Wellington to Pago Pago

Wellington - a very large city probably more like Melbourne than Sydney - Great shops, restaurants & bars - it apparently has more bars & restaurants than New York! 

We wandered through the beautiful botanic gardens

The begonia house was a colourful delight - lots of gardening ideas for Cliffy

Found the highly recommended "Sprig & Fern" hotel. Great english bitter Doug - friendly staff.

Due to Cyclone Pam we had to detour via the west coast of New Zealand.

After a slightly rough night we awoke to a stormy day as we passed over the top of Cyclone Pam - pretty rough but still afloat - Due to the detour we will only visit Pago Pago (our next stop of Apia has been cancelled) so straight to Hawaii - lots & lots of days at sea.

PAGO PAGO - American Samoa

                       (Note the mast sticking up out of the water - sunken boat left to rust)

The humidity was overwhelming - not a great deal to do in town but the people were very friendly. We found a nice place for lunch - Goat Island Cafe - big meals. After lunch found the "Sadie Thompson Inn" for a few bottles of ale - no tap beer & no real internet access but lovely bar staff.