The Captain started the engines around 6 am, followed by the raising of the anchor, a very loud grindy process.

After packing up our stuff, we head onto deck for some stunning dawn views.

A whole bunch of Crested Penguins came out to play, preening and frolicking in this pool.

A large pod of Dolphins was spotted near another cruise boat, we chased after them & they came to give us a delightful show.
The dolphins enjoyed playing in our bough waves & swimming alongside the ship for quite a while.

After our breakfast the vessel sailed part way back & into "crooked arm" a tributary of Doubtful sound, to the starboard side of secretary island.. Most folks snoozed on the return journey by coach & further boat.

Ian made a new friend at the Clifden Suspention bridge.

The original bridge was openedin 1899, it was only closed briefly in the early 2000's for repair, but took no cars etc after 1974, as it needed repair.
A new ugly concrete bridge runs parallel upstream.

Riverton was a snack stop, we parked near this funky old train & watched a younger version of Grandad Marriott, approach the beast with tape and a cardboard template of some sort.
After much faffing, the gent passed us, we couldn't resist asking, what he was doing?

Turns out the loco was built on 1902 & driven for 14 years by his grandfather,across their farm. He was planning to add LED lights & a smoke machine, he  hopes to charge visitors " a couple of dollars " to make the loco make smoke.

Stirling point or the New Zealand equivalent of Landsend...Barring the Stuart Island this is the nearly most southerly point. 18,958 kms from London we are reliably informed by this sign.

This diddy lighthouse guards sailors from the treacherous rocks.

In the distance a full sized lighthouse, the 2nd tallest in New Zealand. Having had 35 feet of height, built in local stone, added in the 1900's.

Final stop Bluff Hill lookout, a collection of telephone towers & microwave dishes servicing the area. In the 1860's messages were sent by flags, the radio took over in 1934.

Then back to the "Foveaux Hotel"..as the only diners we enjoyed a filling dinner.

Back to our room for an early night, another busy day tomorrow folks..Sleep well happy reader xxx