And We are Off... EWR to HNL
5. tammikuuta 2023, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F
Early start for the flight Newark to Honolulu. Excited to get started
Relaxing in Waikiki
6. tammikuuta 2023, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
Today was for unwinding and exploring Waikiki. Took a nice AM hike to Diamond Head Lighthouse. In the afternoon we walked in crowded Waikiki and had poke for lunch.
Afternoon touring Hawaii
7. tammikuuta 2023, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
We arrived on the Big Island. Our friends Chuck and Terri took us out to lunch, then we toured around. Visited Hawai‘i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, Laupahoehoe Beach Park, Waipiʻo Valley Lookout.
Day 1 in Hawaii
8. tammikuuta 2023, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
A big day of touring with Chuck and Terri. We drove up to the Mauna Kea observatories. We hiked the Kaulana Nature Trail where we launched on the Huli barbeque (yum). The over to the Kona side of theLue lisää
Spectacular Hawaii
10. tammikuuta 2023, Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌙 68 °F
Today we toured the western side of the island of Hawaii. First stop was Akaka Falls. It's twice as tall as Niagra. We then explored Kaulana Caves. We didn't go too far inside, but it was veryLue lisää
Auckland Day 1
14. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
We spent the day relaxing and exploring Auckland. Our flat is on Princes Wharf which provides a lovely view of the harbor. The next morning we woke to a beautiful sunrise....just as a mega cruise shipLue lisää
Harborside Auckland
15. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
We fully enjoyed our stay at Princes Wharf. Watching cruise ships come and go, including the morning arrival of the Queen Elizabeth. So many restaurants in the neighborhood to enjoy. I even got aLue lisää
Dunedin
16. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
Our last night before the tour is in the gold mining town of Dunedin. Visited the Chinese Gardens and art museum
Yellow eyed penguin
17. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
The rarest in the world. We learned all about them at the rescue center then hiked to their nesting area.
Larnach Castle
17. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
Our first night in a castle. We met the group at a welcome dinner, and we are on our way
Arrival Stewart Island
18. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
20 min plane ride in a 10 seat plane from Invercargil to Oban on Stewart Island. We have two nights here to hunt the elusive brown kiwi.
Kiwis in the wild
18. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
Night hike with red lights and we found several Stewart Island Brown Kiwis.
Ulva Island
19. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
We spent the day on the water searching for little blue penguins (found none) and other birds, sea lions, seals (found plenty). We lunched on the boat and motored to Ulva Island, a bird sanctuary.Lue lisää
Travel day to Te Anau
20. tammikuuta 2023, Tasman Sea ⋅ 🌧 59 °F
Today was mostly travel. A flight out of Stewart Island and a van ride up the coast and into the Fijordlands. We had a great lunch at Orepuki Beach Cafe. And a stop at a bird sanctuary to see the rareLue lisää
Milford Sound
21. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
Up super early in Te Anau to beat the crowds at Milford Sound. Increadable! We had a private boat for just our group that could hold maybe 80. So spectacular. The rest of the day is pretty much in theLue lisää
Mou Waho
22. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
A boat ride from Wanaka marina to the island of Mou Waho in Lake Wanaka. At the top of the island is a little lake with a littler island on it. I swam to that island so I could be on an island in aLue lisää
Wanaka
22. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
We had a full day in Wanaka. Starting with the trip to Mou Waho. In the afternoon the two of us had a bike ride along the lake. We stopped at the famous Tree in the Lake. The water has been really lowLue lisää
Travel Day to Lake Moeraki
22. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
The day started with a few short walks to visit the blue pools, waterfalls and over to the west coast. We had lunch at a wonderful spot and ate local lobster. A quick stop at an overlook beforeLue lisää
Ship Creek
24. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
The morning was a walk at Ship Creek. Lots to learn about the flora from our guide Gerry. We hit the beach to find Hector and Dusky dolphins, and pick up jade on the beach. We found some low gradeLue lisää
Lake Moeraki
24. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
We learned all about the Kiekie and Kahikatea trees. The fungus was used for a new MS drug. We watched eels being fed and had a great lamb (back strap cut) dinner. Then went out at night to look atLue lisää
Franz Joseph
25. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
Sotopped in the AM to see the Kiwi hatching center. All but extinct due to invasive stoats and possum (the fuzzy Aussie kind) and Tuatara Lizards, also endangered.
Arthur's Pass
25. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
A long day of driving and we climbed up to the mountains. Not as much snow as I expected here. A big day planned for tomorrow.
Fox Glacier
25. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
Stopped to view the glacier along the drive. Pretty far away.
Lake Pearson
26. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
Kayak trip on Lake Pearson. Then weeding invasive pine trees. Learned about braided rivers. And of course looking for birds.
Devils Punchbowl Waterfall
26. tammikuuta 2023, Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
A hike up the mountain to a wonderful waterfall. Of course this is the only time in the trip so far with significant rain. Came back to the lodge through Arthur's Pass.
MatkaajaHave a great trip, love mom dad