Overnight, the bridge team of National Geographic Orion navigated from Dunedin, New Zealand on the South Island to Stewart Island. We started our day with a hiking excursion on Ulva Island. Invasive species have been eradicated and local native birds are abundant on this small, biodiverse island off the shores of larger Stewart Island. Highlights on our nature walk were the New Zealand kākā and the weka, as well as the country’s smallest bird, the titipounamu! After our lovely forest walk, guests enjoyed a Super Bowl Sunday barbecue on the back deck of National Geographic Orion. In the afternoon, we headed ashore on Stewart Island to the historic town of Oban. We visited an incredible local history museum and meandered the streets to see what life is like in a small New Zealand island town. What a fantastic and unforgettable day!
12/2/2023
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National Geographic Orion
Waitangi and Russell
The morning commenced with a quick Zodiac journey across the bay to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Each group had a local guide, and guests learned about New Zealand’s founding document, which was first signed on February 6, 1840. After getting up close to the traditional wakas (large Māori war canoes) and learning about their construction, we continued up the hill to the treaty grounds and looked inside the Treaty House. The guided part of the tour ended there, and we gathered near the entrance of the fully carved Māori meeting house. We were invited in and welcomed in the traditional Māori way. We responded by singing a Māori song that we have practiced throughout our expedition with Hotu, our lead cultural expert. Inside the meeting house, we enjoyed the traditional welcome and listened to stories about the carvings. It was a moving experience. Responding with our song gave us all immense pride, and it was greeted warmly by our Māori friends. After lunch, we crossed the bay again to the small historic village of Russell. This was a destination for sailors, whalers, and traders during the 18th and 19th centuries. Now it is a vibrant spot for locals, tourists, and boat enthusiasts, and it boasts an assortment of quirky art and gift shops.
