It’s been a wonderful tour, although in many ways not exactly what we expected.

We thought we’d get more train time, especially given the marketing logo showing a train, although given the vast distances and sparse population of the South Island we should have known better. There were so many “extras” available to us because we were in a coach on the island’s winding roads that it’s hard to complain.

We expected to be wowed by Milford Sound and Mount Cook – and we were – but we didn’t expect so many wonderful smaller towns, and to learn so much about life here. Kudos to our guides, Mike and Trevor, for sharing not just a “script”, but their personal experiences and knowledge. Their expertise, guidance, patience, and senses of humour made the tour extra memorable.

We expected magnificent scenery, but were actually overwhelmed at times by the beauty of the fiordland, the mountains, the teal and turquoise braided rivers, the podocarp forests, and the sheer “green” of the island.

We were initially concerned that daily hotel buffet dinners would be repetitive and/or bland, but we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and choices – and the barbecue lunch buffet that was the culmination of the steamboat journey to Walter Peak was exceptional.

And who knew that in New Zealand lollies (candies) are a mainstay of dessert buffets? Ted was in sugary heaven!

We were impressed by the hotel accommodation arranged at each stop, especially the Distinction chain. Even when hotels were (very slightly) less impressive, it was clear that we were in the best that each small township had to offer.

We loved the mix of interesting, engaged, friendly, and considerate passengers from Australia and the US, although we were – as is so often the case – the only Canadians. A group of 40 could have been daunting, but never felt unmanageable. Plus, everyone was prompt for every meeting time!

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We also really appreciated the clear communication and ability to pivot that Pounamu Tours (https://www.pounamutourismgroup.com/) demonstrated.

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The itinerary listed two airport transfers from the Rydges Hotel to Wellington Airport – departing from the hotel at 11:45 p.m. and another transfer departing at 1:45 p.m., but we’re not leaving, so we slept in and held onto our museum tickets to use tomorrow instead.

The single day we spent in Wellington last February 1st (Episode 609) on our world cruise, was just enough to make us want to stay longer, so we booked 10 days in the Gilmer Aparthotel, from where we’ll be able to do a leisurely exploration of the city – and complete part two of our Wētā Workshop experience – before boarding yet another iconic New Zealand train that will return us to Auckland.