OK family please keep everything crossed that you receive this one. We have had the best day - arrived in Wellington at 0700, quick breakfast and then off on tour. Thomas we did the Footsteps of The Lord of Rings and went into the forest where it was filmed and then onto the Weka studios where all the special affects, makeup and props where made - what an experience! The guys on the tour where members of the cast. One was an elf and the other a body double for t...

Well this port was not for us! Awake at 0500 with the worst headache I have ever experienced. Whether it was not enough water, the sulphur smell or just going to happen anyway - who knows but bed ridden I was. Nurse Tony did the best he could but once the vomiting - every time I moved started - it was time to get some help so off to the sickbay. One needle in the Butt and some tablets and I was right as rain and ready for dinner! You can not keep a good woman d...

Arrived in port at 0515! but we were not up....We did however set the early morning call as we were going ashore to get to Rotorau and Hell's Gate. First however a few facts about Tauranga. This is the most populous city in the Bay of Plenty. It was settled in the early 19th C and became a city in 1963! Tauranga means "safe Harbour" and is recognised as the landing place of Takitimu, Tainui and Mataatua which were some of the early voyaging canoes from Polynesi...

So this morning we wake up as the engines start to turn back and the ship stops! We anchor up in the Bay of Isles however it is cloudy and drizzling - sad but not the end of the day! I think the picture above is upside down or a great reflection - hard to know. Up for breakfast and then onto a tender vessel to get to shore - no bay deep enough for this little ship. Today was our helicopter flight over the Bay however despite all intents and purposes - no go...He...

Ok now I am on a role. We are going backwards in the information sharing but oh well.....trying to share the experience. Auckland was overcast but still a wonderful experience. We had a great night at Show time which is the onboard big band and dance crew. It was Hot Jazz! Wonderful! We toured on the open air bus getting on and off at various places. Unfortunately it really was the Island of the Long White Cloud so did not go up the Space Needle. We did howev...