Oosterdam Cruise Vacation 2015

The Explore catamaran 'D5' at Auckland Ferry Terminal on a busy Saturday morning. 200_2_P1030113C

The Fullers catamaran 'Adventurer' in Auckland Harbour on a busy Saturday morning. 200_2_P1030118C

The Sealink ferry 'Clipper II' in Auckland Harbour on a busy Saturday morning. Sealink is one of a number of ferry operators in the area and provides links to Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands and Pine Harbour. 200_2_P1030120C

On a cruise with many diverse and exciting sights and experiences, perhaps the most memorable was cruising in the vicinity of White Island which is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Situated in the Bay of Plenty, east of North Island, its 321m are impressive enough but another 1300m lie below the sea as the structure rises from the seabed. One of several visiting pleasure boats can be seen in this shot. I was so impressed that this series contains more than 50 photographs after editing. 200_2_P1030578

On a cruise with many diverse and exciting sights and experiences, perhaps the most memorable was cruising in the vicinity of White Island which is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Situated in the Bay of Plenty, east of North Island, its 321m are impressive enough but another 1300m lie below the sea as the structure rises from the seabed. I was so impressed that this series contains more than 50 photographs after editing. 200_2_P1030579C

On a cruise with many diverse and exciting sights and experiences, perhaps the most memorable was cruising in the vicinity of White Island which is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Situated in the Bay of Plenty, east of North Island, its 321m are impressive enough but another 1300m lie below the sea as the structure rises from the seabed. One of several visiting pleasure boats can be seen in this shot but only when I examined the image did I appreciate how many people were visiting the site. I was so impressed that this series contains more than 50 photographs after editing. 200_2_P1030580

On a cruise with many diverse and exciting sights and experiences, perhaps the most memorable was cruising in the vicinity of White Island which is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Situated in the Bay of Plenty, east of North Island, its 321m are impressive enough but another 1300m lie below the sea as the structure rises from the seabed. I was so impressed that this series contains more than 50 photographs after editing. 200_2_P1030582C

On a cruise with many diverse and exciting sights and experiences, perhaps the most memorable was cruising in the vicinity of White Island which is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Situated in the Bay of Plenty, east of North Island, its 321m are impressive enough but another 1300m lie below the sea as the structure rises from the seabed. In this shot the volcano forms the dramatic backdrop to visiting pleasure boats and a little flock of people. I was so impressed overall that this series contains more than 50 photographs after editing. 200_2_P1030583C

Big Brother's Little Brother On a cruise with many diverse and exciting sights and experiences, perhaps the most memorable was cruising in the vicinity of White Island which is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Situated in the Bay of Plenty, east of North Island, its 321m are impressive enough but another 1300m lie below the sea as the structure rises from the seabed. Near the island are several rocks like this which silently urge caution to ships such as ours. I was so impressed overall that this series contains more than 50 photographs after editing. 200_2_P1030584

Goodbye to White Island On a cruise with many diverse and exciting sights and experiences, perhaps the most memorable was cruising in the vicinity of White Island which is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Situated in the Bay of Plenty, east of North Island, its 321m are impressive enough but another 1300m lie below the sea as the structure rises from the seabed. In this shot the volcano forms the dramatic backdrop to visiting pleasure boats and a little flock of people. I was so impressed overall that this series contains more than 50 photographs after editing of which this is the last - a parting shot as I could not resist as we sailed away. 200_2_P1030585C

An excursion or timetabled trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway in Otago, South Island is worth every cent for the railway enthusiast. Lineside photography at the scheduled stops is an enthusiast's dream enhanced by amazing scenery. Here, the points are changed as Dunedin Railways DJ Class Mitsubishi Bo-Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotives 3107 (further from camera) and 3228 complete their run round the train at Pukerangi prior to the return journey to Port Chalmers. 200_2_P1030947

An excursion or timetabled trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway in Otago, South Island is worth every cent for the railway enthusiast. Lineside photography at the scheduled stops is an enthusiast's dream enhanced by amazing scenery. Here, a railwayman gets a lift back to the carriages after changing the points for Dunedin Railways DJ Class Mitsubishi Bo-Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotives 3107 (further from camera) and 3228 as they complete their run round the train at Pukerangi prior to the return journey to Port Chalmers. 200_2_P1030949

After his short loco ride, a railwayman waits to re-couple Dunedin Railways DJ Class Mitsubishi Bo-Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotives 3107 and 3228 as they complete their run round the train at Pukerangi prior to the return journey to Port Chalmers on the Taieri Gorge Railway. 200_2_P1030951

The countryside in New Zealand is absolutely beautiful. This is a view from Pukerangi station seen during our excursion on the Taieri Gorge Railway and shot while the locomotives were waiting to start the return journey to Port Chalmers. 200_2_P1030952

The countryside in New Zealand is absolutely beautiful. This is a view from Pukerangi station seen during our excursion on the Taieri Gorge Railway and shot while the locomotives were waiting to start the return journey to Port Chalmers. 200_2_P1030953

After her overnight stay in Auckland, the NYK operated 'Asuka II' sets sail under dramatic skies for Nuku'alofa. 200_2_P1030127C

After her overnight stay in Auckland, the NYK operated 'Asuka II' sets sail for Nuku'alofa. 200_2_P1030134

Crystal Serenity leaves Auckland for Tauranga after a two night stay. 200_2_P1030257C