Oosterdam Cruise Vacation 2015

Amongst the many new towers of Auckland, which themselves are mostly not unattractive, stand some fine pieces of architecture. One of the finest is the Ferry Building on Quay Street. Also in the shot is the Fullers ferry Takahē. 200_2_P1020978

The Fullers ferry Te Kotuku, built by Q-West was the 16th in the fleet when it joined the company in late 2014. Here, she heads out on a late evening trip from the ferry terminal, Auckland. 200_2_P1020981C

The Auckland skyline viewed across the Ferry Terminal with the Ferry Building (centre). 200_2_P1020989C

The container ship Safmarine Nokwanda arriving at Auckland from Tauranga assisted by two POAL tugs. 200_2_P1030373C

Joy the Cow at Pride & Joy Ice Cream, Voyager Maritime Museum, Auckland. 200_2_P1030040

The NYK operated 'Asuka II' at Princes Wharf, Auckland with the bunker vessel 'Awanuia' alongside. Asuka II had arrived from Sydney and left the next day for Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 200_2_P1030046

I am not sure what message this Queen Street, Auckland ATM is delivering. On the one hand, I see a bit of fun and comforting social liberalism, on the other I see a sort of subliminal but probably unintentional stereotype. 200_2_P1030064

New Zealand Police Holden Commodore Omega GNY722 on Quay Street, Auckland. Snap is an anti-burglary initiative of the New Zealand Police. 200_2_P1030083C

In ones excitement at being in a new place, ones early shots can be compositionally clumsy as is this but it is part of my record of a wonderful visit to Auckland. This view from Princes Wharf towards Hobson Street includes, almost inevitably, Sky Tower, the city's dominant landmark. 200_2_P1030036

The NYK operated 'Asuka II' at Princes Wharf, Auckland with the bunker vessel 'Awanuia' alongside. Asuka II had arrived from Sydney and left the next day for Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 200_2_P1030050C

The NYK operated 'Asuka II' at Princes Wharf, Auckland. Asuka II had arrived from Sydney and left the next day for Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 200_2_P1030087C

The NYK operated 'Asuka II' at Princes Wharf, Auckland. Asuka II had arrived from Sydney and left the next day for Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 200_2_P1030103C

As photographers, there is little we can do for much of the time about the light except to observe, understand and use it. The light in Akaroa on New Zealand's South Island was stunning when I arrived in good weather. A hidden lesson in this image is 'never arrive too quickly, nor leave too soon'. It is easy to rush excitedly ashore but, when my tender from Holland America Oosterdam arrived at Main Wharf, I paused to assimilate my surroundings and this one of the very first things I saw. There is absolutely no pp in this picture. 200_2_P1030850

As a stream of tourists arrived from Holland America Oosterdam to increase temporarily the population of the beautiful town of Akaroa on New Zealand's South Island, this little dog sat placidly on Main Wharf. 200_2_P1030852

Singer and dancer Trevor Sideris performing in 'Simply Broadway' aboard Holland America Oosterdam. Geotagging approximate TZ30_P1020700

Singer and dancer Trevor Sideris performing in 'Simply Broadway' aboard Holland America Oosterdam. Geotagging approximate TZ30_P1020700M

Singer and dancer Trevor Sideris performing in 'Simply Broadway' aboard Holland America Oosterdam. Geotagging approximate TZ30_P1020704

Singer and dancer Trevor Sideris performing in 'Simply Broadway' aboard Holland America Oosterdam. Geotagging approximate TZ30_P1020704M