Hoosier Cruiser

January 29, 2026

The modern skyline of Auckland is in contrast to all the natural beauty we have seen on the cruise to date. New Zealand’s largest city (1.5m) is a vibrant metropolis with an active waterfront and city centre. I spent the morning exploring and found my way to the New Zealand Maritime Museum.

The museum is arranged in chronological fashion starting with the arrival of Polynesian peoples. Following sections include European explorers and immigration from the UK. The final section is titled Blue Water, Black Magic which depicts the sailing culture of Kiwis and their racing history. There are literally dozens of original sailing vessels and artifacts. A definite must see for sailing enthusiasts (which I am not) but a good way to learn about New Zealand’s origins and culture. (19NZ=12US).

Before returning to the ship for the day’s scheduled tour, I had to stop for a bit of shopping and lunch at the old Ferry Building.

The coach tour took us along the bayfront to a headland on the outskirts of the city. There we visited a memorial to a famous Labour (democratic) politician. Beatiful setting and gardens.

From there we traveled to the Auckland Museum, formerly the Auckland War Museum. The ground level encompasses the cultural history of the indigenous peoples of New Zealand as well as the European immigrants. The second level encompasses the natural history of New Zealand. The top level is dedicated to New Zealand’s war dead and conflicts since the mid 1800s. There are even actual Japanese Zero and British Spitfire aircraft on display. One section of the museum is about volcanoes and includes a mockup of a home about to be engulfed by an eruption. There is really too much here to see on a single visit. On the ground level there is a well curated museum store, cafe and a special exhibit on sharks.

Auckland is an amazing city. I wish we were more than one day in port.

Next stop: Tauranga (Home to the Shire and Hobbiton)