Susan Calman’s nautical adventures continue this Friday at 8:00 PM on Channel 5, as Cruising with Susan Calman docks in New Zealand for the second leg of its Kiwi expedition. Season 4, Episode 5 steers away from the usual fjords-and-mountains fare, taking viewers on a tour of Napier’s Art Deco architecture (vintage car included), offering behind-the-scenes access to the ship’s bridge, and immersing Calman in traditional Māori culture.
In Napier, it’s all about the buildings. The city’s unique architectural landscape takes center stage, a testament to its post-earthquake rebuild in the 1930s. Later, Calman gets a rare look at the inner workings of her floating hotel, shadowing the pilot on the bridge as the ship departs Napier. The cultural immersion continues in Tauranga, where Calman visits Te Puia, a geothermal park bursting with geysers and mud pools. A traditional Māori performance adds another dimension to the experience, as does a conversation with local guide Kahu, who introduces Calman to some of the traditions and beliefs central to Māori heritage.
But it’s the glow worms that might steal the show. A stop in Waipu leads Calman to a network of underground caves, home to a bioluminescent spectacle that’s as eerie as it is dazzling. The Waipu detour also touches on another piece of the town’s history – its distinct Scottish roots.
Calman’s New Zealand trip delivers all the fun and fact-finding that fans have come to expect – this time with enough natural and man-made marvels to fill two episodes. Check back with Channel 5 this Friday to see what glowing surprises New Zealand has in store.
