Wellington and Auckland

October 30th Wellington

This morning we arrived in “Windy Wellington” and it certainly lived up to its reputation.  The morning was cold and rainy.  Wellington is New Zealand’s capital, the original Maori name for the area was “Te Whanga-Nui-a-Tara”, Tara being the son of a Maori chief called Whatonga who had settled on the Hawkes Bay coast.  The first European settlers arrived in 1840 in the New Zealand Company ship Aurora when Colonel William Wakefield arrived to buy land from the Maori people.  However, the Maori people denied selling the land at Port Nicholson and land-rights struggles followed and continue today.

Our first stop was at the Cable Car that we took up the hill to the Botanical Gardens.  Bobbie and Jack joined us for this excursion(They probably wish they had stayed on the ship…more about that later!!!!)

 

The Botanical Gardens were not yet in bloom and it was cold and overcast….

Our next stop was at the Maori community of Wai Whetu.  This was the first time this community had been opened to a group from a cruise ship.  The chief talked about their history.  This was an opportunity to experience an authentic community and not a recreated experience.  Delia especially enjoyed talking with the chiefs niece and a tour of her workshop.

 

It was then on to lunch at Mungavin Blues Restaurant.  On arrival we were shown how the authentic “Hangi” meal is prepared.  A hole is dug and a wood fire started.  when the coals are ready, the meal consisting of meats and vegetables is buried in the ground and cooked for several hours then uncovered and served (the food is covered in foil).

 

The lunch was very disorganized!!!!  Most of us opted for the Hangi lunch(which was OK…just like a steamed meal) but others ordered from the menu.  The menu items were not delivered for over 1 hour!!!!  Jack refused his meal after 1 1/2 hours.

Last stop was the Te Papa Museum.  We did not have much time at the museum and a big portion of that time was spent going to the supermarket to restock our wine supply.

All in all, it was a long not very interesting day….Kakite(goodbye)

 

November 1st Auckland

This turned out to be “The longest day from Hell”……..Des decided to add Rotorua to the Auckland tour in lieu of refunding us for missing Christchurch. 

We left Auckland at 7AM driving 3 1/2 hours to Rotorua.  The countryside was beautiful filled with rolling hills, cows, horses and sheep. New Zealand is located along a fault line which creates dramatic landscapes.

We stopped for a “comfort stop” in MataMata AKA Hobbiton(Lord of the Rings movie set).

We arrived at Whakarewarewa…The living geo-thermal village.  Maori cultural capital of New Zealand. We toured the village which smelled of sulfur.  We were treated to a cultural show and a demonstration of making a PuPu skirt…made from flax leaves using a clamshell to create a pattern unique to each tribe.

  

After lunch, we drove another 3 hours to the Waitomo to see the Glowworm Caves. The Arachnocampa Luminosa is a glowworm species unique to New Zealand.  It is the larval stage of a two-winged insect which gives off light.  No photos were allowed in the caves.

 

After a dinner stop, we started another 3 hour drive back to Auckland…….I guess we did get to see something unique but it truly was the day from HELL…total of 14 hours. Would never do it again.

We now have a couple of sea days before Fiji.  I am hoping our excursions improve from this point.  We are really enjoying the cruise, especially the ship.  I’m playing Mah Jongg every sea day so that is positive.  I’ve tried to get Bobbie to play but not having any luck.  We do meet every day for a cocktail before dinner. All in all, the food is very good (TOO GOOD) and the entertainment has been good.