Aotea and Tiritiri

Our last day before arriving back in Auckland was blessedly spent back in nature. On the Great Barrier Island Aotea we hiked past a New Zealand Christmas tree through a fern forest to a hilltop view of the surrounding area.

After lunch we visited Tiritiri Matangi Island. This island was designated as a nature reserve in 1984.. Predators have been largely eradicated, thus it is home to a thriving bird and plant community. At the top of the island is a sun-drenched lighthouse.

Today we are in Auckland awaiting our flight back home. It has been a magnificent experience. The wildlife, especially in the subAntarctic, were the stars. But our fellow passengers and crew win awards all around for their supporting roles. Here are pictures of our new friend Jenny (who lives in South Carolina), Charlotte and me in Milford Sound, Charlotte in our room (having our medicinal afternoon potato chips) and a celebrity guest hired by Lindblad: Louis Mitchell, cartoon artist, who is a creative director of Sesame Street.

It has been a magnificent trip!

Nevertheless I am looking forward to getting home so I can continue my daily morning walks at La Jolla Shores with Bruno.

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