Good Morning Everybody.
Today we took the 1 hour catamaran ride from Bluff across to Rakioura or Stewart Island as most of you will know it. For you that know your Maori history you will know that the Island had the original name of "Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui"which translates as "The anchor stone of Maui's canoe"It refers to the part played by this island in the legend of Maui and his crew, who from their canoe (South Island) caught and raised the great fish (North Island)
The island is 85% national park and only has 380 residents. We took a tour of the island with Peter our guide who was very interesting and knew so much about the island having lived there for 38 years. We stopped at several places including Lee Bay where the anchor has been placed to mark the start of the park,it also has a big dent in it where one of the locals took a pot shot at it to protest about it being put there!!!!
We made the 1 hour crossing back to Bluff and I am glad to report that Mrs Shaw is gaining her sea legs as no throwing up and it was pretty bumpy!!!!!
Kia Ora M & M