Welcome to the South Island! Once more in the little port of Lytteton. We docked in port 10am local time.
Today was an example of what happens when 4000+ passenger cruise ship arrives in port at 10:30am instead 7am. Everyone has had a chance to get up, eat a leisurely breakfast and get off the ship at the same time at 11am. People waited up to 1 hour and half (plus some as we retreated to our cabin for 45 minutes ) to get off ship, as the various buses ferried them to Lytteton or Christchurch. At Lytteton, it is a working port, passengers cannot just walk off the ship but instead shuttled off the port. This process slowed down the whole departure process and causes tempers to flare with some passengers. Hmmm. For us, joining the line at 11:30am and reaching Lytteton drop off at 12:20am.
We took a $4nz dollar trip through the tunnel to the Christchurch gondola centre. Again confronted by a long queue which we joined for 30 minutes before Melissa did the maths that by the time we got a ride, we would need to return to the ship for scheduled 3:45pm North Star ride. So we abandoned the queue and took $10NZ uber ride back to Lytteton for a leisurely lunch in the Main Street followed by a 3pm free bus shuttle service back to the ship. 
A quick refresh, and we headed to our 15minute North Star ride above the ship. Stunning views but is it worth $70USD dollars,… probably not. Fortunately for us, our ride was complimentary as part of our package.
After the ride, we enjoyed an ice cream and cold drink from the bar before retreating to our balcony to watch in comfort the ship’s departure.
Tonight, we dine in the main dinning room 7:30pm as we have a show called the Spectra Cabaret at reserved for 10:30pm. Originally booked for the earlier 8:30pm show but that messed up our dinner choices.
It was very enjoyable with dance, music, singing and techno lights display. The cast could appear almost anywhere using special rising platforms rising out of deck.
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