Napier, North Island NZL

Today we did a sightseeing tour by bus in Hawkes Bay. We passed a few wineries, sheep farmers and honeymakers. The main trees were the really beautiful Norfolk pine trees, which grow very large.

We set off this morning at 11*C and returned after 4.5 hours at 20*C. The landscape is very hilly compared to Australia and the tour guide told us a lot about the 1931 earthquake and how many regions were completely burned down by the fires from the earthquake. This means that houses, trees and businesses are hardly older than 80 years and that is why the 'Art Deco' style houses that can be found in downtown Napier are considered something special and expensive because they are old. Oh well... 😙

There was also a lot of information about Captain Cook, after whom the strait we are about to cross again is named and who travelled extensively in New Zealand.

The houses on the coast, on the other hand, are a colorful mix of styles, often with a Spanish touch and a familiar European appearance.

Back on the ship I had some Asian food, which was prepared right in front of the guest and was very tasty.

We are leaving today in about 45 minutes (4.30pm) on time to be in Wellington tomorrow morning. The captain just made an announcement that there will be a lot of wind again, even more than usual in the Cook Strait, which is considered the stormiest in the world... Yesterday it was 9bft...🤦.... I hope I oversleep... 🌊🌊🌬️🌬️

A few more pictures of the great evening atmosphere along the coast towards Wellington... with a mojito in one hand and the phone in the other.... 🍹