January 21, 2025

PUERTO MONTT, CHILE 

This port was all about volcanos and waterfalls. To maximize seeing the sights we ended up doing a Port offered excursion for $50/pp for about 6 hours, in a private van. There was 5 of us from VVR ( Bob & Sarah, Anna, Sherrie & Me) and 5 others from the MSC ship, that was also in Port, plus our driver and guide. We ran into many other Villa Vie Residents, like Wade and Starr above, who were doing similar routes along the way. Our first stop was Petrohue Falls, which are feed from the hills of the near by Osorno Volcano. The chute type falls are more like rapids, with only a few vertical drops visible. The crystal clear, green hued water surges through the rocks at the base of the viewing area.

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Next we headed back along the same road and stopped along Lake Llanquihue, where we had clear views of both Volcan Osorno, the 2nd most perfect shaped conical volcano after Mt Fuji, and the further south Volcan Calbuco. Below is Bob and all the Ladies!

We also got to explore a little bit in the town of Puerto Varas, the city of roses. Rose bushes are everywhere in full bloom as it's summer here. This town has a very cool chalet vibe - lots of wood clad houses and businesses all no higher than 2-3 stories. There was a large German settlement here after WWII. When they came, they found the climate very similar to southern Germany and stayed. So wanted to find some German food for lunch, but we didn't have time.

Our tour guide was very enthusiastic and a really sweet young lady. Asked her about some of her and Chilean Favorites and here's the recommendations:

  • Favorite candy bar - Nestle Super 8 - tried one in next port - not a fan - chocolate wafer w peanut dusting.
  • Special Cocktail - a Terremoto or Earthquake - made w/coconut ice cream, grenadine & Pipeno(sweet white wine) - still looking for
  • Notable Singing artist - Los Iracundos - driver played some of their songs in van for us

We had a little bit of time when we got back to cruise port, so they told us about this local statue that is so ugly but has become a landmark because so disputed and known - "The lovers" and it sits on beach promenade.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 4, 2026
We had a beautiful sunny day to explore Wellington ! Was a very nice change from the stormy, big swells weather we have had the last two days! Wellington is the Capital city of New Zealand and the CBD is nice and big with lots of shops and museums. We didn't make it to the LOTR studios due to the time crunch but we took the cable car up to the top, for a scenic overlook of the port and then leisurley walk down through the Botantical Gardens, parks and historical cemetary.

ROTORUA CITY HIGHLIGHTS - NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 3, 2026
Rotorua became a bonus city for us. Our Port stay in Tauranga got cut down to one day, due to NZ biosecurity regulations and since we really wanted to do Hobbiton, we decided to get off the ship and stay in hotels and get back on the ship, in a few days. Due to a variety of factors, the Ship ended up doing a quick pick up of us in Tauranga, three days later. The Kiwi's we encountered along the way, who helped with all our last minute details, were amazingly kind, hospitable and generous. Below is our tired, chilly group huddled at the security shed, outside the Port in the wee hours (1:30 am) Monday morning, awaiting our final hurdle of getting back on our Home. Home sweet home! What an adventure!

ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 3, 2026
Rotorua, New Zealand is known for it's geothermal activity ( geysers, mud pools, hot springs) and rich Maori culture . I saw lots of that last time I was here in 2016, so this time I wanted to see their Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest. John and Colleen joined me in exploring. Their redwoods are smaller than the ones in Muir Woods California, but still impressive. Both are planted forest dating back to around 1908.