Tag: new zealand
A Land of Thermal Wonders
Friday morning we left the hotel to make our way to Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, which to be honest, I only knew had a geyser and that was it. Turns out, it was a whole park dedicated to the natural hot pools formed by the volcanic activity prevalent in the area. One of the largest volcanic eruptions in the country was in Taupō, not far from here, and where we would later have lunch.
Underground Boat Rides and the Shire
Earliest morning of them all, we had to be outside our hotel for pickup at 05:40. We met our Cheeky Kiwi guide, and made our rounds to other nearby hotels to grab the rest of our two-day travel family. It was us, a couple from LA that became our travel friends, four neighbours from Switzerland (originally from Portugal, Brazil, and Italy), one from Hong Kong, and one from the Philippines. So quite the eclectic little group.
It's Only Monday and I'm Already Burnt
Today was our first real day here. Our flight from Brisbane to Auckland yesterday was delayed a bit, so by the time we got to AKL, it was closer to 18:00* local time. But then we had to make our way through immigration, collect luggage, and then proceed through customs and bio-screening to make sure we weren’t bringing anything harmful into the country and local ecology, and they’re pretty serious about it. Bringing in an undeclared banana could cost you $400.
PDX-YVR-BNE-AKL
Currently in the Vancouver airport waiting for the long flight. Our journey started today at 16:15* when our taxi picked us up and dropped us off at the airport. I had the day off, which was a good thing since I had a few last minute things to take care of, including boarding Lizzy. I’m going to try and not be a nervous cat dad sending his kid off to camp for the first time, but I felt so bad leaving her there.
18 Night Transpacific Cruise from Hawaii to Sydney on Ovation of the Seas
Review of an 18-night transpacific cruise aboard Ovation of the Seas from Hawaii to Sydney, concluding with a chaotic experience at the terminal.