South Island, New Zealand

Along with friends Lorraine and Kellye, occasionally of Denver, Colorado, we drive to Wellington, stopping at many attractions along the way.  The Ferry takes us from Wellington to The South Island where we find penguins, seals, ruins of recent earthquakes, majestic fiords, glaciers and more.  It is a grueling drive with occasional rain but we find much to enjoy.

With a guide and a 'mother ship' we tackle the

Able Tazman Track for a day.  We are cooled

by the rain . . .

and warmed by the exercise.

We are awed by the view of Cape Foulwind,

impressed by Doubtful Sound

and the view of Fox Glacier.

we track down the elusive yellow-eye penguin.

Bay of Islands, Take II

So, we take it easy, moving our base of operations at a whim, anchoring in the shelter of the islands.

Otehi Bay hides a lodge area with paddle board

rentals and a café.  We are anchored a mile away

over the hill so we work off the ice cream.

The ladies explore the rocks of the anchorage.

Gregg admires R. Tucker Thompson which takes

tourists on day trips in Bay of Islands.

Kalliope remains in the Bay of Islands Marina at the town of Opua while her crew explore the many attractions of New Zealand.

Cruising Bay of Islands

Kellye and Lorraine went sailing around the Bay of Islands spending several days aboard Kalliope.   We anchor in a quiet bay from time to time and paddle ashore for hiking or some snorkel in the almost warm water.

Lorraine guides our sturdy craft.

Kellye hoists the main sail.

Hole in the Rock at SE limit of the Bay of Islands.

Deb makes new friends during a walk on

Urupukapuka Island.