New Zealand

After 4 days at sea we arrived at Bay of Islands, New Zealand. We have been here several times, but had never tendered over to the small town of Russell. Rudy, Shirley, Mike and I took the early tender and arrived in Russell just as all the stores were opening. It was a beautiful sunny morning. Since it was Saturday, there were lots of people out walking and shopping. There were lots of galleries and we walked in and out of most of them. People were so friendly and everyone greeted us with a smile. The Rhapsody of the Sea was also in port with us.

In the early evening we enjoyed a sail away party with our travel group, Cruise Specialists. It was out on the aft deck. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed cocktails as we left the Bay of Islands.

Sunday Feb. 1, we arrived in Auckland. A large city that we love. We ferried over to Devonport, but most of the stores were closed. After a nice walk we decided to ferry back. At 12:30 we met our friend Shannon. She is working as a nanny for a year. We walked to the Viaduct and had lunch at a delicious Italian restaurant. She was happy to see friends from home and we loved hearing about her life in Auckland.

We are at sea today, Monday Feb 2. We will watch the SuperBowl in the theatre if they are able to get good reception. The seas are a bit choppy but we are expecting nice weather in Picton, New Zealand, tomorrow.