Tuesday, November 19, 2024

 AUCKLAND to HOME


The end of this wonderful trip is upon us.      We are approaching Auckland for our flight home. 







The gliders love this spot.    We must have seen 30 of them take off.  How I wish I had been among them!






One final sunset.  



Our journey started December 7th and we began the flight back on January 4th.   The time from exiting the ship until our driver delivered us to our driveway was 28 hours.

It was an incredible trip to places neither of us had ever been.

Where to next ...............................




We

TAURANGA, New Zealand





We were fortunate to visit the Hangarau Marae.     This is the gathering place of the Ngati Rangihui Tribe.    We were part of a formal welcoming ceremony.      

We lined up, women leading the way.    Once inside the grounds, we chose our spokesman   (it must be a man).     I tried to get Bob to volunteer, but he didn't pick up my signals - or chose to ignore them.    



The local warrior approaches and asks if we enter with peaceful intentions.      After a yes from our spokesman, the warrior places an offering on the ground.    When our spokesman picks it up they know we have come in peace.

A tribal woman began a chant to welcome us.   This is followed by a moment of silence to remember the dead.   We then take seats, men in front.

The Hongi greeting involves touching noses and foreheads.    This is the most sacred and important part of the ceremony as it represents sharing life, peace and knowledge.

Obviously I did not take pictures during this ceremony but the warrior gave us many opportunities to photograph him afterwards.






We were allowed into the house of worship.



This is some of the interior decor.



The grounds of this sacred area were very calm and serene.





In the Maori culture, sticking our your tongue during the haka dance is a sign of defiance and readiness for battle.     This is now a symbol of fearlessness and strength that's become an iconic part of New Zealand heritage.






Our next stop is this High School where some of the students performed for us.      There are competitions for these students, much like our Show Choirs.













Farewell to Tauranga.    We are now fearless and have great strength.



 

NAPIER, New Zealand


Napier calls itself the Art Deco capital of the world.    Leveled by an earthquake in 1931, it was rebuilt in the Art Deco style.




This community has a wide area between the ocean and the shops where they greet passengers from the cruise ships.    Vintage cars and period dress.      Everyone was so very friendly.








We chose to just walk around rather than taking an excursion here.    























Their street art was very intriguing.





Smart phone and Hair Straightener Repair Centre.      
What an interesting combination.




Ethan, this store made us think of you!





This sign was on the outer wall of the Visitor Center welcoming us to the island in the native greeting and then several other languages.


I like this sign because there is a New Zealand wine called Kia Ora which I happen to like a lot.    I never knew the meaning of the brand until this visit.




 

Sunday, November 10, 2024

 PICTON, NEW ZEALAND


Our exploration here was an organized tour of a couple wineries.     The first was Scott Wineries.




I love the quote on this book cover.    It really does summarize this journey.

Just like the vines themselves, this family's story is entwine in the very roots of Marlborough winemaking.   Allan Scott planted some of the region's first vineyards in the 1970's and has been a part of every vintage grown here since.   They founded the winery in 1990 with their two children.



There are several indoor and outdoor sitting areas as well as this outdoor chess set.



It was a beautiful drive between Scott Vineyards and the other vineyards we visited.








What better way to end a day of touring and tasting at three wineries than with chocolate.









We both fell in love with their Macademia Butter Toffee Crunch.     If I'd realized they didn't ship to the USA there would have been a lot more than two boxes in my luggage.




Our favorite server was able to find us a bottle of New Zealand wine for dinner.     It was only served in one spot on the ship, but he got us several bottles to enjoy for the rest of the cruise.     I think the picture got into the wrong post, but it was MATUA Sauvignon Blanc.

My evening "after dinner' drink was always on the rear open deck .     The view leaving port were great.