Monthly Archives: February 2016

Auckland, New Zealand

Posted on February 19, 2016 by travelbynatasha

We are disembarking the ship today in Auckland, the country’s largest city with a population of a half million.  Housing is scarce in this growing city with an unemployment rate of 0%.  We are fortunate to have a direct flight … Continue reading →

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Update on Azamara Quest

Posted on February 18, 2016 by travelbynatasha

My loyal readers will recall that there were problems with our approach into Picton, New Zealand caused by the local pilot who hit the rocks. The cruise company is required to have a local pilot on board when they are … Continue reading →

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The Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Posted on February 17, 2016 by travelbynatasha

Today is a full day in Tauranga, New Zealand, a favorite holiday spot for those from Auckland and Wellington.  Monday is a local holiday in Auckland, so people have come in early for a long holiday weekend.  In the Bay … Continue reading →

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Hobbiton, New Zealand

Posted on February 16, 2016 by travelbynatasha

After a day at sea, we are scheduled to arrive in Tauranga, New Zealand at 5 pm.  Most guests will be staying on the ship tonight for the evening’s entertainment; we have chosen an evening excursion to Hobbiton.  Hobbiton is … Continue reading →

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Napier, New Zealand

Posted on February 15, 2016 by travelbynatasha

We are now on the north island of New Zealand and visiting the town of Napier in Hawk’s Bay celebrated for its Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture.  Napier is a town of 50,000 and it will be our base … Continue reading →

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Happy Anniversary

Posted on February 14, 2016 by travelbynatasha

Today is TravelbyNatasha’s 4th anniversary.  Thank you to all my loyal readers and my new friends and visitors.  What started as a class assignment now shapes how I travel.  I find myself taking pictures of things to document what I … Continue reading →

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Picton, New Zealand

Posted on February 12, 2016 by travelbynatasha

Today we are docked in Picton, New Zealand at the northern point of country’s southern island. Although there are also small islands that are part of the country, New Zealand is considered a country of three islands, the southern island, … Continue reading →

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Akaroa, New Zealand

Posted on February 11, 2016 by travelbynatasha

Southern New Zealand is an adventurer’s paradise with wonderful hiking, water sports, and amazing scenery. Today we are in Akaroa, a French-influenced seaside town that is a home base for hikers and animal lovers. There is just a small pier … Continue reading →

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Dunedin, New Zealand

Posted on February 10, 2016 by travelbynatasha

We are in Port Chambers the seaport gateway for Dunedin on the southern island of New Zealand.  Our tour today is by train into the Taieri River Gorge of gold rush fame.  We were actually met directly on the pier … Continue reading →

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Milford Sound, New Zealand

Posted on February 9, 2016 by travelbynatasha

For the last two days we have crossed the Tasman Sea. We are once again on the boat today, but land is in sight as be traverse the fjords on the southwestern side of New Zealand. Warned of the Tasman’s … Continue reading →

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