Rye Not?

For my sister, brother and other fellow rye drinkers....

One thing the Aussie's and New Zealander's have right is the fact that you can buy pre-mixed drinks and look what I found... my favourite, Rye and Ginger (Or Dry as they call it) A single cost about $2.75 CAD.

I got to enjoy a couple of these sitting in a park in Tauranga just away from the ship with my somes and it felt like I was at home sitting out on the back deck.

I couldn't resist sharing this one, rye not?

Natures Wonders in Dunedin, NZ

Here I am again cruising through New Zealand for the third time during my contract with one more to go. This cruise I wanted to take a tour as I had not taken advantage of any of the tours in New Zealand so far.

We drove on a bus for about an hour to a property owned by a couple whom host tours around the property. They take pride in the fact that it is all natural and that they do their best to protect the property against any disruptions to the wildlife.

We all hopped on to 8 wheeler all terrain vehicles for a ride through the hills of the property. There was 6 of us to the vehicle with one guide and they dressed us with green coats to TRY to protect us from the dirt but we all still managed to be covered in dust and dirt by the end!

Our first stop we went up to a lookout that was 189 metres above sea level and the view was just breathtaking and we could see all around. After that we descended down to sea level to see the New Zealand sea seals. Along the way, our guide pointed out a cute little blue penguin which is one of the smallest of the penguin breeds.

Once down at sea level, we saw the New Zealand seals and their pups. There was tons of them and it was really neat to see. Most of the pups were born around Christmas and they stay with their parents until they are 5 years old. It was kinda weird to see penguins and seals in such hot weather, I have only would be seeing them in cold weather!

Once we were finished with the seals, we headed to view a secluded beach that had no human contact in over ten years. The beach was beautiful and there is where we saw a yellow eyed penguin. This penguin is one of the rarest as there is only 60 pairs left of the species. Unlike most penguins, they are very shy and independent so they mostly travel just with their mate thus leaving them to be more vulnerable to predators. Although we couldn't see it up close, it was incredible to see such a rare animal.

Me & Raffaella

Once we finished at the beach we headed back to the main lodge and then again on the 60 minute bus ride through the country side. The views there with just beautiful filled with mountains, lush vegetation and tons and tons of sheep.

Being able to go on the tours is definitely one of the best perks of the job, you get to really feel like you are on vacation.