Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand – March 13, 2014

As with Napier and Wellington, this port is another revisit from our 2008 world cruise. And again, the weather far exceeded all expectations. BUT….it seems we’ve been enjoying the calm before the storm. It appears that Cyclone Lusi is bearing down for a direct hit on the northern coast of New Zealand. We were informed by our Captain that we will not be able to make our scheduled stop at the Bay of Islands. This was a new port for us so we’re disappointed. We will now be taking a circuitous weather avoidance route to the Kingdom of Tonga.

But it’s a heavenly day here in Auckland and the sun is still shining, so….Carpe Diem!! We took a relaxing ferry ride out to picturesque Waiheke Island and did a wine-tasting and vineyard tour. Perfection!!

Good news! We haven’t lost our survival skills! We remembered to bring back some bottled vineyard products to get us through the stormy days ahead!!