Waitangi, New Zealand, 11/10/2023, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Australia and New Zealand
On our first morning aboard National Geographic Orion, we arose to a purple-orange sunrise above the rolling hills of New Zealand’s North Island. White-fronted terns, Australasian gannets, and welcome swallows greeted us upon arrival to Waitangi. We were able to explore the Treaty Grounds and were lucky enough to be treated to a Māori performance. It was filled with poi, rākau, and, of course, it ended with a haka.
Lunch was served back on board, and we wasted no time getting back on shore to explore the historical town of Russell. Lovely weather kicked off a lovely trip as we discovered the gems offered by coastal New Zealand. Anchors up, and we’re off to the Great Barrier Island!
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Kia Ora and greetings to all our readers. The Bay of Islands in the North Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand, could not have been more beautiful as National Geographic Orion slipped in through her turquoise waters. A light chilly wind with classical sunshine made for a great day to experience this special place. The goal of today’s expedition was to immerse our guests in the tradition and culture of the New Zealand native peoples. Waitangi is one of the cultural centres for the Maori people, the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maori chiefs of Aotearoa and the British sovereignty back in the 1800’s. Guests were introduced to the ancient war canoes, at least one hundred years old, as they were being prepared to sail on Waitangi Celebration Day on February 6th. Guests marvelled at the carved artistry and designs and were thrilled to be led onto the flagstaff grounds of Waitangi with National Geographic Orion in the background. An invitation was extended to all guests to enter the Wharenui (ceremonial house) to experience a performance presented by the Maori dancers. This was a great way to begin our voyage through the Pacific Ocean as we said farewell to New Zealand with fond memories of her people. Cheers!
At sunrise, National Geographic Orion set anchor in a quiet inlet of Big Barrier Island. Big Barrier/Aotea is the sixth largest island in the nation of New Zealand. We spent our day exploring the island, hiking up Warren’s Track, a lush green trail that leads to a clear swimming hole at the base of a waterfall. After cocktail hour, Remmie and his crew served a delicious gourmet dinner in the restaurant. Naturalist Martin closed off the evening with his hilarious presentation, ‘Who would win in a fight between a Kangaroo and a Kiwi?’
This morning found National Geographic Orion approaching White Island (Whakaari), an active volcano located thirty miles off the east coast of the North Island in the Bay of Plenty. We approached within the mandated three-mile limit, providing truly awe-inspiring views into the open-sided crater, vivid with sulphur yellow and billowing white steam. White Island was the site of a tragic eruption in 2019 that took the lives of twenty-two visitors. Today, all visitation is forbidden, leaving the volcano to the large colony of Australasian gannets that nest there. As we sailed onward, we gathered for a lecture on bird feathers, flight, and other adaptations by Javier Cotin. Outside the ship, petrels and shearwaters demonstrated their mastery of flight in the stiff ocean wind. After lunch, on-board activities continued with tours of the ship’s amazingly organized and efficient galley and a talk by Pepper Trail on his unique career in wildlife law enforcement as a forensic ornithologist. By midafternoon, we reached the Alderman Islands, a group of four large islands and many small islets and spires twelve miles off the Coromandel Peninsula. The islands provided us with the opportunity for beautifully scenic Zodiac cruising. The islands are made of relatively soft, volcanic material, and have eroded into dramatic cliffs, caves, and arches. The skies around the islands were lively with pied cormorants, silver and kelp gulls, and Australasian gannets. It was truly a memorable exploration of a wonderful little archipelago. And then, back to the comfort of National Geographic Orion for dinner!
