Having got ourselves a great deal at the Invercargill I-Site centre we headed north to Manapouri for an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound, pure indulgence after 3 wks in the Bongo!

We gathered at Lake Manapouri for the first leg of our journey - an hour long boat trip across to the Wilmot Pass.� Here we were greeted by our very informative coach driver Steve, and driven along the country's most expensive road ($2 per cm!!!!)� 45 mins later and we were in Deep Cove and boarding our ship, the Navigator.� We instantly were made to feel at home by the tea and coffee and fresh muffins - I could get used to this!�

We set sail out into the sound - or fjord as we were told it should actually be known - and embarked on the most amazing 24hrs.� For once in my life I was actually glad of the truly awful weather - grey and torrential rain - as the place literally comes alive.� A mere 30mins from the start of any rainfall and suddenly there are waterfalls gushing down from every angle.� Nothing can really convey this effectively as it is one of those "seen to be believed" things, all I can say is that it is simply breathtaking and stunning - and even I was willing it to continue raining!!! �

We had further commentary of the area and it's history - the sound was carved out by the melting glaciers of the ice age - as well as it's many trees, ferns and inhabitants.� Once more the time of year was against us and the seals were away mating and the penguins out fishing!� However we got a brief glance at a pod of bottle nosed dolphins, who under normal circumstances swim up and around the boat, but this time were too busy fishing!!! �

Just before dusk we tied up and were told that the "activities" would commence.� Hmm, it's still throwing it down, blowing a gale and getting darker by the minute - why would we get off the boat?� As I'm sure you can imagine, we did. Not quite braving the sea kayaks, but cruising out in one of their tinder crafts.� After getting ourselves completely soaked we returned to the boat for a hot shower and a feast! ��

We awoke early morning to make the most of our final hours of the cruise.� We were taken into yet another arm of the sound where on a good day you can get amazing reflections on the water - today was definitely not one of them, and judging by the consistent rainfall it's not at all surprising to know that they average 7m a year!!!!!� We sailed back to Deep Cove and begrudgingly left behind our life of luxury. � � �