Day 28 – At sea on the way to Sydney, Australia
We had a wonderful day yesterday at Stewart Island, New Zealand.  Took the tender into town and from there took a van to a trailhead and a guided costal walk in the rain forest. As we were in the farthest south island of New Zealand, (think far north in the US) even though it was “summer time” it was a little chilly.  Had a brief, 5- minute sprinkle, and then fairly nice weather for the walk.  Heard and saw many island birds as we walked through the forest dominated by vines, shrubs, flowers and beautiful trees.  Walked the well-maintained trail to Ackers point lighthouse. On the van ride back to town, Ingrid and I got dropped off about half way back and walked the rest of the way along the coast to our pickup point for the tender back to the Pacific Princess.  Acker’s point is named after Mr. Acker who built a stone house there in 1836 which still exists.  He raised his family of 9 children there, but sadly was booted out when the land was bought in 1864 by the Crown. The charm and beauty of New Zealand make both Ingrid and I want to return. So far we have many return trips “planned” and we are only 28 days into the cruise. Ingrid really misses all the pressure and stress and can hardly wait for the next PMR! (NOT ☺)

Grey warbler.

Lewis Acker's story.

View of our ship from the beach right by the Acker's stone house.


Albatross



Family on the way to catch dinner!




Tui singing for our group.

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