Milford Sound in all her glory, the huge Cruise ship gives an idea of size !

Yesterday we had a magnificent cruise through Doubtful and Dusky Sounds. As you can see the weather was amazing ! This morning we are moored in Milford Sound, actually a Fjord, ready for departure. We have greatly enjoyed Le Soleal with Captain Regis and his crew. Today a tour bus will take us to Queenstown, then Chrstchurch, Melbourne and home tomorrow. I’ll try another blog tomorrow….Internet permitting.

A trip up the Taieri Gorge Railway today. Crossing the viaduct brought back memories of the Llangollen canal crossing….

A fabulous day yesterday doing 2 shore excursions. A visit first to Omaka aviation museum, featuring Sir Peter Jacksons collection of WW1 planes, 4 of which are original. I then managed to get off the tour and go round the Omaka Classic Car collection. This was followed by a visit to a winery, and walk on a beach. In the afternoon we toured Queen Charlotte Sound with a very knowledgable skipper. After a pleasant evening meal with Joanne and Peter from Toronto we had hoped to watch a show, which was cancelled due to the lively boat action. Going down to main saloon was a mistake as the dancers snagged you walking thru the door. However you just stood still on the floor and the ships rolling gave you some good moves !

Today is not so bright, and some drizzle…..waiting for the tender to Akaroa allows me to write the blog. Cheers M & H

We woke up to docking at not so windy Wellington this morning. After a quick brekkie, freshly baked croissants and peaches baked in honey……we walked through town. Caught the cable car and walked down back to town via the Botanic garden. It is beautifully laid out, and we managed to avoid all the Le Soleal cruise ship passengers….! Why pay for a guide and coach when you can do it yourself for free ? Hazel is offloading some purchases whilst I write the blog. Perhaps some lunch, more Champagne Sir !, then out to Te Papa museum this afternoon. It’s a late sailing tonight for Picton, and 2 tours…..Cheers M&H

Well after a day at sea yesterday, we docked early in Napier. Although very hot, 31*c, it was a very enjoyable morning. After an earthquake in the 30’s the whole town was rebuilt in the Artdeco style. Numerous shops sell flapper dresses and jewellery, whilst classic cars cruise the street, either for hire or self drive. We resisted the temptation, but found a pilots shop who sold me a pair of aviator goggles, perfect for Morgan’s !

Hazel did well with a necklace from the USA, and we enjoyed the museum and Art Deco shop. It was certainly my kind of a town. We also got a data card for the iPad, hence the mad rush to blog whilst leaving port…..

• We are on the water again, but this time aboard Le Soleal, a French super yacht cruising around New Zealand. The Internet connection is poor, so there will not be many picture…..The Chefs are ensuring we don’t starve or diet and the open bar with endless Champagne helps !
• Cheers M & H