Another early start as we drove to Bluff to catch the 9:30 ferry to Stewart Island. We arrived well before departure, so decided to park a little way from the terminal and walk into the township itself.
As soon as we left the shelter of the harbour we felt the force of the sea. This was on a calm day, but still looking out the window at times all you could see was a wave of water.
After landing we explored the bays on the east of the island through a series of walks. This took us 2 & a half hours which led us nicely into a picnic lunch by the harbour.
The afternoon hours on the island were passed by exploring the western bays as much as we could. With the time constraints we could never have explored the whole of the island, except by hiring a car. Something we felt would have spoiled the whole point. Also a large part of the island is a nature reserve, which can be walked by those wishing to stay overnight in the woods.
Our final walk was to Observatory rock, which had a great view. By this stage Alan was suffering having decided against my advice to bring a backpack, a jumper & a coat. I had managed to persuade him not to take the rain jacket as well as the kitchen sink. The fact that it got out to 16 degrees with no wind, made my decision to only bring a t shirt & a camera worth while. Just before boarding the ferry we grabbed an ice cream as is becoming tradition on this trip.
This was a landmark journey, as the ferry trip marked us turning north for the rest of our trip. We had previously been traveling south since we left Newcastle, now we head north to New York City. I still felt it best to grab a nap before the drive to Dunedin.
We set off at 17:00 on a three hour drive that was in complete darkness by 18:00. Luckily shortly after six a BMW X5 came up behind me. I let him through as he could use full beams, (whereas I had to hold the leaver for mine to work), he then became my guide to Dunedin. The journey was commented in 2.5hrs as well which wasn't a bad thing.
Upon arriving at our cottages we were given a very warm welcome by Pam. Despite the fact that we had said we were going to arrive at 14:00, & we had delayed her going about her tasks, she was more than happy to have a chat & give us advice.
The cottage itself was fantastic with a double bed & lounge in one room then two single beds in the other for Alan.
We followed Pam's advice & headed for the Octagon in the city centre for dinner in one of its many bars.
After dinner we headed to two further bars for each half of the state of origin game between New South Wales & Queensland. Despite not being able to name a city in Queensland Alan decide to support them as they had won the last series. I ended up on the losing side after a try that should never have been given was awarded.