Oban, Southland, New Zealand
Oban (Halfmoon Bay). New Zealand has a third island that hangs beneath the South Island and is just about the last inhabited place before Antarctica. The island itself is only about 4% in inhabited and that is its attraction. It is an unspoiled piece of primeval New Zealand. Oban is a very small town, about 800 people. The phone book is printed on a single sheet of A4 paper.
Today was our first day off the ship for 6 days. We really enjoyed our 6 days at sea, we have met some really nice people on board. The staff are very kind and we have 600 passengers on the ship with 420 crew. Nothing is ever a problem.
Such a small world we met some old Westpac staff, including the old CEO (Frank Conroy) during part of Mark's time at Westpac.
We tendered over to Oban this morning and visited this little fishing village, it was a cool 14 degrees. The people were very friendly and they embraced the cruise ship visits. The local pub had lager (Mark was wrapped) and a cruise menu for lunch. We enjoyed some local fish and seafood chowder. We strolled around the shops and then walked up to the lookout to view the bay. This is a big backpacker destination with 1 of 9 of the best walks in New Zealand, on a small little island nearby called Ulva Island. We were chatting to one of the local shop owners and she said the whole summer they have only averaged 12 degrees (glad where not here in Winter). Next stop Dunedin.
2025-02-14