This is the Dawn Princess. Our home for two weeks. We are home again now of course and have the added baggage of influenza A. I spent the last two days confined to barracks, or my cabin, with Kerry trotting back and forth with sustenance. Up until then We had a great time.
It was a very new experience for us and a taster before we embark on a trip to Alaska next May. We were very happily impressed with everything. Our comfort, the food, service, entertainment, and company was excellent. Leaving from Auckland our first stop was Tauranga where I had photoed the sister ship a few weeks ago.
We ventured over to the main Tauranga township and found a crafty market. Had to take pic of this awesome bike.
Also this amazing dolls house totally crafted by a very dedicated master.
Next stop Napier where we hadn't been for too many years. The Art Deco capital of the South it didn't disappoint. The sun shone as we strolled the lovely streets. Ready for a drink we glanced into a cafe and surprise! surprise! There was Kerry's sister Karen and husband Chris waving out. They live in Auckland but used to live in Napier and were there for a funeral. They had only waved us off 2 nights ago. A lovely surprise and of course we joined them for refreshments.
We also sat and listened to the bells chiming out some tunes in the garden square.
And enjoyed the 20s and 30s cars and street fare set up for all visitors adding a special atmosphere to the day.
Next was supposed to be Wellington but a force 9 gale caused problems for the tugs and the docking was aborted. We were not disappointed as Wellington in a storm was not a very exciting prospect. Instead we left the storm behind and were treated wonderful views over a white capped choppy sea to the Kaikoura coast with a snow capped mountain backdrop as our ship cut a smooth slow passage to our next port.
It was amazing how smoothly we sailed through these seas. Normally we would not see this as the ship sailed each night and arrived at the next port by morning. We loved it!
Next morning we were anchored in Akaroa harbour and the tenders were lowered to take us ashore. Many folk, Austrailians especially were booked for tours away from the port but we were very happy to spend another sunny day in this quaint French flavoured seaside town. We just strolled along enjoying the pretty buildings and gardens.
It was Sunday and when I saw there was a Mass being held at midday in this old church for the visitors I was thrilled to join in.
It was a very special and moving time for me. Kerry had gone for a walk and we met later for lunch before strolling back for a returning tender.
Our next port was Dunedin and here we had booked to do the Taieri Gorge Railway excursion. We were not disappointed. The scenery was fantastic but not easy to photograph with iPad so bought postcards. The mountainsides were aglow with golden broome. We stopped at very isolated places where people were living and farming.
And at our turn around point there was a market set up by the locals with NZ themed handcrafts for sale. You can see the quilts and knitwear. It was a fab trip. A new experience for us into places we could never take the bus.
Now! Doesn't this look awesome. The moody Fiordland sounds.
This is Dusky Sound the first we visited. I think the grey skies add to the mystical beauty. Do you see the snow on the distant peaks. There was an icy wind coming off them.
No one lives here and very few visit this protected environment. This is a conservation boat checking us out. We were very lucky to get in here today. The last 4 cruises were prevented by rough weather.
We also went through Doubtful Sound but the weather was deteriorating as we headed out and up towards Milford Sound, so we were not surprised when that venture was cancelled and we headed out into the Tasman Sea for a two day sail to Melbourne.
Every day and night on the ship photos were taken of us to purchase but we, and especially I am not very photogenic so this is our best selfie as we left the sounds.
Sunrise along the NZ coast.
Sunset at sea. Taken from inside as we struck a very bad storm. The ship was skirted round to the North of the worst of it but we endured 6 to 7 mtr waves and swells and many folk were unwell including Kerry. I was surprised I was ok after our straight crossing in March but my biggest problem along with other folks was walking with the swaying and rocking of the ship. I worried for the old and disabled of which there were many on board.
The number of folks with walkers, sticks, wheelchairs, and even a few disability scooters surprised us, but after some thought it seemed pretty awesome that these folk whose lives are probably fairly confined normally, could come on these cruises and have a lovely holiday and break from their usual lives, and their carers too.
Melbourne put on a glorious day for us though we were a bit late docking due to the storm but we ventured forth for a few hours.
Taking in the wonderful buildings.
Pretty parks.
And colourful markets. Our appetite was wet for another trip over here for a longer more leasurely time.
We walked a long way, hurrying back for the early sailing back to NZ.
It was a very calm 3 day crossing back and around to Auckland but I didn't get to see much of it. The first day I came down with what seemed like a cold the next day I was in the med centre and diagnosed with influenza A and a chest infection. A mask was promptly put on me, and rightly so with 2000 people on board. Evidently it came on board from Melbourne before we got on so I was lucky it was at the end when it hit me. I was confined to cabin with many medicines and when we finally reached Auckland we were escorted off the ship and it was soooo goooood to be in the fresh air and home. Just the train journey to Papakura then John picked us up.
And home at last. Looking soooo gooood!!
Our moggies didn't even look up. So good to see them relaxed and well in the wonderful care of our special house sitter, Roz.
The garden looking wonderful. I gasped when I saw the sweet peas.
So many blooms and Roz said she had given bunches away. I've never grown them before, but my Dad was a champion and this was the bed he last grew them in. He must be smiling on these I'm sure.
Well on that note I will take to my bed to recover, soon, I hope.
We have many wonderful memories of our great cruising holiday. See you again soon.
Blessings, Trills.xxx
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