Aye Aye Captain !

This morning we left Christchurch and travelled to Banks Peninsula which is the remnant of volcanic activity which formed the harbours of Akaroa and Lyttelton. We are perched high on a superb site overlooking Akaroa Harbour - splendid views , calm sea and blue sky - about 23degrees ! Went sailing on a 42ft wooden yacht - of the same design that won the Sydney to Hobart race several times. We were encouraged to take it in turns to skipper - a very serious affair as you can see ! We had a fabulous history lesson from the owner telling us lots about the lifetime of Akaroa and the surrounding area - particularly how the English beat the French by 2 days to claim sovereignty in 1840. We were lucky enough to spot a Hector dolphin swimming with her calf - they are an endangered species and only found on the east coast of South Island. We also saw a blue penguin - most have returned to the sea by now, and also fur seals basking on the rocks. This is such a lovely place we are going to stay another night.