10 December 2024 -New Zealand- North Island – South Island from Wellington to Picton

The alarm went off at 6.15am and we got up and went for a quick breakfast. We were taking the 8.45am ferry from Wellington (North Island) to Picton (South Island) on the Interislander ferry. We had to be at the ferry port at least an hour before sailing as they took bags off as if you were flying and put them in the hold. We had quite a bit of luggage as we had all the wine I had bought and food from Waiheke and books etc. Our main bags were too overloaded as they were only allowed to be 23 kg each. We had to buy a small bag from them and put the excess in this small bag. In addition to this Jules had a walk on bag and I had my rucksack with all my electrical equipment etc and a large shopping bag full of wine and food etc.

We managed to get the 3 check in bags on and sat down on the lounge and hoped they would not be difficult if you had more than one walk on bag. It was not long before we were called and we were not stopped so we managed to get our luggage on. We then got into the premium lounge and found a good seat. We could look over the starboard side. It was a most beautiful calm day and we left on time and meandered our way out of Wellington and toward the end of the North Island and entered the Cook Strait. The end of the North Island was quite rocky.

We could already see South Island and headed toward it. We wondered why it took 3.5 hours but we were not going that fast. Even though it was very calm there was still quite a lot of wind but it was from the North. When it is from the South it whistles through the strait between the islands.

I went on deck a number of times and took pictures and today’s picture is looking over to South Island. However, once you reach South Island you have to work your way through the Marlborough Sounds to get to Picton. It meant going through some deep ravines and inlets and 1.5 hours of the journey is going through the sounds.

We had refreshments and enjoyed the trip on the way although the Americans in front of us were quite loud. We arrived on time (12.15pm) and had to walk quite a long way with our heavy bags to the building where we could collect our check in bags. There were trolleys which was good and I left Jules with the luggage whilst I went to the car hire place. We were not due to get our car until 4.00pm but they let me have it early as long as I returned it earlier on the return date which we can do.

We loaded up the car and set off toward Blenheim which was about 25 minutes away. We were quickly into some hilly and mountainous countryside and it seemed more deeply forested. Blenheim was quite a large town on the flat and as we could not get our accommodation until 3.00pm we went into town and found a café for lunch. We then went to the supermarket to get a few things and then headed west from Blenheim toward Misty River, our Airbnb accommodation which was near the sea and the Wairau River.

This whole area is part of the Marlborough Wine region and there are four valleys of Marlborough. They are Wairau- Blenheim, Renwick and Waihopai,  Te Hoiere Pelorus Valley-Kebepuru Sound and Havelock, Queen Charlotte- Picton and around and Awatere- Seddon, Ward and Southern Marlborough.

We had seen a few vineyards as we approached Blenheim but as we drove west out of the town there were large and many  vineyards. They grow Sauvignon Blanc here and it is top class. We drove for about 4 miles through non-stop vineyards until we found our self-catering accommodation on a small farm on the edge of the river and very close to the sea. The place was small but nicely done and was surrounded by trees and birds with loud birdsong.

They have Alpacas here as well as sheep and pigs and hens. The owner had left us some fresh hens’ eggs which were different colours as that is what happens with the type of hen. The owner came round to say hello and explained a lot to us. Once she had gone we took the feed left for us to feed the Alpacas of which we found 3 females and a greedy sheep called Billy. They enjoyed the company and the food. We had a good wander around and then had a cup of tea and unpacked.

We chilled and read for a bit and then had a drink and read about the area. We then made a pasta pesto supper with salad and broccoli and listened to the birdsong. It will probably go on all night and we will not doubt be woken by the light and the dawn chorus. We had some white wine from the Marsden Estate (Bay of Islands Area) I had bought – the Pinot Gris which was nice and a Waiheke Red with the food.  

We look forward to exploring more of the area tomorrow.

Opportunity Year Two

In year two I will be going from New Zealand in early January 2025 across to Sydney and up the Eastern Australian Coast, Indonesia and then through Bali, Singapore and on to Thailand to end year two about the end of November 2025. I will need some more crew.

If there is any interest do email me at  hine.nick9@gmail.com  

The blog will continue as we continue the journey. If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog then do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com