March 25, 2014. Celebrity Solstice. At Sea.

There are wonderful place names in New Zealand. We have just left The Bay of Plenty, named by Captain Cook in the 18th century, when the local Maoris looked well fed and healthy and actually gave the ship company food. It is an area of low rolling hills. Captain Cook did not land to settle the area but his place name has stuck. The first place we stopped was at The Bay of Islands. Of course, there were islands everywhere. Maoris lived near by and actually signed a treaty with the English settlers in 1841, stating who could live where. This has stood the test of time. This document is still cited when disputes need to be settled. In fact, a case made it all the way to the British High Court and found to be valid. It is one of the reasons that the Maurois have thrived. They are well educated and hard working and are a vital force in New Zealand. Today we cruised down the east coast of the North Island and will soon turn west to Wellington, the Capitol. We could clearly see the coastline. The North Island was made by volcanoes so you can see the cone shapes all along the shore. Already the wind has picked up. I expect a rough sea getting to Wellington. Fortunately, we will be asleep.