Sydney Australia
New Zealand wasn’t exactly at the top of my travel wish-list, but Phil was eager to explore the land of the Kiwis. So, we struck a deal and decided to embark on a cruise from Australia to New Zealand.
After enduring a gruelling flight, we finally touched down in Sydney. It was Phil’s first time in Australia, while I had actually lived there briefly in 1981. Despite my mixed feelings about the country, I was excited to spend some quality time in Sydney. I had been there for work before, but never had the chance to truly soak in the sights.
Our cruise package included a three-night stay in Sydney before setting sail, and we were determined to make the most of it. Exhausted and famished upon arrival at our hotel, we quickly checked in and set out in search of a late-night meal. To our surprise, most restaurants in the area had already closed by 9:30 pm. Desperate for sustenance, we stumbled upon an Asian eatery that was still serving noodles. At that point, we were just grateful for anything edible.
After devouring our meal, we retreated back to the hotel to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Who knew that finding a late-night bite in Sydney could be such a challenge? But hey, at least we got to experience a taste of the local cuisine – even if it was a bit past our bedtime.
Feeling rejuvenated the next morning, we indulged in a delicious breakfast before embarking on our day of exploration. Although we were slightly off the beaten path, the leisurely stroll towards the harbour was quite enjoyable. We took in the sights, sipped on some refreshments, and soaked in the bustling atmosphere around us.
Our next stop was the renowned opera house. Upon entering, we discovered that there was a performance scheduled for that evening. Despite not being a die-hard opera fan, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to witness a show in such an iconic venue. After a day filled with sightseeing, we returned to our hotel to spruce up for the performance.
With eager anticipation, we arrived at the venue, enjoyed a pre-show drink, and settled into our seats. While my personal opinion of opera remained unchanged, the experience was undeniably unforgettable. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I observed some audience members nodding off while others were completely captivated by the performance.
Following the show, we set out in search of a restaurant, only to discover that many were closed near the Opera House. Eventually, we stumbled upon an open eatery, not exactly our first choice, but beggars can’t be choosers, right?
On our final day in Sydney before boarding the cruise ship, we opted for a harbour boat tour. The views of the Sydney Bridge and Opera House from the water were simply breathtaking. It was a day well spent, even though it marked the end of our time in Sydney. However, we had three more days post-cruise to look forward to, including a visit to Bondi Beach. The adventure continues!
The Cruise to New Zealand
After a fabulous time in Sydney, we were itching to hop on board the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship and set sail for a slice of New Zealand. As soon as we stepped foot on the ship, we felt right at home. Our first stop? Melbourne, Australia. We were both buzzing with excitement, eager to explore a new city.
But, Mother Nature had other plans. Melbourne decided to give us a not-so-warm welcome with its gloomy, rainy weather. Did that stop us? Absolutely not. We were on a mission to see some kangaroos and wallabies at the zoo, rain or shine.
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, we managed to squeeze in some shopping for those iconic Ugg boots. You can’t visit Australia without snagging a pair, right? The rain may have put a damper on things, but hey, at least we got to experience Melbourne.
When it was time to bid farewell to Melbourne, the weather gods were still feeling a bit grumpy. The pilot boat guiding our ship out was having a rough time battling the waves and winds. It kept bumping into our ship, but luckily, no harm done. The ship was built to handle these kinds of situations like a champ.
We watched the whole ordeal unfold from our cozy porthole, witnessing the waves swallow up the poor little pilot boat. Quite the spectacle, I must say. But, in the end, we sailed off into the sunset, leaving Melbourne behind as the small boat made its way back to shore. Ah, the adventures of cruising life!
The cruise through the North and South Sounds was absolutely delightful, with stunning views at every turn. We made stops at Auckland, Wellington, Napier, and Akaroa, where we explored kiwi farms, witnessed the iconic sulphur geysers, and enjoyed a mesmerising Maori dance display. In Wellington, we hopped on a train to take in the breathtaking vista and Kelburn.
One of the highlights was the boat tour near Akaroa, where we were treated to the sight of dolphins frolicking in the sea and sea lions lazily basking in the sun. The cruise was amazing, filled with great people and nights of dancing under the stars. New Zealand may not have been on my bucket list, but I’m so glad we experienced it.
Upon returning to Sydney, we stayed near the Harbour and explored The Rocks, soaking in the vibrant market atmosphere. We couldn’t miss the chance to visit Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, where we admired the surfers showing off their skills.
Sadly, it was time to bid farewell and head back to the UK for work. But hey, at least we have some amazing memories to keep us going until the next adventure!
Elle Je` Travel 