One thing Wellington does have which in my opinion is well worth the visit, is a protected wildlife sanctuary. My brother and I spent a good few hours on their night tour listening to Kiwis calling and watching glow worms glow.
But the main reason we are here is to catch the ferry across the Cook Straight into the Marlbourough sounds and onto the South Island.
our ferry
This is the highlight of the trip so far – never having crossed anything on a ferry before, let alone with a van.
Cars on the ferry
This was exciting until, while sleeping in the drivers seat of the van, at 02h00 we hear the ferry is delayed by yet another hour. Somehow the humour went out of the situation… However once we started boarding they worked like clockwork and packed us on tighter than sardines in a can – it was an amazing experience.
We then spent a relaxing three hours in the lounge and were able to see the sounds as we entered: -
Entering Marlborough Sounds
- and the very little town of Picton.
Picton Village
This is the first town anyone sees as they reach the South Island.
We didn’t find much to see or do here, and we didn’t stay long.
From here we crossed to the West Coast and travelled all the way down South.
Stay tuned for the next installment…