordland penguins (who are known for the yellow eyebrows that fan out from the top of their heads) and frequented by dolphins, seals and whales. In the 1900s red deer and possums were brought to the area and were liberated and are now hunted because they are a problem. 

At 11 AM  was the lecture “More on the World’s Political & Economic Faullt Lines” with Steve Clemons. Again the US challenges were mentioned and the needs of industry. There was discussion of the Arctic Race with Russia. China, Greenland (Denmark). Also the Panama Canal, hypersonic missiles, wars, critical minerals, Africa, Indo-Pacific, Tariffs, Technology, Global Trade Relations, Environment, cultural backlash and Free and Fair Trade – High Fear World vs High Trust World. Interesting. 

Lunch on the Pool Deck with Don’s usual. Facetime with Katie for Happy Birthday Dave since it is Christmas Eve back home) and Tom and family in Mexico. To Spa after lunch, needlepoint and games. Special Christmas Dinner in Compass Rose with Kay and Robert Dalby after Christmas Carols. Went to 9:30 show for Divas and Divos featuring the songs of the greats like Barbara Streisand and Tony Bennett. Then Bed. Another time change of one hour forward.

Thursday, December 26/24 – Cruising the Tasman Sea – Sun/Cloud – 55 to 70 degrees

Up at 7 AM, 9 AM Yoga and 10 AM for another lecture with Kay Taylor on “Scottish Dunedin & French Akaroa.” On Dec. 28/24 we will dock in Port Chalmers as it is the port for Dunedin which is 12 miles inland.  We will pass by the Nugget Point Lighthouse on the way in to harbour. This Otago area has fertile land, sheep, vineyards and snow covered mountains. Area settled by whalers and sealers and free settlers. Dunedin  (gaelic for Edinburgh) was settled by Scottish Presbyteria to make a new Scotland designed as a classic 19th century English town with a central octagon as an eight sided plaza of garden. In 1861, gold was discovered in Lawrence and Dunedin was the gateway to the gold fields. Dairy and sheep are main export from area and refrigeration was invented to ship the products to markets in England – SS Dunedin in 1876. The population of Dunedin is 128,000. It has the oldest university in NZ – University of Otago.
Akaroa meaning “long harbour” was settled by the French and then the British (1830) and is part of the Banks Peninsula. James Cook discovered the area in 1770. 

11 AM was a Regent Future Cruises Presentation with the onboard cruise consultants talking about future itineries, vogages and the Regent Seven Seas Fleet. New ship “Prestige” is launching in 2026. Vogages on the Grandeur go into the Amazon from Miami or Panama. There was a draw for $250 of non-refundable credit which I won and spent on a facial in the Spa, $150 agate earrings from the jewellery boutique, an on sale zippered blue sweatshirt (Alaskan design- made in Canada) and a book from Dr Happy – an entertainer on board. Lunch and then a 2 PM lecture “What Does China Want To Be When It Grows Up” with Steve Clemons. USA may be distracted in small middle eastern countries. China is restoring historical sites and has become a global leader. Focused on Africa for investing, belt and road initiative, silk road, soft power expansion, AI, solar, EV and 5G. Population of 1.4 billion and one child rule stopped in 2016. But flashpoints of Taiwan, South China Sea, USA China Rivalry, Economic Decoupling and Trade Wars. But West may be underestimating China, misunderstand and ignore it. 

Needlepoint, trivia and Regent Society Cocktail Party before dinner in the Compass Rose. Went to 9:30 show of Vem Belling (Australian Jazz Singer – Musical Theatre). Bed by 10:30 PM.

Friday, December 27/24 – Cruising in Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on the SW tip of the South Island of New Zealand.  – Sunny Blue Skies  – 55 to 72 degrees

Up at 6 AM to be on the top deck for Sunrise as we cruise into Milford Sound at 7 AM. Staff provided hot chocolate.
8 AM Pilates class.
Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a region of unbelieveable natural beauty.
Milford Sound is often called the “eighth wonder of the world” and the most famous. Majestic Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak are notables in this Sound.
11 AM “The Capital Wellington Art Deco Napier” lecture with Kay Taylor. (Will be incorporated in the narrative of our visit there in a few days.) Lunch on the Pool Deck.

