Australia and New Zealand

What better way to end 2022 than to visit a new place. Although the dang virus got in the way I'm finally all set to visit New Zealand. 

This trip we'll be seeing: 

• Auckland
• Bay of Islands
• Tauranga
• Napier
• Picton
• Wellington
  

 

Day 0 - Departure to Sydney

This is the third time trying to do this trip. Some global health thing got in the way in 2020 and 2021. While not the same itinerary it'll be a great way to see what New Zealand is all about.

Found my gate, have time to kill. Shall we hit the club?

The Delta club at LAX is great as a large amount of it is outside and you can take in the warm evening air, see the planes moving around all while saving a nice meal.

11pm - time to board and go to sleep.

Day 1: Exploring Sydney

There's just something fun about coming back to Sydney. If you've never been, it's almost like the 1980s are still alive. By that I mean people are friendly, folks aren't in a rush to get anywhere, the radio does play the top hits from the late80s - mid 90s. 

With my flight arriving the day before a 9am I wanted to find something fun to pass the time. After checking into the hotel I went on a fun walk to the nearby park for views of the beautiful flower gardens and seeing the opera house from a unique perspective.

A friend recommend to see Moulin Rouge while in town. I'm a sucker for the movie so I was more than up for this evening show. A quick nap then off to the newly completed metro train which takes you right from the waterfront to theater.

I was not disappointed with the show! Great mashups with different songs than were in the movie, more plot development too. Since I'm also all about historic theaters there was additional magic about seeing a show in a hall that was built in the 1890s and recently renovated. It was a spectacular, spectacular night.

Off to bed. Tomorrow time to board the ship.

Day 1b - Boarding and exploring the ship

 A little unspoken trick when sailing from Sydney, you can drop your bags as early as 8am then go explore the city until it's your time to board. Resolves the issue of needing to get out of your room early.

This ship, at max capacity, holds nearly 4800 people. This sailing will have 4200. All but a few interior rooms are sold out It's no wonder as this will be the first sailing of a Royal ship to visit New Zealand since the pandemic.

Each tv screen is attached to an articulating robot that shifts and moves the monitor for the night show. More of the screens in action in the next post.

Day 1c - at sea

Consolidating two days at sea into one fun post. Lots to do, see and eat while we steam to the first port.

The ship sure has stepped up their main theater entertainment. This was a legit Vegas show.

Remember the $26m rear theater? Here's what it looks like when they draw blinds over the rear windows and have fun with interior lighting.