February 4, 2023

Tauranga is the busiest port on the North Island of New Zealand. Many container ships loading and unloading plus our ship and another cruise ship. All morning it was overcast with rain at times. But we took an excursion anyway.

We learned all about kiwi fruit.

It turns out that the green kiwis we are used to have an issue with some sort of disease. So now they are being replace with golden kiwis.

And when the weather cleared a bit I took a picture of Mount Maunganui, an old volcano.

In 2019 we spent more time at this port and walked to this mountain and part way around. No time today.

I did say this is a big port. Look at some of the equipment being unloaded.

February 3, 2023

Rain again. Yesterday we walked in the afternoon without getting wet. Today it has rained all morning. There is lots of flooding around the city because it has rained most of the time for a week.

This ship was docked next to our ship. Interestingly this was the ship we sailed to Alaska in 2011.

Last night we sat at the naughty table for dinner. Chef Willy came by and sat down with us while the table was very quiet. Soon he brought us 2 plates with a small piece of durian.

If you don’t know about durian it is a fruit that smells like hell but tastes like heaven, or so the story goes. I actually didn’t like it. We were the only table to receive a visit from the Chef and a piece of fruit. Did I say the naughty table?

I know. This post is late! But it is a good story.

We went to the Restaurant for dinner. There I ordered the Moon Fish. Remember the large fish picture from January 25?

It was served with some ravioli and a sauce. The sauce was needed since the fish had little flavor.

Then my favorite Pastry Chef, Tushar came to our table and delivered another round of German Chocolate Cake.

February 2, 2023

It seems like there is enough internet to post something.

The biggest story is about the rain. Lots of rain and street flooding. Our bus had to turn around once. Trees have topped over with a big root ball showing. I tried to take a picture but with the bus moving it didn’t work.

Yesterday we did walk to my favorite restaurant in Auckland. The Giraffe. I had a lamb shank.

The city looked like this.

January 31, 2023

Finally, after 6 days at sea we saw land. And rain! Obviously, we are not docking here.

We went to the cafe for lunch. Tushar saw me and asked where we would be for dinner. Very unusual but we are going to Manfredi’s for dinner. We weren’t supposed to be in Auckland until tomorrow, so we made reservations for tonight. Weather changed that.

So, he came to our table at lunch and delivered our surprise. This time he made layered German Chocolate Cake. And he delivered it with a smile. There were 3 pieces. Graham helped us and had a piece.

We are approaching New Zealand. There will be more to report and better internet once we get there.

We are at sea and far from land for the next several days. The next land after Tahiti will be New Zealand. But Viking does plan some special things on board. Dinner in the World Cafe was called Polynesian Night. I won’t list all of the special dishes. But they cooked marlin fish out on the terrace. And they decorated the area with a large moon fish.

January 23, 2023

I tried to publish before. The internet isn’t strong enough to add many photos.

5-star hotel. many others closed because of Covid and limited tourism.

I found a house of interst. NOT!

Everything is lush and green because they get so much rain. And it was raining most of the day.

Finally,, we see land after almost 6 days lost at sea. We are anchored and will tender to shore. Rain is predicted.

Not really as big of a port as I expected.

But clearly a tourist and water sports place.

January 21, 2023

As we sailed away from Hawaii, we have had very slow internet. Even trying to add a photo just won’t happen.

We are close to Bora Bora. Maybe things will get better. We are having fun.