12:15 to 1:45 PM  Cruising into Doubtful Sound. Often referred to as “The Sound of Silence.” Kay Taylor remarked that she has done the cruises into the sounds about 12 times and we have had the most beautiful blue sky and the warmest temperatures she has experienced here. I spent the afternoon on the Spa deck by the Infinity Pool sunbathing enjoying the beautiful views – but I did get a sunburn.

2:45 to 4:45 PM Dusky Sound Scenic Transit. The final sound and the largest. The first sound the ship turned around but the next 2 sounds the ship cruised around islands and came out without having to turn around.
Dinner in the Prime 7 diningroom with our new friends Kay and Robert Dalby of Australia. Bed by 9 PM and it is the last day of my cold and cough which started 4 days ago with a runny nose. 

Saturday, December 28/24 – Dunedin, New Zealand.  – Sunny Blue Skies  – 55 to 70 degrees

Up at 7 AM. Breakfast at 8:30 AM. Docked in Port Chalmers, gateway to Dunedin. Did the Regent Ring Toss game and then on to our bus excursion ”Dunedin Peninsula – Wildlife and Larnach Castle” at 10:45 AM.
Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle build by William Larnach in 1871 for his beloved first wife Eliza Jane. William Larnach was a successful landowner, Minister of the Crown, banker (made his fortune in the gold rush), financier, and merchant baron. Larnach’s lasting legacy is his great castle overlooking the spectacular Otago Harbour. The Larnach family suffered many tragedies and the castle fell into ruin and Margaret and Barry Barker purchased the empty, derelict Castle and ruined gardens in 1967 and spent the next 30 years restoring it.  Larnach called the Castle and grounds “The Camp”. We had lunch there and I bought the book of the Larnach family history from the gift shop. 

Our second stop was The Royal Albatross Centre – The only Mainland colony of the Northern Royal Albatross. We were able to watch Dunedin’s famous Royals from a viewing observatory. These birds have a three-metre wingspan. At this time the birds were nesting on the hillside. These birds mate for life. After the young birds leave the nest they do not return for 5 years. 

Bus back to ship through Dunedin at 5:15 PM. Dinner in Compass Rose at 6:30 PM. Spa at 8 PM for a $39 lovely facial and was given some toner and body scrub. Bed by 9:30 PM.

Sunday, December 29/24 – Akaroa, New Zealand.  – Sunny Blue Skies  – 60 to 75 degrees

Up at 7 AM for the shore excursion “Akaroa Highlights – Town and Country”  starting at 8 AM. Unfortunately this was a tender port which delayed the journey to the port until 9:15 AM. Don stayed on board, feeling a cold starting?

Our first stop was in the tourist town of Akaroa at the “Giant’s House. This was the incredible home of the artist Josie Martin. Trained in Horticulture and Art, Josie combined her two passions throughout her home and garden. I was blown away with all the mosiacs there! A Happy Place!

The second stop was after a lovely countryside drive to the “Manderley” sheep farm owned by Mary and Ross Millar in the Banks Peninsula. The Millar’s farm is 750 acres with 180 beef cattle and 1000 sheep. Saw mustering of 6 merino sheep by awarding winning sheep dogs directed by whistle and vocal commands. This was followed by a sheep shearing demonstration. The shearers have a 3 year apprenticeship doing 1000 sheep. They travel from farm to farm to do 300 sheep/day. The pay is $3/sheep and the yearly shearing of the sheep (150 pound sheep) results in $3 worth of wool in today’s market. The profit is in meat so at this time female sheep after they are bred are ultrasounded to hopefully have 2 to 3 lambs in utero rather than one. We were treated to tea and cookies at the farm before returning to Akaroa. Mrs Millar also had beehives and sold Makura honey – made from the flowers of the Makura tree and is highly regarded for its health benefits. 

