March 28, 2014. Solstice. Dunedin.

Our goal during this cruise has been to see New Zealand from the sea. We have spent a month living in New Zealand, learning everything we could about the people and the places.. Now we are enjoying the vistas from the water, wondering how the folks felt when the land was sighted for their first time. The east coast is gentle. The hills are high but not too steep and the coves and long harbors are protected. Today we stopped at Dunedin, a city founded by Scottish Presbyterians. Our ship sailed away being serenaded by two pipers and a drummer, all three in full regalia. Once again, the harbor was long and protected, and very pretty. Today was our last chance to walk on New Zealand soil. Tomorrow we see three fiords on the west coast, right off the Tasman Sea, so it is likely to be rough. Then we head to Tasmania, so we have said goodbye to New Zealand., except we have one more day to watch the topography on the west coast. We have enjoyed the beauty of New Zealand.