December 27, 2012, Hawke's Bay , New Zealand

Goats and sheep at the orchard.

Lots of mountain biking.

Narrow road to the top of Te Matta Peak.

Hawke’s Bay is on the North Island of New Zealand halfway between Wellington and Auckland.  In 1931 this town was destroyed by a 7.9 earthquake and had to be totally rebuilt.  The town fathers decided that Art Deco would be the style of any major buildings that were to be rebuilt…which made the town somewhat famous for its architecture.  Our tour included a chocolate factory and an orchard with 20+ different fruits.  The only problem with visiting the orchard is that the customs agents would not let us bring fruit back onboard the ship.  We also went to the top of a mountain for a great view of the country side.  The ride to the top had a long section of single lane winding road that was as scary and dangerous as any road we have ever been on.  Photos: Orchard at Hawke’s Bay; Te Mata Peak road.