In Akaroa, I walked around the town, past the shops and beach on the main street, visited the museum and enjoyed the flower gardens of the quaint homes there. The tender back to the ship at 3:30 PM had trouble docking due to waves. Trivia at 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM Stretch class in Gym. Dinner in the Compass Rose and attended the “Laughter Show” in the Constellation Theatre with Australian comedian Scott Williams.

Monday, December 30/24 – Wellington, New Zealand.  – Cloud/Sun/Rain  – 60 to 70 degrees

Wellington has been the capital of New Zealand since 1865 since it is located on the southern tip of the North Island so it is the most centrally located city in the country. Also the southernmost capital city in the world. It has a population of 425,000 and named after the First Duke of Wellington who was victorious at the Battle of Waterloo. It gets a lot rain (and did rain the day we visited) and wind giving it the nickname “Windy Welly.”
We were up early with room service breakfast at 6:15 AM for our excursion “In the Footsteps of Lord of the Rings” leaving at 7:45 AM. Our small bus took us to the Weta Workshop and Weta Cave where special prosthetics, weapons, wardrobe and makeup planning was done for the Lord of the Rings trilogy movies and many other movies also. Started by Sir Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger. Our second stop with our well informed guide/driver was at Mt Victoria Park to see some movie site filming locations there. The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed at the same time but released over 8 years, made $280 million.  Middle Earth was New Zealand. It took 438 days of filming with 250 locations. 
We proceeded to the lookout on Mt Victoria before travelling back to the downtown area of Wellington. Peter Jackson, director of the Lord of the Rings film has turned Wellington into “Wellywood” with huge sound and filming studios and promotes filming in New Zealand.

Downtown we passed by the  famous “Te Papa” Museum which is built on 150 shock absorbers and 2,220 km of reinforced steel to protect it from earthquake damage. 

It was raining at the end of our tour so we opted to go back to the ship rather than walk around downtown Wellington. So back for lunch, spa time, Kay Taylor lecture, laundry, stretch class and dinner in the French restaurant Chautreuse. Missed Moulin Rouge show for bed by 9:30 PM.
Warned we may not be able to get into tomorrow’s port due to choppy waters. 

Tuesday, December 31/24 – Napier and Hastings (Hawke’s Bay), New Zealand.  – Cloud/Rain  – 55 to 65 degrees

Awakened at 7 AM to say the ship was able to dock in Napier afterall. Breakfast at 7:30 AM and off on excursion “Hawke’s Bay Wine Tour” at 8:30 AM. Don opted out of today’s excursion so I was on the bus with 12 couples and me. After a nice drive through the countryside we stopped at the single estate Abbey Winery and Brewery for 5 tastings complete with a chaucutie board with spiced cheese. This family owned and operated winery of 33 acres of “red metal” soils. Their building was architecturally designed as a gothis abbey.
Then on to the 100 acre Mission Estate Winery for 5 more tastings and gift of 2 wine tumblers. It was established in 1851 by French RC missionaries from the Society of Mary (Marist Society) as a seminary. We had great winery tour leaders and a great driver/guide Graham.
On February 3, 1931 at 10:47 AM an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Hawke’s Bay causing serious damage to the region and the entire mission killing 2 priests and 7 students meditating in their chapel. The seminary still continues in Auckland.
In Napier 256 people died, 1000 injured and most buildings were destroyed. Napier was rebuilt in Art Deco style buildings which was the fashionable architect at the time (like South Miami). 

This area has many vineyards and apple orchards (Jazz apples) and also stone fruits, olives, kiwis, strawberries but no bananas or pineapples. Many migrant workers come from Indonesia to assist on the farms.
Arrived back at the ship at 1:30 PM and had lunch. Attended the 3 PM Kay Taylor lecture on the Treaty of Waitangi and City of Sails (Auckland). Team trivia at 4:30 PM and 6 PM Captain’s Farewell & Krew Kapers before dinner in the Compass Rose with Kay and Robert. Did attend Comedian’s Scott Williams show at 10 PM but fell asleep so back to the cabin – did not make it to Midnight. 

Wed., January 1, 2025 – Tauranga, New Zealand – Beautiful Sunshine – 57 to 75 degrees

Tauranga is a vibrant tourist destination with beautiful golden sand beaches arround majestic Mount Mauganui, a dormant volcano. Hot springs swimming pool is right in town. 

