Grand Voyages - 2009 - (Page 45) In Tasmania the beautiful natural harbor of Hobart is filled with yachts, fishing vessels and Antarctic supply vessels, while in town you’ll find appealing old Georgian buildings, numerous parks and a palpable small-town charm. Wonders of new Zealand a Polynesian past. Stroll down to the marina to see the thousands of pleasure boats that give this “City of Sails” its nickname. Sample the many fine art galleries, restaurants and shops this world-class city offers. And finally — Bay of islands, whose pristine waters are rich in marine life. Before Captain Cook anchored here in 1769, the area had been home to the Maori for hundreds of years, a Polynesian past you’ll witness on Waitangi, with its magnificent Maori meeting house. islands of fire onshore adventures Reserve your favorite shore excursions in advance at www.hollandamerica.com for priority processing. See page 52 for complete details. Our intensive exploration of New Zealand gets off to a dramatic start in Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and milford Sound, its crown jewel. Be up on deck as the ms Amsterdam sails under towering Mitre Peak, past plunging waterfalls and through the deep wildlife-rich waters of Milford, Doubtful and Dusky sounds. Dunedin’s Scottish heritage is evident in its statue of poet Robert Burns as well as its whisky distilleries, while Christchurch offers a decidedly English feel. Our day here affords you the opportunity to explore the neo-Gothic stone cathedral, stroll along the grassy banks of the Avon River or climb to the summit of Port Hills for magnificent views. Wellington, our first call on New Zealand’s Days of relaxing sailing bring us to nuku‘alofa on the island kingdom of Tonga. Royalty rules here, as a stroll past the king’s gleaming Royal Palace on the waterfront will reveal. Crossing the International Date Line heading eastward, we pick up an additional day en route to Apia, the capital of the rustic treasure island where Robert Louis Stevenson spent his final years. “A beautiful place . . .” he wrote in his diary. “Green forever — nothing to do but study oratory and etiquette, sit in the sun and pick up the fruits as they fall . . .” Then it is on to choice Hawaiian islands beginning with Kona, on Hawaii, famed for the coffee that grows on the slopes of dormant Hualalai. Honolulu, on Oahu, is next, the epitome of island allure: pineapple plantations, surfing beaches, hula shows. . . . While Hilo, back on the Big Isle, offers you the chance to feast your eyes on the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and witness the molten flows of Kilauea, home of Pele, goddess of fire. Peaceful days of sailing in the Pacific round out this exhilarating adventure, returning you to los Angeles after 67 incomparable days. North Island, overlooks a magnificent harbor backed up to steep, rugged hills. Highlights here include exploring the extensive collection of Maori and Pacific Islands work in Te Papa Museum. napier, next, was shaken to its roots by an earthquake in 1931, but the city that rose from the rubble is a striking example of modern Art Deco architecture. Toast to the town’s spirit in Hawke’s Bay wine country nearby. tauranga, center of New Zealand’s thriving op p oSit e Dramatic scenery unfolds by the mile in New Zealand. le Ft to rigH t kiwi-growing country, is a delightful stepping stone en route to Auckland, where sophisticated cosmopolitan energy mixes with A warm welcome in French Polynesia. Rainbow colors on the Great Barrier Reef. South Sea splendor in Bora-Bora. www.hollandamerica.com 45 Grand Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific http://www.hollandamerica.com http://www.hollandamerica.com
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