TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Hi Rae, I think you are referring to the Auckland Islands? They are nowhere near Auckland, NZ. They are in the Southern Ocean.
The Albatross I think is regarded as a sub tropical bird. I think the main area for albatross is Campbell Island which is also in the southern ocean and I think is included in the the NZ protectorate area. There are quite a few different types of albatross.
The only mainland breeding colony in the world is on the Otago peninsular in our South Island. Unfortunately it was closed when we were last down there so we never got to see any. But again, this is about 1000 miles from Auckland.

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

I was there 4 years ago and agree. I got great shots without realizing the danger.

Also stay away from Mt Aspiring. I was lead in to a dangerous spot and misinformed hot to prepare. I fell 285 feet and 4 years later still recovering from 4 surgeries.

NZ is the most friendly and colorful country of the 80 I have seen, but take care.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Really sorry to hear about your fall John. The Aspiring peaks are some of the trickiest in NZ. And you are very fortunate to have survived a fall. The Guides are some of NZs best so am surprised you were misinformed.
Having said that, the scenery, the mountain and the area is absolutely stunning imo. Worth the effort if experienced or qualified. As an ex Search and Rescue member I keep track of most of the serious falls in our ranges. Just a hobby now. Did yours make the papers here?
We had another fall last year and the lady died.
It is a dangerous but thrilling sport and I do miss the mountains now. At my age I’m relegated to just reading about it due to dodgy hips.
Again my sympathy for your bad experience mate.

With regards to not being aware of the danger of White Island, I’m surprised you weren’t aware of the danger. Every visitor to the island has to sign an acknowledgement that they have been warned that it is an active volcano and are given a gas mask and a crash hat. (The crash hat should have been a bit of a warning of danger). There are only two ways of getting on the island, helicopter and charter launch. Both are highly responsible in warning of the risks and as evidence of that, of the 48 that visited and got caught, there were an additional 2-3 that opted not to go that day when told of the risks. Lucky them.
White Island is in the Bay of Plenty where I live and my wife gave me a voucher to visit for my birthday in October. Haven’t been yet. Probably won’t be able to now.