The hotel pool, alledgedly heated to 24 degrees..Fffffreezy

An Ice cream break in Manapouri, before we pick up the first leg of our cruise.

Our deluxe picnic lunch is obtained from sandfly central, (the visitors centre) & we take a 50 minuite jaunt across lake Manapouri.

At the other side , after passing the Hydro electric power station, which we can thank for bringing modern civilzation the this remote area, we board a coach for a further hour.

The coach takes us over the mountain range, via the Wilmot pass.

Then onboard "The Navigator" our floating hotel.

We explore the many vantage points, the vessel is largely driven by its huge propeller, but has the advantage of sails, to aid stability.

The afternoon once again granted us some unexpected sunshine.

The nature officer "Hillary" offered many explanations as to the local birds and wildlife we might see.

A choice of Kayaking or a trip aboard the 2 small tenders was offered.

After the safety briefing, Ian was out on the water with guests & guides.

A gentle 45 minute paddle downstream, resulted in some wet trousers.

The weather was kind, the rain held off.
We watched as the tenders were winched aboard & secured, by a team consisting mostly of girls.

The day was punctuated by snacks & soup. Dinner was served at 7.30, delayed slightly by the spotting of a crested penguin on the bank, the food was fresh tasty & plentiful.
We shared our table with a Boston couple, Dale & his wife, they enjoyed our tales of adventures in the USA.

After dinner & wine, Hillary gave a presentation on the history of the region & Lt James cook who stumbled on the cove in 1769, He returned as Captain Cook later & continued mapping the region.

Time for bed in our tiny cabin, hoping our chinese neighbours shut up soon!

Love to all , goodnight reader..no internet, so there will no doubt be a delay in publishing xx