Kiwi Kruzer

Doesn’t sound too good .

Ovation of the Seas is berthed in Tauranga today . At 2.15 this afternoon the active volcanic Island , White Island , erupted . It is feared that passengers from the ship may have been visiting the Island at the time . News is still coming through, but 50 people were known to be there and some are missing .

Just announced....majority of people on White Island were from Ovation of the Seas.

I sometimes get newsletters through with deals ,....followed by another apologising for a pricing error. I think proof reading is a thing of the past these days.

Unconfirmed reports coming over the radio , have said that up to 100 were on the Island at the time and several are missing. Also reports that a helicopter was overturned. All unconfirmed as it is all happening now . The eruption was a huge plume of steam, no ash .

Yes , that’s your other option. My suggestion would be to do the circuit. Go up the west coast SH16, Dargaville and the Hokianga and the Kauri forests through to Paihia Cape Reinga is a full day trip. Check out Waitangi Day .....gets very busy ... accom could be tight. Return down the East Coast . Waitangi Day is 6 Feb .

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12292240 Just been reported that White Island has erupted and up to 20 tourists were there at the time. Ovation of the Seas is in Tauranga today. Trust any passengers who were on the Volcano tour are safe.

Massive plumes of smoke are erupting from White Island and looks like an eruption is underway as I post https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12292240

Here’s one.......NOT a cheapie but heavily reduced. Seven Seas Voyager. 22 nights Auckland to Bali , Jan 2020.

Here is a short You tube video. If you do a search there is a lot more espec on bird life

Melbourne 9 Dec

Is Willis Island still manned , or is it automated these days ?

You could also ask this question on the Ports of Call - Asia board . We have not used them but friends said the road to the terminal was controlled ,and drivers had to pay a fee to use it . We had a car and driver from Bangkok to the terminal and our driver had to park up and pay a fee before driving to the terminal .Its a huge port area.