Dusky Sound, 12/11/2023, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Australia and New Zealand
As we steamed into Dusky Sound from our anchoring position, we were greeted by cloudy and quite cold conditions. However, the scenery was spectacular as we cruised into Dusky Sound. We spotted a few rare Fiordland crested penguins porpoising adjacent to the ship.
Our main activity today was a Zodiac cruise around this stunning area. Conditions were kind to us. The rain held off, and the mountains and tree-lined islands appeared quite moody with misty light and low cloud cover.
After our cruise, we returned to National Geographic Orion to head further south to commence our journey to the sub-Antarctic islands.
Martin grew up in Melbourne Australia playing cricket and Australian Rules football. While growing up, to his parents’ dismay, Martin brought home and kept a menagerie of wildlife including frogs, lizards, turtles and even poisonous snakes!
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Due North of Auckland, New Zealand lies a secluded archipelago known as the Bay of Islands. National Geographic Orion motored within this paradisical labyrinth to reach Great Barrier Island. A dedicated group of conservationists have been fighting a winning battle against invasive mammals for the last several decades. Today, our National Geographic-Lindblad explorers were the beneficiaries of this inspirational project. Awaiting our arrival on the docks was the highly endangered New Zealand brown teal. As if to thank the conservationists for his survival, the precious feathered wonder posed for photographs in the morning sun. As we meandered through floral gardens, we were serenaded by the New Zealand tui as they hopped from branch to branch in search of juicy nectar. After reaching the island’s summit, we were greeted by a Maori conservationist who explained the importance of the forest to his people. We eased our way through a canopy of ancient tree ferns to the prize of the forest, a giant kauri tree. It stood defiantly among the ferns as a testament to the island’s ecological recovery. A swaying canopy bridge allowed each participant to walk within touching distance of this marvel of the New Zealand forest.
After a successful voyage through New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, National Geographic Orion motored into the inviting sub-tropical port in Tauranga. An adventurous group of paddlers slipped into colorful kayaks for an exploration of Lake Rotoiti. Endemic dabchicks dove into the murky depths, while vibrant New Zealand shelducks escorted their ducklings into the thick vegetation. Our local guide, Lucy, explained that the deep waters of the lake had once been an explosive volcanic caldera, with geothermal pools reminding us of this violent past. While we sat under the crimson flowers of a northern rata tree, we eased our kayaks into the aperture of a small cavern. As our eyes adjusted to the darkness, bright lights appeared upon the cavern’s ceiling. This spectacle is the creation of a unique fungus gnat, known as a glow worm. The adult gnat does not feed, though it’s predatory larval phase most certainly does. The worm-like larva creates sticky threads which it suspends from the roof of humid caverns. Bioluminescent bacteria illuminate the minute filaments in order to attract unsuspecting victims. The result is a cavern full of light, which left us in awe of New Zealand’s unique biological treasures.
Today was a sea day on National Geographic Orion as we sailed up the east coast of New Zealand followed by bottlenose dolphins towards our destination, Tauranga. A sea day on our great ship is always full of activity, starting off the day with presentations from Cultural Navigator Tua and followed by Cultural Specialist and New Zealander Alex Hillary. A fantastic Filipino/Asian themed lunch was prepared by Chef Rannie and his amazing team and ably served by Maître d’ Mio and his spirited team in a very joyous and excited room of hungry guests. After a short rest from lunch, guests were invited down to deck two to judge a Christmas hallway of decorated doors. A competition was held where crew members would decorate their doorways in a Christmas theme, using whatever decorations they could find or make. The Christmas spirit was truly alive with festive colors, decorations, and happy Christmas songs as guests were wowed by the artistry and original creations.
