National Geographic Orion arrived in the Port of Gisborne, or “Gizzy” as the locals call it, for a wonderful day exploring the northeast region of Aotearoa New Zealand. Guests explored the city by bike and visited the Gisborne Arboretum, wineries, and a sheep station. The family who owns and operates the sheep station showed visitors the process of sheering, explained how they use the land sustainably, and Matt, who runs the farm with his father, demonstrated how to herd the sheep with his dogs. Matt has six herding dogs that he has developed unique whistles for - telling each dog to herd to the left, right, front, or back – collectively working to move hundreds of sheep from paddock to paddock. Our travels through Gisborne were truly unique and gave guests a glimpse into daily life in Aotearoa New Zealand.
12/21/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Due North of Auckland, New Zealand lies a secluded archipelago known as the Bay of Islands. National Geographic Orion motored within this paradisical labyrinth to reach Great Barrier Island. A dedicated group of conservationists have been fighting a winning battle against invasive mammals for the last several decades. Today, our National Geographic-Lindblad explorers were the beneficiaries of this inspirational project. Awaiting our arrival on the docks was the highly endangered New Zealand brown teal. As if to thank the conservationists for his survival, the precious feathered wonder posed for photographs in the morning sun. As we meandered through floral gardens, we were serenaded by the New Zealand tui as they hopped from branch to branch in search of juicy nectar. After reaching the island’s summit, we were greeted by a Maori conservationist who explained the importance of the forest to his people. We eased our way through a canopy of ancient tree ferns to the prize of the forest, a giant kauri tree. It stood defiantly among the ferns as a testament to the island’s ecological recovery. A swaying canopy bridge allowed each participant to walk within touching distance of this marvel of the New Zealand forest.
