Day 52 Dunedin, New Zealand

Today was a nice day to get out and about to see a bit of the New Zealand coast and countryside. It was pretty cool (cold….) amd overcast as we sailed into Port Chalmers, the port for Dunedin (at least big ships). My tour was at 8:45 to explore a bit of the coast. The stop at Shag Point for seals was pretty nice and out stop at the Moeraki Boulders was interesting. Luch was faboulous and the countryside around Dunedin spectacular. We were lucky enough to avoid the rain and the weather inproved as the day went on. We had a stop in Dunedin for a tour and an hour on our own. It turned out to be a nice day. The sail out was great, very sunny which made for some nice photos. Tomorrow we arrive into Christchurch very early and I will be going on a private tour. As best as I can figure, here is a summary of what I will be doing…. On arrival at the Port of Lyttleton, Christchurch you will be met by your Guide and board your transport for your Tour. Your Guide will brief you on the day’s events and safety procedures, before embarking on this unique trail.
Firstly, leaving the Port of Lyttleton we make our way past the City of Christchurch heading toward the 'Cashmere hills' and arriving at 'The sign of the Takahe' - look-out. Here you will see unsurpassed views of Christchurch, Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps.
Thereafter we make our way to the ‘Maori Village' where you will be greeted with a ‘powerful challenge’ by a ‘fearsome warrior’. You will come face to face with the South Islands premier 'Maori cultural experience' and be entertained through song and dance by these noble people. There is an opportunity for the men to learn and participate in the famous ‘Haka’ - Maori war dance, performed nowadays by New Zealand's premier Rugby sports team the 'All Blacks'
Your next activity will be on water. Enjoy the locals up close and personal with ‘kiwi hospitality’ and paddle a Maori ‘war canoe’ in the historic ‘hunting grounds’ of Christchurch. Our story tellers will teach you the art of paddling a 'waka', the meaning and usages of waka, and the importance the waka played in the earliest interactions between European settlers and ‘Ngai Tahu' - South Island Maori tribe. Included in this excursion we will teach you how to weave with natural flax, swing the 'poi - ball', a manoeuvre used by Maori to increase flexibility and strength in their hands and arms as well as improving coordination. The 'Wahine' (females) also enhanced this practise in the form of a dance with balls attached to flax strings, swung rhythmically.
A 'Barbecue lunch' will be enjoyed before moving to the next activity, a visit to a 'Wild-life' sanctuary, with the main highlight bringing you within millimeters of our National icon, the ‘Kiwi Bird’. See this bird in its most ‘natural surrounding’ up close without glass and concrete to spoil the view. We promise, you will not be disappointed. Your day is about to come to an end, but first a stop in the City for some sightseeing or shopping is scheduled before arriving back at the Port of Lyttleton concluding your visit to Christchurch.