Doubtful Sound to Milford Sound – New Zealand, 1/28/2023, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Australia and New Zealand
The light at dawn made the calm waters of Doubtful Sound shimmer as National Geographic Orion slowly cruised through, admiring the steep walls of another part of Fiordland. On our way up the western coast of South Island, guests were treated to coastal scenery beyond belief in transit to Milford Sound.
Kelly spent her childhood and adolescence in Maryland, exploring the wonders of the natural world wherever she could. This innate curiosity about the environment around her led Kelly to question why people and animals were driven to live their lives ...
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Today was a sea day on National Geographic Orion as we sailed up the east coast of New Zealand followed by bottlenose dolphins towards our destination, Tauranga. A sea day on our great ship is always full of activity, starting off the day with presentations from Cultural Navigator Tua and followed by Cultural Specialist and New Zealander Alex Hillary. A fantastic Filipino/Asian themed lunch was prepared by Chef Rannie and his amazing team and ably served by Maître d’ Mio and his spirited team in a very joyous and excited room of hungry guests. After a short rest from lunch, guests were invited down to deck two to judge a Christmas hallway of decorated doors. A competition was held where crew members would decorate their doorways in a Christmas theme, using whatever decorations they could find or make. The Christmas spirit was truly alive with festive colors, decorations, and happy Christmas songs as guests were wowed by the artistry and original creations.
An homage to Kaikoura and National Geographic Orion ’s departure from the South Island, in three haikus. Morning Mountains wake in gold Moon bows to its western bed Dawn greets Kaikoura * The Sperm Whale Diving to the deep A whale who spends most his life Holding in his breath * Onward Northward we set sail Whales, seabirds, the North Island Awaiting their guests
The morning began in dramatic fashion as National Geographic Orion entered the North Bay of Kaikōura, with a stunning skyscape and a glorious rainbow to welcome us. This was the first stop of our expedition that falls on a mainland island of New Zealand. Prior to today, all our activities have taken place on or around the smaller and more remote Subantarctic islands. Kaikōura was first settled by the Māori peoples around 1600, and it wasn’t until over 200 years later that Europeans had an influence here. Today, Kaikōura is known for its quaint coastal community, abundant seafood, and a rich array of wildlife. Today’s focus provided a wonderful extensive tour of the peninsula and surrounding area and gave our guests the opportunity to take in the town, local historical museum, and to explore the local trails.