Up for 7 AM Stretch, 7:30 AM abds, 8 AM Yoga in Gym with Sam. I lead the exercises for Sam because there was only the 2 of us and she had little sleep since she enjoyed New Year’s Eve festivities.
At 10 AM we left for our bus excursion “Tauranga Highlights” heading out in the country driving by kiwi farms. We had a new guide (Helen) and a new driver (Theresa) who had a bad sound system and got lost twice before our first stop at a Community Centre to hear a talk on Kiwis with a kiwi scone and tea. Zespri is the farmer’s co-op who controls the kiwi farms in NZ. Green, yellow and red kiwis are grown. All red kiwis are exported to China. Kiwis grow on vines vertically and then horizontally so the fruit is picked from overhead.
I hopped onto the 2nd Regent bus that was on the same tour and the guide and driver on that bus were 100% better. The guide Bob did a NZ quiz on board and recommended a famous NZ s kid’s book “Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy” which I bought in Auckland for friend’s grandchildren. Our second stop was at a Heritage Village but since it was New Year’s Day it really wasn’t open. Did not see the Elms Mission because it was not open that day either. Back to ship at 1:30 PM for lunch.  

After lunch I walked out to the shops and climbed up the trail to the summit of Mt. Mauganui – 761 ‘ high. Beautiful views.
Back at 5:30 PM for spa swim and 6:30 PM dinner in the Pacific Rim dining room. Don has not ate dinner for the past 2 nights since he doesn’t like eating late which bothers his sleep. Watched sunset and bought expensive duty-free earrings at the on board jewellery boutique ($ 300 but 50% off) to use up my winnings. Bed by 10 PM. 

Thursday, January 2, 2025 – Bay of Islands, New Zealand – Sun – 65 to 75 degrees

The Bay of Islands is a sprawling network of 144 islands nestled in the North Island. This area is where the Treaty of Waitangi, the country’s founding document between the British and the Maori people was signed in 1840. 

Up at 8 AM for pilates with Sam. Breakfast at 9 AM. Don stayed on board and did laundry and Mary went on the 10:30 AM tender to port to get bus for “Glow Worm Cave and Puketi Kauri Forest.” Our first stop was the Kawati Glow Worm Cave where we entered a long cave to see the milky way above from the glowing worms (larvae of fireflies). This attraction is run by a Maori family. On to a lunch stop in Kawakawa known also as train town for the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway that runs down the middle of the main street. This poor town is trying to go through a revitalization by a local artist. We continued on to the Puketi Kauri forest preserve for a short hike to see the gigantic Kauri trees. We had a great driver/guide named Bertie who took us to a few more stops – a small waterfall and a golf course on a hill with a view and this was also the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.  

Back on board at 5:30 PM and packed. Dinner in Compass Rose and attended the 9:30 PM Revolution show in the Theatre. Bed by 10:30 PM

Friday, January 3, 2025 – Auckland, New Zealand – Sun – 65 to 75 degrees

Total distance of this cruise of 3,420 nautical miles. Arrived in Auckland near the famous Ferry Terminal Building. Auckland was once the capital of NZ and has a population of 1,67 million. Saying farewell to our favourite royalty King and Princess who served us so kindly and efficiently in the Compass Rose. A wonderful cruise to have a snapshot of beautiful Australia and New Zealand. 

Up at 6:30 AM for final packing and breakfast at 7:30 AM. Off ship at 9 AM. We walked with our luggage to the Park Hyatt and waited for our room (514) for a few hours. I walked for 2 hours and Don spent his time in the spa. We walked in the afternoon to a New Balance outlet store and Don found 2 pairs of shoes to purchase and then on to a grocery store for wine, cheese and crackers for our dinners. Don walked back to the hotel and Mary continued sightseeing in Auckland.  Experiencing the 3 sessions in one day weatherwise with sun, cloud and rain. Back to hotel at 5:30 PM for quiet night and early to bed. 

