Bay of Islands, New Zealand - 19-21 January 2019 - Saturday to Monday

Today is a leisurely day as I attend a destination lecture and another on the life of Agatha Christie -- both enjoyable.

We dock at 5:00 pm in Mount Maunganui, a suburb of Tauranga.   We all have dinner in the main dining room after which we attend the show --- Greg Moreland, a magician -- surprisingly entertaining.  

Mount Maunganui, Bay of Island, New Zealand

20 January 2019 - Sunday

Mount Maunganui (Tauranga), New Zealand - depart 5:30p

Mount Maunganui is a residential, commercial and industrial suburb located on a peninsula north east of Tauranga.  We dock at the base of a large lava dome formed 2 to 3 million years ago -- everyone just calls it The Mount.

Colette and Marc are off the ship early for an all day tour to Rotorua -- an area with geysers, bubbling pods, and a red wood forest.   Phil and I visited Rotorura when we were here in 2012.

Pat by Herrie's Arch on waterfront of Tauranga, New Zealand

Today we are going to Tauranga -- so we board the HL (Hospital Link) bus of the Bayhopper Bus System with our Daysaver Passes.     The bus route along the waterfront is lined on one side with high-end residences and hotels -- but also a campground.  

About 25 minutes in, we arrive at Bayside Shopping Mall where everyone is getting off.  I ask the bus driver,  "Are we going in the direction of Tauranga?"  He tells me to switch buses to the CL (City Link) since his bus goes back the way we came before going to Tauranga. 

Fishing Boats outside the Fish Market in Tauranga.

We do as we're told and find ourselves in downtown Tauranga on Sunday morning with very little to do.  There is a waterfront to walk along and the fish market is open so we take a look.  Most of the inventory looks like it just came in this morning -- it is a small but busy place -- the muscles are huge.  

This guy is just outside the door of the Fish Market -- can't get any fresher than this.

Then -- we visit a few Maori Memorials from carvings to a very long boat that looks like it needs at least 12 oarsmen to operate -- we walk along the shopping street with several cafes, which are the only places open.   Heading back to where the bus dropped us -- I suggest to Phil that we take the bus to the Bayside Mall -- stop there -- then take a bus to Mount Maunganui.

Phil is in the midst of the Maori representation of the Seven Sisters Constellation in Tauranga.

We inquire at the Information Center about a bus to Bayside.  Everyone seems confused which is when we discover this bus system is brand new -- just three weeks old.  Then we meet Val at the bus stop.   Val is a widow lady (self-described) and she takes us under her wing.  She, too, is going to Bayside  -- she assures us we will arrive safely.  Val and I have a nice chat on the bus to Bayside where she insists on walking us through the door of the mall since the bus stops at the back door due to construction at the front -- so finding the entrance is tricky.

Val and Pat at Bayside Shopping Mall.

As we enter the mall -- she points out the restrooms and gives me a hug before she goes in.   Val is such a delight to meet -- just like everybody else in Australia and New Zealand.  We wander around this large and confusing mall in the process of expanding.   After Phil buys a pair of Crocs at K-Mart, of all places, we head back to the ship.

After checking with the bus driver -- we board the HL Link and although the route is a little different we end up at our original bus stop.     After lunch on board Quest, it's out to explore the town of Mount Maunganui.   I'm disappointed since there are three charity shops in town but they all closed at 2:00 pm so I missed them -- probably just as well.

Phil in Coronation Park in Mount Maunganui.

We have drinks with Colette and Marc in the Living Room and after dinner we attend the 8:15 pm   "Broadway Tunes" show -- but not many of the tunes are familiar to me.  I last twenty minutes -- Phil lasts five.  However,  we rally when we see the Chocolate Buffet laid out on Deck Five --- talk about decadant.

Pat at the Chocolate Buffet.

21 January 2018 - Monday

Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

9:00 am to 6:00 pm

After breakfast Phil and I walk over to the village of Paihia -- a very cute place that looks just like it did in 2012 right down to the outdoor and indoor marketplaces with handmade items from baby sweaters to aprons and potholders -- have we traveled back to 1960?

Pat at the first of two Markets in Paihia, New Zealand.

We wander around for about an hour and consider visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds again but when we are told it costs $40 each when 7 years ago it was free -- we are deterred.

Back on board -- we complete our packing and have our bags out in the hall for pick-up.   After dinner we enjoy the show which is "A Night of Jazz with Geoffrey Jones" -- who is the talented Assistant Cruise Director.  Geoffrey's show is excellent -- just as it was at the beginning of the cruise.

Phil in a contemplative moment as we leave the Bay of Islands.

This evening is a nice ending to a wonderful cruise exploring Australia and New Zealand.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat