As the sun broke over the horizon, National Geographic Orion set anchor in Whangamata on the northeastern side of North Island. Impressive geological sea stacks were dotted around the ship, creating an epic landscape to explore via Zodiac and kayak. After our breakfast, we set out to explore the small town. Activities included shore walks, bird watching, a journey to observe the local scenery, and a kayaking adventure that forded a narrow crevasse through a mountainous island. So narrow, in fact, that not even our Zodiacs could make it through. It was a lovely day, with many more to come.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 07 Feb 2023
Whangamata, New Zealand, 2/7/2023, National Geographic Orion
- Aboard the National Geographic Orion
- Australia and New Zealand
Paul North, Undersea Specialist
Paul North is the founder of the educational nonprofit Meet the Ocean and host of its online podcast. As a polar diver with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic, he tours the remote underwater landscapes of Antarctica and other sub-zero destinati...
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