Today I explored central Auckland on my own. I stopped by Aotea Square for Pride in the Square and saw a short film about the local gay rugby team participating in the Bingham Cup in Canada. It was followed by a short Q&A with the director/star.

Later I went up Maungawhau (Mount Eden), a dormant volcano that is the highest point in Auckland.

I had a free day in Auckland and I tagged along with a group taking the ferry to Devonport.

I climbed Mt Victoria – it was windy but had great views.

Tonight was our farewell dinner!

After breakfast we headed for Auckland, passing through Tirau (aka Corrugated Capitol of the World) and stopping at Hobbiton.

We stopped for lunch at Mission Bay Beach and then visited the Auckland Museum.

This morning we had an early breakfast in Queenstown then flew to Auckland and came get a bus to Rotorua.

This evening we went to Mitai Māori Village for a hangi feast which was prepared using geothermal heat. They performed some Māori dances and shared some folklore. After dinner we walked through the forest and saw glow worms

We had a free day, so after breakfast I paid (literally) a visit to the pharmacy (I left a refill at home). After lunch I walked along Wakatipu lake to Kawarau Falls Bridge.

Today we transferred to Queenstown. We rode through beautiful country side surrounded by mountains. We stopped at Kawarau bridge – the home of Bungy jumping.

We stopped for lunch at the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown, founded in the 1860’s.

In Queenstown, we rode gondolas up Bob’s Peak for a view of the city and the surrounding lake.

This morning we took the bus to Milford Sound where we took a cruise. On the way, we stopped at Mirror Lake.

A fiord (New Zealand spelling) is create by a glacier, while a sound is created by a river. So, Milford Sound is actually a fiord.

On the way back we saw participants in the Milford Mountain Classic bike ride. One option is a 120km ride back to Te Anau which finishes down the street from our hotel.

Our afternoon excursion was a trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Today was a travel day from Sydney to Te Anau (Fiordland), New Zealand via Queenstown.

Today’s excursion was a ferry ride to Toranga Zoo where we had a guided tour. Tree kangaroo and cassowary were highlights. I stayed for the bird show, too.

Australia has been amazing! Tomorrow we’re off to New Zealand!

After lunch we spilt into three groups for a tour of the Sydney Opera House. We caught a bit of two rehearsals- the symphony and an opera. They don’t allow pictures in the performing spaces, but here are some shots from the tour.

I ended the day with a harbor cruise on a tall ship. The Southern Swan was built to n Denmark and launched in 1922.

Our driver filled us in on local history as we drove through town. Our first stop was at “the gap” – nothing but water between Australia and New Zealand.

Then we stopped at Bondi Beach.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is another Sydney landmark. The chair was carved by convicts in 1810 for Governor Macquarie’s wife.

Our last stop of the morning was the National Opal Museum (mostly gift shop). They have a dinosaur that was opalized.

This morning we took the SkyRail to Kuranda Village – a small town deep in the rainforest. The first stop was Red Peak.

The second stop was Bannon Falls.

We reached Kuranda Village about 10:30. Some shops and galleries were open and we saw the whole spectrum of souvenirs – from tacky to top quality paintings and sculptures. I spent most of my time at Koala Gardens – viewing regional wildlife.

Before heading back, we were given demonstrations of boomerang throwing (we all got a chance to throw a boomerang); didgeridoo playing; spear throwing. This was followed by a dance performance.

We rode back on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, built during the gold rush of the 1870s.

I ended my day, and my stay in Cairns, with a ride on the Reef Eye.

Today’s excursion was a ride out to the Great Barrier Reef for a day in and about the water. First up was snorkeling.

After lunch I went down to the observation room.

Then, I rode in the semi-submersible submarine.

My last adventure for the day was the introductory scuba class. We got close up views of coral, anemones, sea cucumbers, giant clams and more. Unfortunately they don’t let you take cameras, so I didn’t get any photos.

Our first stop was the Mossman Gorge Cultural Center. We had a smoking ceremony and were led through the reserve by an indigenous guide who shared some of their history, beliefs, and described how some of the plants were traditionally used.

When someone died, they would cover the body with mud and wrap it in a root from a strangler fig and prop it against the trunk. Over time it would be absorbed by the tree.

The afternoon event was a cruise on Daintree River. The river was high from the rain the day before and it is nesting season so there wasn’t a lot of activity, but we saw one young crocodile soaking up some sun.

I couldn’t resist starting with this picture. But, the day actually started with the sunrise from the veranda.

After checking out of our hotel we drove to Uluru for a final visit.

We saw Aboriginal rock art on the hike to Mutitjulu Waterhole.

After a stop at the cultural center and lunch we headed to the airport for our flight to Cairns.

We drove out to watch the sunset at Uluru after checking in to our hotel.

Alice Springs. Originally the tour was supposed to spend the night at Alice Springs, so I was a bit disappointed. However, Alice Springs is almost 5 hours from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which goes a considerable way to making up for missing Alice Springs.

Sadly, Alice Springs is currently experiencing issues related to alcohol abuse which was a contributing factor to the decision to stay closer to Uluru.

We saw kangaroos from the bus on the way to the airport.

We landed at Ayers Rock Airport, loaded our suitcases on the bus, then eight of us went on a scenic flight.

Today’s excursion combined a ride on a steam train with wine tasting at two Yarra Valley wineries.

We had lunch after the tasting at Fergusson. Followed by another tasting at Balgownie. (Followed by a nap.)