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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Our destination today was Rotorua, Bay of Plenty: A neighboring town with rich cultural heritage - Rotorua nui a Kahumatamomoe. Some of the highlights from our visit to Rotorua included the visit to Te Puia. It was exceptional, featuring a comprehensive 90 minute guided tour encompassing the art school, kiwi conservatory, geysers, and captivating stories of Tūtanekai & Hinemoa told through waiata (song). The tour concluded with a scrumptious buffet filled with traditional Māori cuisine, enhancing the cultural immersion. Following our visit, we ventured into the town center to visit the picturesque lake, absorbing the natural beauty and tranquility. We then headed back to the ship to enjoy an educational session with our Underwater Sea Specialist , Gail, who presented an engaging session on kelp, enlightening us with insights into this marine life. The day concluded with the captain’s farewell cocktail hour, a briefing for the following day's activities, and beautiful dinner as customary. Later, we enjoyed the heartwarming film, The Whale Rider, accompanied by delicious popcorn and hot cocoa.
Our journey through the Glenfern Sanctuary unveiled mesmerizing sights at Sunset Rock and Kauri Tree Crown Lookout. The sanctuary not only treated us to stunning vistas of the whenua (land) but also provided a symphony of natural sounds from cicadas and an array of native and endemic bird species. Among these were the Kōtare (kingfisher), Kereru (New Zealand wood pigeon), brown teal, Pīwakawaka (fantail), Tui and many more, creating a rich auditory experience. Docking adjacent to Tiritiri Mātangi, our expedition was welcomed by knowledgeable tour guides. Two hikes awaited us: the shorter Wattle Track and the more extensive Kawerau Track. Both routes showcased exquisite landscapes and introduced us to New Zealand’s diverse wildlife, including the Ruru (morepork), Titipounaumu (rifleman), male and female Hihi (stitchbird), and a sighting of the Tuatara, New Zealand’s largest reptile. The day’s expedition across Aotea (Great Barrier Island) and Tiritiri Mātangi Island provided an immersive experience into the natural wonders, biodiversity, and captivating landscapes of New Zealand. Each moment, from sunrise to sunset, offered a tapestry of unforgettable memories and discoveries for all expedition participants.
Today we stopped in Gisborne, New Zealand, which is a lovely city on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The group split up to explore different areas of interest. One group went for a wine tasting, and another went to an arboretum. My group visited a nearby sheep farming station to learn more about rural life in New Zealand. At the farm, we were greeted by multiple generations of the family who live and work at the station. After meeting some friendly dogs, we listened to a fascinating presentation about sheep farming. We even got to watch as two sheep were sheared. After our time with the sheep, we visited the family home, where we were treated to a ‘smoko,’ or morning tea, in the garden. At the end of our visit, we stopped for a bit to watch one of the family members herd the sheep with the help of her dogs. It was fun to see the horse, sheep, and dogs interacting. Now we all have a better appreciation for what rural life is like on a farm in New Zealand.
