A taste of things to come

We leave in a few hours for New Zealand and Australia.  Here is a taste of things to come – a list of the ports we will be visiting over the course of the next few weeks.

 

Auckland, New Zealand
The “City of Sails,” known for its sparkling waters, bustling harbor and cosmopolitan flair, and an ideal spot for water sports and sailing

 

Christchurch,New Zealand
New Zealand‘s “Garden City,” featuring numerous parks and gardens as well as Victorian architecture, avenues and squares

 

Doubtful Sound
One of three amazing sounds featured on most itineraries. An unusual sound with two distinct layers of water: fresh mountain water atop cold,heavy, saline water teeming with remarkable deep-sea species

 

Dunedin, New Zealand
Dramatic scenery and some of the finest historic buildings in New Zealand, including remarkable architecture that reflects the city’s Scottish roots.

 

Dusky Sound
One of three amazing sounds featured on most itineraries. The largest and most complex of the many fjords along this coast, with steep-sided cliffs and hundreds of cascading waterfalls.

 

Melbourne, Australia
The capital of Victoria and Australia’s second largest city. A cultural melting pot of Greek,Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese and Lebanese and host to major international events.

 

Milford Sound, New Zealand
One of three amazing sounds featured on most itineraries. Situated within Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site and surrounded by sheer rocks and lush forests.

 

Napier, New Zealand
Arguably one of the prettiest cities in New Zealand, with elegant art deco architecture,captivating beaches and award-wining vineyards

 

Newcastle, Australia
A significant coal shipping center with surfworthy beaches and recreational pools filled regularly with ocean saltwater

 

Sydney, Australia
Among the world’s most exciting cities with dazzling beaches and the Sydney Opera House, an architectural marvel and arguably the most recognizable performing arts venue

 

Tauranga,New Zealand
Located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbors in New Zealand and nestled beside magnificent Mount Maunganui.

 

Wellington, New Zealand
The cultural, commercial, cosmopolitan capital of New Zealand and home to one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.

 

Packed and Ready

Just a few more days and we head off to New Zealand and Australia for the month of December.  I am going to attempt to update Clouds with sights, scenes and comments from the road but as a blogging newbie, no promise.

One thing I did do is prepare my show and tells.  There is a local confection called Almond Roca that comes in a log shaped foil wrapper.  Irresistible.  Since tipping somewhat insulting down under, I am bringing along the Roca and some photos showing where we live on San Juan Island.

There will be the street where we live – that’s us just past the large tree.  And then there is a typical Roche Harbor sunset and finally, the marina all decked out for the 4th of July.  

     

So what do you think?  Does this tell a story?