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Australia and New Zealand
Sidney
Our cruise started in Sidney after a 17 hour flight from Houston. We had a day in Sidney before boarding the cruise ship. Here, the iconic Sidney opera House.
Sidney
The almost-as-iconic Sidney Harbor Bridge.
Scenic Railway
In the Blue Mountains outside Sidney we rode the steepest (52 degrees!) passenger railway in the world.
Scenic Railway
This has been a tourist railway since 1945. The Blue Mountains were very foggy so we couldn't see the Three Sisters rock formation.
Melbourne
The next stop is Melbourne. Here we're outside the city on the Puffing Billy train that used to take the miners up into the mountains for work.
Hobart
From Melbourne we sailed to Hobart, Tasmania where we visited the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. They care for various animals with the intent to return them to the wild. This is where we met Roo! Here is a Tasmanian Devil - they look cute but can be vicious fighters.
Hobart
At Bonorong you can pet the kangaroos. They have so many tourists feeding them they generally ignore you, even when you offer food.
Hobart
Kangaroos everywhere. Those that can live on their own will be returned to the wild.
Hobart
A wombat. Fun fact: wombat poop comes out in cubes.
Dunedin
After a two day sail from Tasmania we arrive in Dunedin, New Zealand. Here, the town hall. It looks very British because Dunedin is Scottish (dun = new, edin is short for Edinburgh, therefore: New Edinburgh)
Christchurch
As we sailed out of Christchurch there is this house all by itself. (On the centerline of the photo just at the cliff edge.) Somebody really wants their space.
Wellington
Just outside Wellington is this farm where you can hear about a little-known slice of history. The U.S. Marines used this farm as a training ground and command post during WW II. They were well taken care of by the locals and left lots of equipment behind when they left.
Wellington
The farms owner, Simon, is a real character. After a talk about the history of the farm he shows off his prize fully functioning Jeep left by the marines and handed down from his forebears.
Wellington
Simon giving a talk on the history of the farm as well as his vintage motorcycle collection.
Wellington
Simon has a few Highlander Cows. In Scotland these are known as 'Hairy Kews'.
Wellington
The view of the Pauatahanui Inlet from Simons front porch
Christchurch
This is what is called 'punting on the Avon' near Hagley Park right in Christchurch.
Christchurch
In the boat.
Christchurch
One of the sights along the Avon River, this is indeed a redwood tree normally seen only in California. Redwoods were gifted to New Zealand back in the 1800s so they could be included in the showcase of rare and exotic species in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens.
Christchurch
The Botanical Gardens has a huge variety of plants including some really big hydrangeas.
Christchurch
And the gardens cover a lot of ground.
Christchurch
Relaxing with a drink as the ship leaves Christchurch, headed to Wellington next.
Christchurch
This is a terrible shot of a memorial for the victims of the 9/11 attack in the US. New Zealand sent assistance of first responders and search teams. Through the rear window you can see some beams from the building that were given for the memorial.
Aukland
This is the SkyTower in downtown Aukland. We had dinner at the revolving restaurant at the top. Excellent food and views.
Aukland
A sunset view from the SkyTower restaurant.
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