Lots of go today. Watched the clever manoeuvring once again of docking. The ship turned 180 degrees, reversed into our spot and then sideways to meet the dock without feeling it at all.

Had some breakfast and then left the ship about 9 (in the rain!!!!) to wander into Port Chalmers. Very nicely, just across the main road, there was an indoor market place full of home-made crafts and related items. Some amazing and beautiful stuff.

Came back to the ship as it was still raining and I had a 11.15 meet (originally at 9 am) for a tour. Well, we waited and waited (in the rain). Apparently because the train (for another tour) ‘parks’ in front of the bus parking area, the bus can’t get out until the train leaves, which meant they ran late, and so my bus was delayed 35 minutes.

I did a wildlife cruise in Otago Harbour which was great. Lots of cormorants and gulls, terns and swans, little blue penguins kept popping up for a look (they have all been microchipped), NZ fur seals and albatrosses on the headland. Saw 2 different albatrosses, a close-up of white-capped ones, and the royal at a distance as they were sitting on nests. It did finally stop raining, but it was still very grey.

Then back to the ship to collect Mum for a bus trip into Dunedin. Sadly, because I had been delayed so much we caught the last bus out of the port (the only passengers and we got a free trip) and enjoyed the 25 minute trip into Dunedin. This bus was also the last one out of Dunedin, so we couldn’t have a look around, but at least we did get into town.

We have been watching the last of the passengers arriving and we should be leaving very soon. And now the sun is shining!!!!!!!!!

This has been our last NZ land day. Tomorrow we cruise Fiordland and the Sounds, then 2 days cruising back to Sydney.