Sunday, 20 November

Auckland, NZ

Because of a number of changes in the cruise itinerary, based on weather and/or available berthage, the Westerdam will spend only one-half day in this largest of New Zealand cities, before another two-and-a-half sailing days back to Sydney, where I will start the second half of this 28-day cruise.

Wednesday, 16 Nov 2022

Gisborne, New Zealand

Gisborne, a town of about 30,000 is famous for two things: it is the birthplace of the renowned Maori opera star, Kiri Te Kanawa, and it is the first place on Earth that sees the daily sunrise. So if you wish to be the first to welcome the New Year or the next New Millennium, plan your visit for then. It is a charming and friendly small town with great beach surf and famous surfers, but there isn't a lot else that deserves special mention.

The most significant historical event in Gisborne and Poverty Bay was the first landing in New Zealand of Captain Cook's ship, HMS Endeavour, in October 1769. A statue of the Captain himself stands at the edge of Kaiti Beach while the Westerdam is anchored off shore. Just up the road is "Young Nick's Head," with a statue of the surgeon's cabin boy, Nicholas Young, who was actually the first person to spot land from the ship. Thus began the British incursion of New Zealand and the displacement of the Maori population.

Gisborne Has One Military Monument (above)
and
One Traffic Light in the Entire Town (below)

But its beaches and surf attract surfers, hang gliders, and other water sports enthusiasts from around the world.

The town center has its share of quirky buildings and outdoor artworks. 

                      "Whale's Teeth" (Seymour May, 2004)

And there are lots of restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops, with interesting sandwiches and friendly, attentive help--such as "Verve."

Bianca, the Delightful Server Who Warmly Welcomed Me to Gisborne;
I Hope She Finds Her Photo Here