New Zealand Photos
March 2001
The tour of both Islands started in Auckland. It continued down the North Island, on to South Island, and ended in Christchurch. Bob flew back to Auckland for 2 days and on to Los Angeles.
Auckland has a beautiful harbor and is the current home of the America's Cup. The entire country was clean and the people were most gracious.
First stop was Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and the tour was treated to an antarctic adventure, including real Penguins.
It was St. Patrick's Day and this was Gene and Maddy's (below left) 50th Wedding Anniversary. The tour was fortunate to have a real Irishman, Jim. Jim and Maggie are on right below.
The tour continued through Auckland and to one of the inert volcanoes with a great 360 degree view of the city.
Loretta and Pat.
Peter, the Tauck Tour Director and Lydia.
Next was a visit to a real New Zealand farm to visit the Breaburns.
They shared their lovely home and served a lamb barbie.
Alex and Roma, above left, enjoyed the view of the farm from high on the veranda. Frank was treated to a surprise 62nd birthday cake! Above right.
Next day it was back on the tour bus and off to Rotorua. The stop at the Agri-Dome provided an in-depth view of the many varieties of sheep in New Zealand, sheep shearing demo and sheep dog demo.
Next stop was Whakarewarewa Maori Center.
Maori Center first presented a lesson in pronuncation of the longest word in their language. The center is famous for spectacular wood carvings.
Maori Center is ajacent to the lava fields and some real geysers. Mary and Marina got up close to flowing lava!
Then it was on to Okawa Bay Resort.
The tour was greeted in the lobby by Chief Napi Wapa Okawa. He made our Cal one of his honorary Chiefs.
At dinner the Chief brought his 'family' for a show and taught Pat (left) the nose touching greeting. Maggie, Madie and Loretta enjoyed the dancing, (right).
Evening brought a rainbow at sundown. Next day a few tour members got some golf in around the Resort grounds.
Next day the tour flew to the Fiordland area of South Island at Te Anau.
Next morning Lake Te Anau was calm and the sunrise was awesome.
Next day it was off across the Fiordland and the first stop was Mirror Lake.
At noon the tour boarded a boat in Milford Sound and cruised out to the opening where Captain James Cook sailed into New Zealand.
Then it was back on the bus, and across the South Island countryside of sheep and reindeer farms, to Queenstown.
Next day was the Jet Boat ride through the river canyons.
Jim had the right front seat and got very close to some big rocks!!!
After the Jet Boat ride, the tour was treated to a helicopter ride over the old gold fields.
Photo from Jacobs family
The helicopter ride ended at top of the mountain above Queenstown with a great view of the city.
Photo from Jacobs family
A gondola ride down to Queenstown capped a great day of adventure!
Next day was a flight to Christchurch for the final stop of the tour. Christchurch is a beautiful English theme city, with the Avon River running through.
At the center of Christchurch is the Catherdal, a large and beautiful church. The town crier is usually present in front of church (right)
English style buildings were ever present, such as the Canterbury University.
Sidewalk cafes were a winner in the warm winter sun.
Royal Botancial Gardens were in full bloom with flowers, trees and roses.
The Tauck Discovery Tour ended with a farewell dinner hosted by Peter, and all departed for their respective homes. Bob remained in Christchurch a day, then flew to Auckland for two more days and on to Los Angeles.
Continue with some additional photos of the tour group
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