Rodney & Sheryl's Travels

Monday, February 5, 2024

2/5 Nelson, New Zealand

Nelson is located on the South Island at the geographical center of New Zealand. It is one of New Zealand's oldest cities, having been founded in 1841, and is renowned for its year-round sunshine, long golden beaches, and beautiful national parks. Entering the port was a bit tricky as the channel is very narrow, but after a couple of tries, our Captain made it happen!

Nelson is also home to the Nelson Classic Car Museum - an iconic collection of over 150 immaculate cars from more than 115 years of motoring. While we are not car buffs by any means, it was a fun and unique way to spend the day.

Sunrise on our way to Nelson harbor

Narrow channel into Nelson harbor

Rodney w/Pink Cadillac at entrance

1908 Humber

1937 328 BMW Sports Roadster

Sheryl w/64 1/2 Ford Mustang (her personal favorite)

Jaguars

1964 Diamler w/its' owner

Rodney w/old police car

2024 Corvette Singray Coupe C8 (just arrived)

Sunday, February 4, 2024

2/4 Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. It is located near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington."

We took the iconic red Wellington Cable Car up to Kelburn, a suburb in the hills overlooking the city. There were great views of the city down below and we could even see our ship from there. From Kelburn, we went by bus to Wellington Botanic Gardens where we enjoyed a yummy cheese scone and meandered through the beautiful gardens.

Wellington Cable Car

View of city from Kelburn

Botanic Gardens

"Beehive" - Māori Te Whare Mīere - Executive Wing of New Zealand Parliament Building

The "Beehive" - Māori Te Whare Mīere - Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament Building

Hippo statue on building

Queens Wharf

Wellington Sign on boardwalk

Friday, February 2, 2024

2/1-2 Rotorua (Tauranga), New Zealand

Rotorua is a city in the Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand's North Island. The city lies on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, from which it takes its name. It is a beautiful little town at the base of Mount Maunganui and boasts beautiful clean, clear water and gorgeous sandy beaches. It is primarily known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Māori culture.

We arrived early enough on day one to wander about and have lunch at a wonderful restaurant, Latitude 37. On day two of our visit, we went on a tour to a Kiwifruit Orchard in Te Puke where we enjoyed fresh kiwi and were entertained by Mauri singers and dancers.

Tauranga Sunrise

Lunch at Latitude 37

Mauri entertainment at Kiwifruit Orchard

Mount Maunganui

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

1/30-31 Auckland, New Zealand

One of our favorite places in the world - Auckland, New Zealand! Auckland is known as the "City of Sails" for its' residents' love of boating. This seafaring city has hosted three America's Cup challanges and world-class yachts are seen all along the marinas.

On our first day in Auckland, we went on a city tour. Our first stop was the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial. Michael J. Savage was New Zealand's first Labour prime minister, and their most beloved, serving from 1935 - 1940. Of his accomplishments, winning public support for his government's economic recovery policies and social welfare programs were most notable.

Our second stop was the Auckland War Memorial Museum (aka Tāmaki Paenga Hira or Auckland Museum). The Museum is regarded as one of the finest Museums in the Southern Hemisphere and is renowned for its unique collection of Māori and Pacific treasures.

On our second day in Auckland, we were on our own. We spent the day meandering along the Wynyard Quarter boardwalk on the waterfront, down to the Silo Marina and over to one of our favorite restaurants - Swashbucklers, where we ate a yummy lunch of fish and chips. The yachts in the marina were nothing short of spectacular!