New Zealand is a remarkable place for wildlife. So many of the animals and plants found here are not found anywhere else in the world. Many of the endemic species are also the rarest of their kind. All of this makes for a recipe for wildlife adventure like nowhere else on the planet. Today, our expedition took us to Enderby Island, home to two of these very rare animals: the New Zealand sea lion and the yellow-eyed penguin. Both animals are extremely rare, and both are only found on New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands. In the Sub-Antarctic, circumstances align–weather, sea state, and, of course, wildlife–that allow us to see unique flora and fauna. Today, circumstances were ideal for a great morning visit to Enderby Island.
12/19/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Day at Sea toward Tauranga, New Zealand
Today was a sea day on National Geographic Orion as we sailed up the east coast of New Zealand followed by bottlenose dolphins towards our destination, Tauranga. A sea day on our great ship is always full of activity, starting off the day with presentations from Cultural Navigator Tua and followed by Cultural Specialist and New Zealander Alex Hillary. A fantastic Filipino/Asian themed lunch was prepared by Chef Rannie and his amazing team and ably served by Maître d’ Mio and his spirited team in a very joyous and excited room of hungry guests. After a short rest from lunch, guests were invited down to deck two to judge a Christmas hallway of decorated doors. A competition was held where crew members would decorate their doorways in a Christmas theme, using whatever decorations they could find or make. The Christmas spirit was truly alive with festive colors, decorations, and happy Christmas songs as guests were wowed by the artistry and original creations.