Retired navy officer Robert Williams, his partner Katherine Jenkins, and their cat Oli, sailed into Dunedin last week to spend Christmas in the city.
The trio arrived in New Zealand on their yacht Sylph VI from Australia on January 15, with plans to sail around the country for at least a year.
They had since sailed about 2000km, heading south from the top of the country.
Stewart Island was their main destination, but the weather meant a stop in Dunedin along the way was necessary.
They had planned to spend a humble Christmas in their yacht decorated with Christmas lights, eating salted nuts and chocolate Ms Jenkins had stashed away.
There would also be a traditional Christmas dinner on board.
Mr Williams said they were set to sail to Stewart Island over the weekend.
"I like to set up sailing challenges and goals for myself but Stewart Island has always been our main goal."
Mr Williams described the yacht as an "awesome, beautiful machine" and said it had been a joy to sail.
"Most of the time she takes care of us. She is not like the modern boats, she’s quite heavy so if the wind picks up she’s very forgiving and she remains calm."
Ms Jenkins said Oli was part of their team, so she could not leave him behind in Australia.
He did occasionally get sea sick, but was otherwise fine with his nautical lifestyle.
Mr Williams had sailed the boat around the world, including Argentina, Chile and Hawaii.
Sylph VI, which turned 60 years old this year, was designed by well-known Australian naval architect Allan Payne.
