After a night in Queenstown and dinner with old cricketing friend Russell Mawhinney, the Old Pharts set off for Te Anau. The plan was a round of golf at the very picturesque Te Anau golf course, followed the next day by a Doubtful Sound day cruise.
The golf course was in excellent condition, with scenic views from almost every hole.
That evening, we dined at the Thai Anau restaurant. Excellent food, reasonably priced and attentive service. It ticked all the boxes.
The next morning it was a twenty minute drive to Manapouri Village, for a day cruising expedition. This was a cruise on Doubtful Sound with the tour company “Real Journeys”.
There were 65 passengers on the trip, with most being Kiwis. Generally the percentage of NZers on such trips are low, but such is the effect of COVID.
Access to Doubtful Sound is a boat trip across Lake Manapouri to West Arm, alongside the power station. Then a 22 km Coach ride on the Wilmot Pass road to Deep Cove, at the beginning of the Sound. This road was purpose built to aid in the construction of Manapouri power station. It has the honour of being NZs most expensive road .. $2 per centimetre!
An excellent day. Perfect weather with dolphins, seals and whales (fleetingly) all sighted in the Sound.
By coincidence, Sue’s friend Debra East and her son Mitch were in Te Anau, so the four of us dined at Redcliff restaurant. This has the reputation as the best restaurant in Te Anau, and we were all most impressed!
The next morning was an early start to be at the Invercargill golf club by 11.00am.