One Month Until We Leave

Happy Thanksgiving! Wow, in one month we will be getting ready to board a plane to the land down under. This trip came upon us really fast.

I have some exciting news. I wanted to update my blog last week when we decided on this but ran out of time. Cruise prices have been decreasing and we were able to upgrade our inside stateroom for a window for cheaper. We were happy to get a window however it was a porthole (not the picture window, people have seen in my scrapbooks and blog). I really wanted a balcony. This is a trip of a lifetime and we have several days at sea and a balcony would be wonderful. My problem was convincing Brian that we NEED a balcony. Luckily, prices went down again and a balcony was only a few hundred dollars more than our current price. Brian and I talked and decided it was worth it and we upgraded to a balcony! I am so excited. Our stateroom is on the 7th floor almost mid ship. It does not get much better than that! I am so happy about this.

I have continued to plan this trip and here are some updates. I have a lot of info on New Year’s Eve in Sydney and we are going to try for Mrs. Macquaries Point. Here is a website to check it out: www.sydneynewyearseve.com.

In Cairns, we are doing Skyrail & Kuranda Wildlife Experience on our first day there. Here is a description: The Kuranda Wildlife Experience includes entry to the Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. This exciting combination will give you the chance to not only enjoy the World’s Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience on Skyrail, but also cuddle a koala, get close to a kangaroo, see and feed one of the world’s largest birds, the Cassowary, and be surrounded by the graceful motion of over 1,500 butterflies, all native to the rainforest region.

In Dunedin, we are doing a bike and kayak tour with a local couple. Here is their website: http://www.bike-kayak.com

In Akoroa, we are doing a kayaking tour also. If sea conditions are not good, then it will turn into a safari tour. Here is their website: http://www.pohatu.co.nz/

We have rented a car in Tauranga to drive to do zorbing. We made reservations for zorbing.

We also have a rental car in Auckland. It worked out nicely because we rent it from downtown (where the cruise ends) but we return it at the airport (45 minutes away). It will be nice to have somewhere to store our luggage.

I have a few more things to do but it is coming together nicely. Enjoy this Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Plans coming together

Things are starting to come together. I have made several plans.

We decided to do the Sydney Bridge Climb on January 5th @ 0745. Trying to decide when do it was difficult because of the cruise schedule and our flight times. Reservations are made and looking forward to it. We are doing the Discovery bridge climb. We are excited about it. Here is the link:
http://www.bridgeclimb.com/

I also have our rental car booked for Sydney. Even got a GPS system since it will be difficult enough to drive on the left side of the road let alone trying to read a map.

In New Castle, Australia we are doing beach dunning adventure. Here is a description of the shore excursion. “The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes need to be seen to be believed. Covering an area of over 6,177 acres along the 20 mile long Stockton Beach these dunes of brilliant white sand climb up to 164 feet high with slopes up to 60 degrees. Upon arrival at the dunes, you will transfer from your coach to your 4WD vehicles and meet your specialist driver-guides. These drivers have spent their whole lives in this area and know the shifting sands of the dunes like their own backyard. They know all the best places to take the 4WD vehicles and they will take you on a thrilling adventure, powering up the slopes to the top of the dunes, taking you to the edge and then over and down the steep inclines.
As you reach the top of one of the dunes the vehicles will stop and you will have the opportunity to get out and try your hand at a spot of adrenalin-pumping 'sand-dunning'. This is your chance to let rip your adventurous side as you board down dunes up to 30-50 meters high, with slopes of 60 degrees. Exercise your leg muscles as you climb back up to the top of the dune for another go, and when you have had enough, just wait at the bottom for your driver to come down and pick you up.” This is something different that we have never done and sounds like fun.

In Phillip Island we are going to a penguin parade. Transportation was arrange by a group from cruisecritic.com. Here is a link:
http://www.penguins.org.au

In Melbourne we are going to explore the city on our own, taking advantage of their free city tram. Also may do Eureka Sky deck. The link to that is:
http://www.eurekaskydeck.com.au/

In Wellington we are going to again see the city on our own, ride a cable car and maybe rent bikes.

In Tauranga we are going to drive an hour away to do Zorbing. See previous post about zorbing.

I am still working out details for Cairns and Akaroa. As for Dunedin, I really don’t know what we should do. There are cruises that see sea animals but we did that in Alaska and unsure if it is necessary to do again. I have to do more research on that.

I am excited that things are coming together and this should be quite the adventure. Also started making my travel binder. It is so cute! (It helps me stay organized and it is much better than having loose papers everywhere)!