At Sea, Te Waipounamu, Aotearoa, New Zealand, 10/31/2024, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Australia and New Zealand
Happy Halloween! Today we were at sea and had time to edit photographs, journal, and learn from the natural history team as we sailed south along the west coast of Te Waipounamu, or the South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Kim is a marine biologist, fine art photographer, and avid fisherman. Based in Juneau, Alaska, Lingít Aaní, she spends her time between the mountains and the ocean. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Cognitive Neuroscience from the Unive...
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Today, National Geographic Orion anchored off the golden shores of Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand. Guests enjoyed kayaking along the scenic coast, gliding through calm waters and spotting curious seals. Hikes led us through lush native forests, where guides shared insights into local flora and Māori history.
National Geographic Orion sailed south along the edge of the Te Ika-a-Maui, or North Island of Aotearoa, or New Zealand. In the late morning, she made a course change west and entered Cook’s Strait, the body of water dividing the two main islands of this fabulous country. Discovered and described by Captain Cook in 1770, the body of water is notorious for tidal bores and strong currents. We encountered the strait on a sunny and windy day. The sea was choppy, but the ship rode well and dozens of albatross surfed the wind with their dynamic soaring arcs in our wake. Tomorrow, we land at Abel Tasman National Park, on Waka a Maui, or South Island, New Zealand.
