Mainland visit

Monday 10th
A much nicer day than when we visited Akaroa last year.  We had to be up relatively early as we were to met in the Princess Theatre at 8.20 and from there on to ship's tenders and then to Akaroa.  We had elected to take the ship's transfer to Christchurch, where we had time on our own.

As many will be aware, it is just under 2 hours travel each way and the views were great going into Christchurch.  TV presents a pretty negative aspect in relation to the redevelopment of the city and while there are of course numerous empty sections and stripped buildings, there are also many building projects in full swing.  We were dropped off by the Museum (which BTW is great), where we had a quick coffee etc. as we were being met by our friends Karen & Merv who we met on the Med cruise last year.

I had originally said that we'd love to meet for a coffee, but no, they picked us up, gave us an extensive tour of the city and suburbs before we had lunch at Sumner.  Although there are still many empty houses yet to be moved or demolished in the Red Zone, the biggest impression was the reading.  There were so many roads in the CBD and other where roads are being repaired or otherwise simply closed.  This apparently happens on a random basis and even locals have difficulties traversing the city.

We visited the "Cardboard Cathedral", which is quite remarkable in it's design and construction.  Opposite is the site of the CTV building and adjacent is a section containing 185 empty chairs of all types, all painted white to represent each of the people who died in the earthquake.  Very poignant.   We parked just opposite and down a bit from the cathedral and there was an old building (which I think was a Club), however 15 minutes later when we returned, the last section was being demolished.  Just shows the speed in clearing sites.  However our coach driver on our way back to Akaroa pointed out a pile of rubble, where there was a Church.  This had been demolished by order of the authorities, BUT when the owner drove by and saw this he approached the authorities who said " Oops, wrong Church, Sorry".  However overall and given the complexity of the rebuild, they are doing an excellent job and everyone is most positive.

We got back to Akaroa and on to the ship on what should have been the last tender, but there were stragglers so we were a bit late sailing.  Only a short run down to Port Chalmers, so doesn't really matter.  A great opportunity to use our balcony as the sun was on our side and it was calm and relatively warm - mid/high teens.  Great views out of Akaroa.

Tuesday 11th
Port Chalmers, Dunedin looked great was we sailed in. We reached the Heads about 6.30 and were able to see most of the sail in before breakfast.  Once again an early start as we had decided to do the Taieri Gorge by train.  This is a special train for Princess and departed from the port.  The normal train goes twice a day from Dunedin and left much later than our train.  Our train was about 15/18 carriages of all ages and types. Ours was about 100 years old, but had all the old world charm, a great host and most agreeable fellow passengers.

All in all it was a great trip and the scenery is great/amazing.  From a viewing perspective we felt that it was better than the Rocky Mountaineer train we did earlier this year.  Certainly everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and it was a lovely morning.  The return journey was a little quicker as it was downhill and we didn't have the "compulsory" Markets stop.  What we did notice however was the darkening skies and by the time we reached Dunedin Railway Station it was raining.  The rain later turned torrential for a while, however held off while we disembarked.

Once on board it really bucketed down for a while and I read today that there had been severe thunderstorms in Dunedin - but fortunately Port Chalmers missed!  The dreaded "Captain's announcement" came before dinner.  The seas in the south west of the South Island are forecast at 7metres and therefore we are staying in port overnight and sailing at 6.00 am on Wednesday, thus missing our planned Fiordland scenic cruise.  A bit disappointing, but rough seas ate probably more disappointing.

Wednesday 12th
It looked so perfect this morning when we woke just after we set sail, that it seemed a shame to be missing Fiordland.  However once we were out of the heads we felt the southerly and did our 1 mile before breakfast.  One side was sunny and cold, the other was cold and very cold and very very cold.  Anyway, only 3 times around for our mile.

A bit hard to get a seat in the Atrium as all those who normally frequent the upper decks are seeking a bit of warmth and comfort - don't blame them.  It is just on midday and the sea is a little bumpy as we reach the bottom of the Island.  Vivian has found Bridge this afternoon, so that will be nice.  We are now passing Tiwai Point and I can see the smelter.  Sun is out and sea about 2 metres.  Unfortunately it will rise to 6 metres over the next 24 hours.  Some passengers are fearful, but no worry to us!!  Now that the blog is up to date, I can get back to my book.