Cover, docked at Tauranga

Ute and I embarked on the Crown Princess at Brisbane on Monday 16 February 2026 for a 14-day cruise around New Zealand returning to Brisbane on Monday 2 March. In contrast to the preceding identical cruise we were blessed with the most beautiful sunny weather throughout and a very smooth crossing of the Tasman both ways. The Captain was moved to pronounce it was his smoothest cruise in New Zealand waters in his whole experience.

Bidding Brisbane farewell

Our not-so-serious visit to the Wedding Chapel

A very placid Tasman Sea

The traditional assembled crew and champagne tower

Great Island, first landfall

We were joined by Discovery Princess in Auckland

Ute on the ‘camel’ branch in Albert Park, Auckland

A prophetic sign outside a bar on the Auckland waterfront, the Iran War started 4 days later

A blowy Auckland harbour, we walked over 20,000 steps that day

We then sailed overnight to Tauranga and docked in the shadow of Mt Maunganui.

Arriving in Tauranga

Mount Maunganui in Tauranga

A major landslide struck the Beachside Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui on 22 January 2026, causing the loss of 6 lives, major damage to the Mauao hillside, and ongoing disruption across the Bay of Plenty. Prior to the tragedy Tauranga experienced record-breaking rainfall, with 274 mm falling in 24 hours. All tracks around the mountain remain closed.

Remains of the fatal landslip

Papamoa Beach from Motiti Island

Cheeky souvenirs

Then it was an overnight sailing to the commercial port at Napier where we found Anthem of the Seas (4,500 passengers) already there. Napier was heaving as it was the last day of the annual Art Deco Festival. The locals were all dressed in Art Deco style and the city was overflowing with vintage cars.