Return to Wellington

Wednesday 24th November – As we approach our ferry journey back to North Island tomorrow having driven 4,500 km in South Island we are already talking about ‘when we come back’!
Already just a stone’s throw from Picton (the ferry port) we went into Richmond to explore, though that did not take long it has to be said. We then headed towards the Nelson Lakes National Park, through Brightwater and Wakefield before turning into the lanes to cut across the southern end of Mount Richmond Forest Park (beautiful cycling lanes!) before rejoining the main highway (though still like a UK ‘B’ road) to Glenhope and Kawatiri before swinging left at Gowan Bridge to Lake Rotoroa. Just before the lake we were surprised to find a small backpackers lodge advertising ‘Devonshire Teas and Coffees’, so in we went for coffee, enjoying this in beautiful sunshine in the courtyard chatting to one of the owners who had emigrated from Plymouth 40 years ago....

It was then a short trip to the beautiful Lake Rotoroa where we enjoyed a ‘country walk’ and the accompanying views of the lake.

We then retraced our route back to Kawatiri, this time turning east picking up the Buller River to Saint Arnaud and Lake Rotoiti (another beautiful lake!) where we had lunch and were joined by a group of sparrows and a few ducks all scrounging for crumbs.

We then headed north-east towards Blenheim finding the straightest road to date on South Island! With mountains both sides and the road following the path of the Wairau River it was a pleasant journey and we were soon in Blenhein where we had a mini-tour of the town with its very pleasant river frontage and a good collection of shops.

Out of Blenheim we took a nice little short cut which again turned into a twisty and unsealed road cutting through the hills before joining Highway 6 to Havelock where one of us indulged in iced coffee (here it is 95% ice cream!), both shared some strudel, and the non-iced coffee person had coffee. The diet will start soon! (Guessing games allowed!)

We then picked up Queen Charlotte Drive , admiring the views across the bays.

Along this road we came to Linkwater where we were due to camp at Smiths Farm Holiday Park. On arrival we were advised of the animals which included ducks, sheep, a goat, steers and heifers. We were also told of the walk to the waterfall which included a section where glow worms could be seen after dusk.

So, our lazy evening plans were changed! A cup of tea then off for a daylight walk to see the waterfall and check out the walkway for later.

We were somewhat delayed on this walk as the heifers were incredibly sociable.

And this chap was evading becoming beef by refusing to let his horns be removed!

Then it was dinner before a return trip up the rather tricky walkway in the fading light to be in place for the glow worms. We then had the most fantastic walk back, punctuated by stops to look at the masses of glow worms – amazing!

A late night.... but well worth it and we both slept like logs.

Thursday we had a leisurely start and completed our journey along the Queen Charlotte Drive, dipping in and out of the bays and enjoying incredible views of Queen Charlotte Sound. We arrived in Picton late morning and wandered around the town centre before having fish and chips for lunch....

It was then on to the ferry for another smooth crossing. We had sailed out on the Interislander but our return was with Bluebridge (part of the campervan deal). The Bluebridge boats give the appearance of being more commercial transport oriented and the same external viewing that we enjoyed on the outward bound journey was not available; however there was some outside viewing and Mark took advantage of that for some of the crossing.

Our timing was impeccable in Wellington as we were perfectly timed for joining the rush hour! Once we escaped the main city though the traffic rapidly thinned and with just one diversion (=error!) we found our way back to my Auntie’s place where it was rather like returning home!

We now have a chill out day on Friday and then the weekend here before we move on to explore North Island – off to Kapiti Island (a predator free wild life sanctuary) on Saturday with Heather (my auntie) and Denis and on Sunday I don’t think we have anything planned yet....