Twinny, as he is known to his friends - a nickname derived from the meaning of the TSS at the front of the 104-year-old Earnslaw's name, Twin Screw Steamer - estimates his voyages aboard the vessel equate to 11 circumnavigations of the globe.
What was the best birthday present you ever received, and why?
We went out for dinner to the old Mountaineer in Queenstown on my birthday and by the next morning my son was born - easily the best birthday present ever.
What smell do you find irresistible?
Well, it's not the stuff I use to polish the brass on the Earnslaw, that's for sure! It's funny, I can't really think of a particular smell I'd rave about. It's the mountain views here, and in someparts of Fiordland, that I find irresistible.
What is your least favourite thing about humanity?
Even after all the lessons that should have been learned in the past century, some people still have to grow up without knowing peace and security. I always think we're so lucky living here.
What is one strong childhood memory?
Spending the school holidays with my parents on my father's fishing boat on Stewart Island. The kids would all potter in a dinghy around the islands and inlets - very happy memories. I've often wondered where his boat, The Seagold, has ended up.
What is your message?
No matter what you do in life, you're only here a short period of time so make the most of what you have while you can because time waits for no-one.