Saturday, January 4, 2025 – Auckland, New Zealand – Sun/Cloud/Rain – 60 to 75 degrees

Up at 7 AM , to gym and complimentary breakfast at 8 AM in the hotel restaurant. Mary did a 2 hour Free Auckland Tour at 10 AM through downtown Auckland with Darcy and 30 others from around the world. Back to hotel at 1 PM and out again at 2 PM to 5 PM exploring the Art Gallery and other areas. Don got to an Auckland Firehall for another t-shirt and spa in PM. Had complimentary wine and Mary to spa. Room dinner from yesterday’s grocery run. Early night.

Sunday, January 5, 2025 – Auckland, New Zealand – Sun/Cloud/Rain – 60 to 72 degrees

Did little workout, had breakfast and short tour of downtown and then to St Patrick’s and St Joseph’s Cathedral for Epiphany Mass at 11 AM. Used spa in afternoon and left for airport at 4 PM. Spent most of the wait for the 10 PM Air New Zealand flight to Hawaii in the lounge. 

 Sunday, January 6, 2025 – Honolulu, Hawaii, USA – Sun – 65 to 78 degrees

Flew through the night and arrived at 8 AM and ubered to the Hyatt Regency on Waikiki Beach. Waited on the balcony of the Regency Lounge until our room was ready at 1:30 PM – Rm 3163. Went for a walk in the afternoon and then 5 PM lounge for drinks and appetizers. Shower and bed by sunset at 8 PM. Don walked to Target for a bottle of wine which was a long walk when there was a closer location that he did not know about. 

Monday, January 7, 2025 – Honolulu, Hawaii, USA – Sun – 65 to 75 degrees

Up at 7:30 AM for lounge breakfast. Took a long walk but not as far as the King’s Palace. Back for 2 PM weaving class at hotel. Then down to the beach to wade my feet in the Pacific Ocean and time at the pool before dinner in the lounge. Enjoyed a bottle of wine and snacks compliments of the hotel because we had an unwelcome entrance of our room at 7:30 AM. Walk to nearby Target and early night again. 

Tuesday, January 8, 2025 – Honolulu, Hawaii, USA – Sun – 65 to 75 degrees

Up at 6 AM  to have breakfast before catching a trolley at 7:35 AM to the start of the walk up the Diamond Head Summit scheduled at 8 to 9 AM. (Prebooked the day before for $6.15 – free for Hawaiian residents.) Enjoyed the beautiful morning up to the Summit (40 minute hike), took photos and came back down to trolley stop and back to hotel.
This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. This location was also a fire control station with a tunnel and lookouts in the crater walls to the summit.
Packed up and left hotel at 1 PM via Lfyt car to airport for the 5 PM Delta flight to Atlanta (8.5 hour flight). Spent time in the lounge with no food – disappointing. We were at the back for the plane – row 57 – and Don’s seat was missing the tray table. Arrived in Atlanta at 6 AM and took the little train to another terminal for the 8:00 AM flight (1½ hour) to Tampa. Picked up Luggage (except for big case which was delivered to our condo later that afternoon) and our friend Patti Branch to bring us back to Clearwater.

Additional Notes:

Beautiful Scenery – especially New Zealand and loved seeing the sheep and cattle on the hillsides grazing. Would not want to live there since it is so remote and so hilly – can’t cycle.

Did not see much wildlife – no kangaroos or kaolas in Australia – did see a wallabee but just for a second. But I did not go to any zoos. Did see black swans and black ibis. No kiwi birds in NZ but did learn that they are nocturnal. No whales, dolphins or seals sited during the cruise. 

Respected the prominence given to the Maori people in NZ. The Maori language is taught in the schools and when I visited the Auckland Art Gallery, the art interpretations were in English and Maori.  

On the flights, the 15 hour one from LA to Sydney Australia went faster than I thought. So having the one overnight, compared to the 2 shorter overnights may have been a better choice. But it was all worth it. It took about a week to readjust when we returned to the USA. 

The symbol for New Zealand is the silver fern which symbolizes safe travels. It is on the jerseys of the men’s rugby team - the All Blacks - and women’s basketball - the Silver Ferns. Rugby and cricket are the most popular sports in New Zealand.