Auckland Countryside Experience

Good Day once again,

We are now on our sea day cruising from the North Island of New Zealand to the South Island and our next port of call is Lyttelton for Christchurch. I once left the ss CANBERRA at this port and used Christchurch as the starting point for my tour of the South Island. There is such a contrast of countryside to be seen and lovely open roads for driving with your windows down and your radio up!

Here are some photographs to give you a snapshot of life outside the City of Auckland.

As you leave the City you drive through the wine growing areas of West Auckland, including Kumeu and Huapai. The vines are covered to stop the birds from having the first pick of the grapes.

On the wild cliff tops overlooking Muriwai Beach you will see one of the only two mainland gannet colonies in the Southern Hemisphere.

Gannets are spectacular aeronauts and you can enjoy their wonderful displays as they dive for fish and bring their catches to the nest site.

The lookout is close to the birds.

So much to do on this World Cruise........

Fishermen on the rocks, who did not mind getting drenched as the wave broke over them were fishing for Marlin, Sea Bass and occasional Shark. Did you know that the Grey Nurse Shark breeds at the head of Auckland Harbour?

Not for the faint hearted!

A great view of the black volcanic sand on Muriwai Beach. A sharp contrast to what we saw on Christmas Island. This is the beauty of a Round World Cruise - so much contrast to enjoy.....

A good view of the rugged West Coast from the wild cliff tops.

A herd of fallow deer in a field on Haumoana Farm. These are bred for venison and the sheer enjoyment of looking at them.

The Farmers Wife is not idle - overseeing magnificent gardens on the farm. A good quality of life in the New Zealand Countryside.

Sheep being rounded up on the Haumoana Farm on the Kaipara Peninsula. The sheep dog was sent off on its own and five minutes later came back with its small flock of sheep.

The sheep bred on the farm are the Romney variety for their excellent wool.

This is a working farm and we had the excellent opportunity to have a close up view of sheep being sheared. The record for one man shearing sheep was set two weeks ago and he sheared 570 sheep in 8 hours. Isn't that absolutely amazing - and I think I am busy.

Sheep are very relaxed while being sheared if you 'sit' them on their backsides and this is a good example of one very laid back sheep!

This is a close up of the wonderful wool which is lanolin rich.

A view of the hills beyond from the farmer's garden. Greg and Barb who own the farm were extremely welcoming to their farm. Everyone was told that they could have the free run of not only the farm but also the house and gardens. Barb has also cooked a delicious buffet lunch including roast lamb from their own farm and you can't get fresher than that! After lunch there was a demonstration of a working sheep dog.

It's a dogs life - and a good one at that - well done Shep - you have earned your keep.

I am aware that this blog is followed by many schools and this will be something different for the pupils to enjoy. A special mention to Holte Visual and Performing Arts College in Lozells, Birmingham - Hello to Miss Johnson. You will be pleased to know that your Grandparents are having a great time on board Arcadia.

The Auckland Countryside Experience is just one of seven excursions you can choose from with P&O Cruises. There is a lot to choice from, Auckland City Sights, Matakana Wine and Craft Trail, Waitomo Glow-worm Grotto, Bush and Beach Adventure, America's Cup Sailing, City of Sails and Antarctic Encounter! One thing is for sure you will never be wondering what to do with your time.

My thanks to Eileen Mann who took these pictures on the tour.

The sea is kind today and the sun is breaking though.

Enjoy your day,

James.

Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble.

Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.

Ralph Waldo Emerson