Journey to Middle Earth

31st May 2014

It was an early morning and another chilly start in Wellington as we went to catch the ferry to the South Island.  However we soon warmed up as the journey started more physically than expected, as the battery on the van went flat whilst queuing to board the ferry! After some huffing, puffing and some assistance from a trucker,  she vrroomed away and we set sail. 

Having only sailed from Hull to Bruge and Holyhead to Dublin, this was by far the most scenic ferry journey I've taken so far.   Glittering turquoise waters, lush green mountains cruising through the Marlborough sounds it was like sailing directly on to a postcard. 

Cruising in to the Marlbrough Sounds

Picton is unlike the usual ferry port dumps such as Calais - it has palm trees, neatly attended parks and cafes spilling out onto the streets - a brief visit which was only slightly marred by a poor experience in an overly technologically-advanced public loo.  A robotic voice and some 80's soft rock does little to help when you find yourself back on the street with your hands covered in soap.

Pretty Picton

Leaving Picton  and seeing the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps, my heart skipped a beat and I turned to Rob and smiled.   If this is a taste of what's to come, I think I may fall a little in love with the South Island...