Finally I have some time to post a little. Been a great trip. We started in Queenstown and had such a fantastic three days. Filled in every minute and had many great meals. We stopped at the Shotover river and Cindy, David and Mary Elaine took the jet boat ride. It was a strange day it was sunny, then windy, the rain, then sun again. Just as they started to board strong gusts of winds swept down the river and they had to wait and the boats got backed up. Finally off the went and the sun was out and it was perfect. However since the boats were backed up they had about a 35 minute ride instead of about 10 minutes, which was great. I love those boats. Just as they docked another gust of strong wind and then some pretty heavy rain. It was so strange. Perfect while their boat ride lasted and terrible before and right after they arrrived back. I guess a "window of opportunity"

June my sister was along and acted as our Queenstown expert. As the time progressed I just really wanted our reunion to continue. So at the last minute I contacted Regent and we were able to get her booked on the trip. This was not easy at the final hour but Clay got it all handled for us. So when we arrived back in Auckland she had about four hours to make all the arrangements to be gone for two weeks and pack and get back to the ship.

Been so wonderful to have her along. We have a lovely group of people and we are enjoying some wonderful weather. Auckland was perfect and our day in Tauranga we had one of June's friends aboard for lunch and then went to her home. A stunning home with a beautiful view of the beach right off the large patio.

Today we are in Napier and did the Gannet Colony. Six of us went together and the day was perfect. This tour has changed since our last trip and was better than ever. You are within a few feet of the gannets and they are beautiful birds.

We just finished dinner at Sette Mare. I LOVE the appetizers they have and could make a meal out of them alone. I had a steak tonight and it was perfectly cooked and fantastic.

So all is well with the Aussies just incredibly busy since we first arrived in Auckland. Sorry no one has posted yet we need a good poster like so many of you out there.

For the next three days we are incredibly busy with tours but perhaps on the sea days Ken can post some pictures.