Norwegian Spirit - February 21, 2024

New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.

Tauranga is located in the Bay of Plenty and is the region's largest residential and commercial area, boasting profuse sunshine and a fertile landscape. The township is the center of a large kiwifruit and citrus growing area and houses a population of approximately 91,000 people, including those residing in Mount Maunganui.

In 1931 a disastrous earthquake destroyed the city. The earthquake heaved 40 square kilometres of water covered land above sea level. Rebuilding began, resulting in Napier becoming the art deco capital. With Napier being a coastal town there are a wide variety of water sports, fishing trips, pleasure cruises and also night cruises which are very popular. Other activities include windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing and parasailing - all available on the waterfront.

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand / Aotearoa. It is also the cultural, administrative and political center of the country. Two aspects of the city that will immediately strike any visitor are the sprawling harbour and the dramatic, hilly terrain. Everywhere you go, the sounds and smell of the ocean hang in the air, and green hills and valleys wrap you in a bear-hug embrace.

Christchurch has a long historic connection with Antarctic exploration. It is from the port of Lyttleton (about 10 miles North of Christchurch) that Captain Scott sailed for Antarctica. Today Lyttleton is a port of call for ships of the United States and New Zealand Antarctic programs A monument to Captain Scott (created by his wite Katherine) stands alongside the banks of the River Avon in Christchurch.

The attractive, historic town and modern container port of Port Chalmers, on a tiny peninsula 12km from Dunedin, is worth a half-day trip for its magnificent harbour views offset by bush-covered hills, its fine nineteenth-century buildings and its thriving artistic community. The site was chosen in 1844 as the port to serve the proposed Scottish settlement of New Edinburgh, later called Dunedin. The first settlers arrived on the John Wickliffe in March 1848 and named the port after the Reverend Dr Thomas Chalmers.

Milford Sound is the most famous and accessible of the grand glacier carved fiords scattered along New Zealand's south western coast. Mountain peaks with sculptural, hanging valleys, send waterfalls cascading over sheer granite cliffs to the sea below. Boat trips on the Sound are a must and provide close up views of awe inspiring scenery.

In Tasmania, the 'stones are time' and so are the trees, which are believed to be the oldest living things on earth. This small island-state has preserved one-third of its land as nature reserves to keep its many ecological treasures safe. You might even spot a platypus, a penguin, or even a Tasmanian Devil.

Say 'G'day' to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Stroll along the world-famous Bondi and Watsons Beaches. Tour the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point, shop for Aboriginal art, or go on a photographic safari. This diverse land is home to crocodiles, koalas, emus, and, of course, kangaroos.