Majestic Princess, Friday 1 February, Akaroa NZ

We're tendering today, our only tender port. Akaroa is a small town with a French feel to it unfortunately we didn't have any time to explore as we had a bus to catch to Christchurch!

The bus was dropping us in Christchurch and then collecting us again about 4 hours later to bring us back to Akaroa and the Majestic P. I originally had booked the later leaving bus but we were early and were able to catch the hour earlier one which meant more time in Christchurch. Mum had thought this would also get us back an hour earlier meaning we weren't cutting it so fine with the last tender but we still returned the same time. This did worry mum a lot as the last tender was 5pm and we were scheduled back at 4.30pm. Spoiler we made it with about 15 mins to spare but there were quite a few buses who also arrived around the same time so I'm sure the tenders ran a bit after 5pm.

After a hearty breakfast we made our way down to one of the restaurants to get out tender ticket and then waited 5 or so minutes before we were called. The tendering process was pretty good, not as well set out as the Ovation but still seemed to go ok. Mum and I spotted a few people sitting on the top of the tender so decided, if we could, we'd do the same. Normally you're crammed inside and it can get a bit stuffy so sitting on the top, especially when it was a lovely morning, was a great idea. The tender trip took about 15 mins and was relatively calm and was awesome being on the top of the tender. Dad had wondered where we'd got to but knew we must have been on there somewhere!

After getting of the tender we went looking for the tour company I'd book our bus transfer through to see if we could change to the earlier bus. Not a problem at all. They were easy to find amongst all the tour operators and were lovely in changing us over. So with this change, instead of having an hour before our bus we only had about 10 minutes. Not enough time to see any of Akaroa which just means we may just have to come back. It did look like a sweet little town.

Once the bus arrived we all jumped on board, there were a few people that made sure they were first on to grab the front seats, they did the exact same thing on the way back. A bit pushy. The driver was great and chatted most of the way, letting us no about different places we were passing and some history, nothing of which I can remember now! The only problem I had with the bus was that the first 30 minutes was very windy and I'm not great with bus or car travel. Luckily I'd been taking sea sickness pills so that did help a bit but I also took a travelcalm when we had a 'wee' break stop.

The bus dropped us off out the front of the Christchurch museum which was very central to most places. I had also organised tickets for the HoHo tram so we could get a nice overview of Christchurch as I didn't think we'd have time to be able to walk all around it and see everything.

We walked along the Avon River and then to Cathedral Square to see how they were going with the renovations and repair work since the earthquake. Very sad to see the cathedral like it was. They were working on it but it's going to take along time and a lot of money. There is still a lot of evidence of the earthquake and a lot of rebuilding going on but there has also been a lot of work done and Christchurch was looking quite vibrant and bussling.

This was built to honour all of the people who lost their lives in the earthquake

We jumped aboard one of the HoHo trams and did pretty much a full circuit. They're quite a popular mode of transport. The driver also acts as a tour guide and talks the whole circuit, talking about various buildings, how the earthquake has changed things and the history of Christchurch. Again, I've forgotten most of this!

Christchurch Cathedral

The time went so fast, we definitely needed longer but that's what you get when you're on a cruise. A whistle stop tour of each port. It was fabulous seeing Christchurch again, the last time I was there was in 2001 with my beautiful nan. I'm so glad that things are getting done, if a bit slowly but it also shows how much will never be the same. A large area of Christchurch can never be built on again and this was home to thousands of people. New suburbs have been built but I'm sure a lot of people never returned after the devastating earthquake.

Our HoHo tram

Cardboard Cathedral - this is taking the job of the Christchurch Cathedral until it's repaired

After we made a stop in the local Countdown supermarket to grab a few nibbles and wine (of course) we worked out how to get back to where the bus was picking us up from and made it back in time to miss a small shower of rain.

The trip back was uneventful although we did have to wait for a few stragglers, two of which we left without otherwise we would certainly have missed the tender. It's amazing how lardydaa people are about being late, they don't care although I'm sure they would if we got back and the ship had left!

The trip back was just as windy at the end but I survived! Once we got to Akaroa and got out of the bus we realised how cold it had gotten. Brrrrrr, no top of the tender on the way back to the ship that's for sure. We did hear, once we were back on the ship that part way through the afternoon they had to stop the tendering due to strong freezing winds. We missed it all, thankfully and had a wonderful day in Christchurch.

We sat out on our balcony for the sailaway, with our blankies as it was nippy, and then moved inside as it was a bit too cold to be outside.

Can't have dinner without a bread roll!

Dinner was in the buffet again and again it was delicious!