Jan. 29

As we were having our lattes and green drinks early in the morning, the Chef walked by. He was pleased to say that they were replenishing supplies in New Zealand. We should get ready for lots of lamb and fish and make sure not to miss the Bison burger. That sounded good even though we had not been fearing starvation. The beverage manager assures us that they will be stocking up on Sauvignon Blanc.

Auckland is by far the largest city in New Zealand. Its 1.7 million people represent about 1/3 of the countries population. With all of the inlets and outlets, there is no shortage of view and waterfront property. And, the climate is great. Our driver/guide mentioned his purchase of a house about 20 years ago. He spent $23,000 and could now sell it for over a million. There is no property tax or capital gains tax, so housing has been a great way to grow wealth. And, it is very hard for younger New Zealanders to enter the housing market…and accumulate wealth.

We opted for the standard included excursion….a trip around town and visit to a museum. Our first stop was at a scenic viewpoint. Like about all public spots, it was very well manicured and free of litter. After taking in the view, We walked up a nearby hill. Karla saw a Maori longhouse equivalent (murae) and took some pictures. When she was apprehended by security, she erased those that violated its sacred status. We are pleased that security forces in China and Tibet don’t communicate with those in New Zealand.  They let her go with no incarceration.

Our driver talked lots about the Maoris. The Treaty of Waitangi (1840) was written in both English and Maori. It is said that the wording wasn’t quite consistent. The Maoris were assured that the Treaty granted them ownership of lands. It wasn’t that clear to the English or, through the years to New Zealanders. Just as in the US, the ownership was questioned  as the white inhabitants needed to expand their economies. A great deal of attractive waterfront development is on infill of lands that used to be Maori. It appears to us that the Maori efforts to assert or reassert their influence has been more successful than efforts by American Indians.

The large, 3 story museum was excellent.  The first floor was dedicated to Maoris and their heritage. We were so impressed with the stories around settlement and migration, traveling thousands of miles in canoe-like boats.

The 2nd dealt with natural history. The highlights were skeletal remains of HUGE birds ….some were 9-10 feet  tall.. and dinosaur skeletons. The 3rd floor was dedicated to New Zealand soldiers and their war efforts. The outstanding impression was of World War 1 involvement. About 100,000 men volunteered. Something like 1/6 were killed and another 1/3 wounded. These tended to be “farmers’ sons.”  Their loss took a real toll on the economy not to mention the emotional loss. New Zealanders continue to be involved in UN peacekeeping missions.

Our afternoon featured efforts to replace a broken hearing aid and get paint on Karla’s nails. Neither effort was successful. However, what was successful was the 5:00 music in the Explorers Lounge. A new singer joined the ship. He sang lots of James Taylor and Jackson Browne. Karla knows all of the words…and the singer appreciated it. Others started to sing along. By the time we got to Sweet Caroline, there were lots and lots of people following Karla’s voice and hand motions. It’s the sort of thing that can’t be planned, but really worked. The singer had to be very (pleasantly) surprised.

Earlier visit in 2018

When we were here in 2018, we toured a working sheep farm with sheering and herding demonstrations, and took a long hot hike around the Harbor on the second day, ending at a winery for refreshments.

2008 Christmas with kids