On the way to the top,we stopped and spent about 30 minutes sitting on a bench watching sheep and lambs graze and call to one another when separated. It was the most peaceful place and we could have sat there all day. We also saw a ring necked pheasant in the same place.
The peak was breathtaking and we spent time there as well just taking in the scenery.
After our hike down, we purchased some New Zealand Ice Cream (Tip Top) because even though it was only 74 degrees, the hike called for a treat. Rob, of course got into a conversation with some grounds workers on the way down and they told us where to get the best ice cream, Copenhagen Cone. We ate our treat at the beach and then walked along the waters edge barefoot (the water was freezing) to an outcropping of land to gain another vantage point of the mount.
Upon our return to the ship, we attended an interesting and entertaining show by a Maori troupe of folklore traditional performers. As part of the show, they invite women to come on stage and learn a few moves. They do the same for the men afterward. Rob and I both went up on stage. It did show how uncoordinated I am as I could not stamp my foot in rhythm, while catching a poi (ball on a string) with other hand movements. Rob was more successful with his coordination of steps but did not look very fierce.
Tonight, we said goodbye to Tauranga under a moonlit sky from our balcony. Tomorrow is at sea on our way to Wellington, NZ.
Beautiful places and pictures! 😉
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place, it reminds me of the countryside in Ireland with the grazing sheep. Really peaceful! The show looks cool, I would have liked to see it. Good on you both for being brave enough to join in, I think I would hide in the corner like a student hiding from the teacher's math problems.
ReplyDeleteI was proud of mom for getting up on stage. I wasn't going to do it, but it looked like no one was volunteering and I felt kind of bad, so I stood up As soon as I did, 4-5 guys stepped up on stage. Augh! Too late to sit back down. Ha It was actually a lot of fun The performers were so nice.
DeleteIt looks like a ton of fun, you guys! I would have loved to go on that hike. It looks like a good ways up. At first I thought you wrote 5 miles to the base of the mountain--not 5 minutes--and I was extra impressed!
ReplyDeleteWe did hike for over four hours but that includes the 30 minute stop to just watch the sheep graze. :)
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable pictures. I especially enjoyed the moon from the balcony.
ReplyDeleteThe cruise was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone! Two weeks was just the right amount of time as I wasn't bored and still wanted to be there when we got off the ship.
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