Day 4 Wellington, North Island, NZ

Condensed Version:

We arrived in windy Wellington, and it certainly lived up to its name. Although the temperature was officially 17 degrees, the wind chill made it feel much colder, but it didn’t matter too much as most of our Storm Coast tour was spent on the coach.

We set off at 9.45, driving around Wellington Bay through Petone and Hidden Lakes to Pencarrow Station, passing the twin lighthouses at the bay’s entrance. Our skilled driver negotiated the steep climb to the homestead, where we were welcomed by our host, John, his partner and their young daughter. After a lovely morning tea, John gave a talk followed by an entertaining sheep dog muster and shearing demonstration.

We returned to the ship around 2pm. With intermittent showers in Wellington, we skipped the shuttle into town and opted instead for a warm, cosy afternoon on board. A late lunch left us too full for dinner, and an acupuncture appointment in the early evening rounded out a very relaxed day. 

Full Version.

We have arrived at windy Wellington and it really lived up to its name today.  The official temperature said 17 degrees but with the wind chill factor it was about 10 degrees.  However, it didn't worry us too much as most of our tour today - The Storm Coast, was sitting inside a bus coach.

It was 9.45 when we were all finally aboard our bus, one of three, and set off around the still waters of Wellington Bay towards our destination, Pincarrow Station.  It takes over an hour to drive the storm coast and we pass through the small township of Petone and Hidden Lakes.  We come to a hill at the entrance to Wellington Bay where two lighthouses are situated.  It is not far from here that we come to Pincarrow Station.

Our bus drivers do a brilliant job of negotiating the steep climb up the hill to the main homestead where we are met by our Host, John and his partner and cute little daughter.  We are directed towards the restaurant where a delicious morning tea awaits us.  John gives a small talk while we are eating and once we are finished we are asked to head outside for a sheep dog muster display and also a shearing demonstration by John.

It is a great morning and one we are all too familiar with.  At around 12.30 our buses arrive to collect us and to take us back around the bay to our waiting ship.  We had intentions to take the shuttle into the town area but intermittent showers are crossing Wellington so we decide unanimously to head back on board our warm and cosy ship to have a bite of lunch and vegetate for the rest of the day.  

No dinner for us as lunch wasn't until 2pm and we have very full bellies.  I have another acupuncture appointment at 5.30 and that will make me feel very relaxed and drowsy.