As we approach 9am, we are now anchored in the Bay of Islands, another place I never expected to revisit. I have chosen a different excursion to the exciting Cape Brett cruise which I thoroughly enjoyed almost this time last year. However, I have still chosen a river boat “cruise” to the one time important town(or village) of Russell.
Yesterday’s perfect day ended with a lovely night time departure from the exciting city of Auckland, complete with nocturnal sail away party at the
open stern of Deck 9, where all sail away parties take place, with live dance music. The atmosphere was unique as the prominent city night-scape diminished slowly as we progressed towards our final New Zealand port of call, Bay of Islands. Three from our table watched (me in some disbelief) as the warm night air accompanied the gathering darkness as the lights of Auckland twinkled out of sight.
I shall “take it easy” this morning, enjoy some deck walking and breakfast and remind myself of the place at we are anchored.
“River Boat Cruise to Russell & Brunch” promises, according to my brochure, a journey along the waterways of Opua and Okiato, past the Omata Estate Vineyard and Koroareka Oyster Farm, as we enjoy a local style brunch.
Russell is the original port of the north island, where time is allowed for photography in this quaint picturesque village of historic churches, homesteads and wooden cottages. (09.25, 24/2/19
(13.00 hrs)
After a choppy transfer by tender, I walked from where we landed to a cafe for chorizo bagel and de-caff latte, ignoring the fact that “brunch” is included in “the deal”. I shall walk back to the Tender Landing Stage.
More later,
David
David's Cruise 