On the way to Waitangi, we were unable to stop at Rarotanga due to sea conditions that prevented us from tendering ashore. The ship was taking people ashore when a rogue wave washed boat 9 onto the reef. It took over three harrowing hours to get all passengers safely to shore.
On January 27, 2016 – January 29, 2016, we crossed the imaginary line on the Earth that separates two consecutive calendar days – The Internatioal Date Line. We arrived in Waitangi on February 1st, having traveled 2230 nautical miles from Cook’s Bay. Onboard, we were treated to a performance of Maori tribal dance and music
Waitangi is the home of the indigenous Maori tribe who have lived there for over 800 years. In 1840 the Maori chiefs signed over sovereignty of their lands to Britain. This has been a contentious issue ever since.
Tides run 20 feet here. We visited two islands and saw a strong British influence in the architecture.
