NELSON TO PICTON/FERRY BACK TO WELLINGTON/PLANE TO N.P.

I thought I had already posted this information, but I don't see it on the blog archive, so apologies if I am repeating this info.

We decided to head to Picton for one night because that is where we have to catch the ferry to Wellington, then plane home - to New Plymouth.  This was Brian's idea and a good one because if we had had to get to the ferry by 10:30 a.m. from Nelson, we would have had to get up before the crack of dawn.  So he has booked us another backpackers - the sister to Tasman Bay B/Packers called "Sequoia"  (they also serve pudding and ice cream......)

We are able to enjoy the drive to Picton X10 because we have the whole day ahead of us and there is so much to see.  Once again, the forests are lush and the vineyards are magnificent.  (I need a thesaurus) because I just can't conjure up enough adjectives for this experience.  I guess that's where pictures are helpful.  We stop every 15 minutes to take pictures, have a pee, have lunch at a little mall type place just off the road, with wool shop, wine tasting, deli, fudge tasting (fudge and wine tasting together?....mmmmmmm) We have lunch from the deli and take it out onto the picnic table - a scenic spot complete with "Canadian" mallards.  I decide on the Chowder and baguette slices, however, once again (this will be the third time now) 'people' (that I travel with, the same) are taking my bread and feeding it to the ducks!   I believe they are trying to set up another seagull/pigeon experience and then take pictures of it at my expense.  The Chowder was ex-large and the bread would have been nice with it........     The winery is "Bouldevines" and some of the nicest I have ever tasted.  Doubt if there is any in Canada, can't even find it in NZ anywhere. 

We arrive at Backpackers.  The weather has turned cool and windy (awwww....) Emily and Leon head for the hot tub and Brian joins them.  I am the photographer.  Not getting into a bathing suit because I will have to get out of the tub and be cold and the tub is not hot enough for me.
Speaking of hot, we decide on the local curry restaurant for dinner and Brian gets the 'Vindaloo' - not mild or medium - HOT.  I get Rogan Josh, Emily and Leon get Vegetarian.  They forgot to put in the Naan bread (yay, no bread for the local birds)  We do get Samosas though and I burn the inside of my mouth because they're so hot. (it literally flies out of my mouth, and there are no birds to catch it.  How embarassing.)  
Sequoia B/packers is in a beautiful spot with the actual tree right across the way in the park.  None of us are sure if this is an actual Sequoia, or a NZ type, but it's huge. 

Brian and I have an actual 'ensuite' room here with bathroom.  Luxury. 
I have been having the most amazing sleeps here in NZ.  I think it's because there is no B.O.B.  (Boxer on bed)

Following day is once again warm and sunny.  Ferry ride to Wellington is glorious.  We have stocked up on snacks at Picton and don't have to pay ferry prices, so the snacking is first rate and cheap(er). 

From ferry we shuttle straight to the airport even though we have over 3 hours to kill, because we have all our luggage.  The airport is clean and beautiful, so we shop (and eat)  Been doing a lot of that, eating.  There is NO SECURITY before we board the plane.  If I would have only known that........
Flight is 35 minutes complete with a glass of water and a candy. The flights were called 'grab-a-seat' so are fairly reasonable with $10 or $20 extra for our two pieces of luggage. 

Ahhhh, it's good to get home, and the kitties (Chuck and Meisha) are happy to see Mum and Dad (Emily and Leon).  There is a patch of kitty fur on their bed, where the two of them have kept each other company in their absence. Poor little babies. 

Cloudy Bay

 

So Innocent

 

Picnic spot

 

Cheers!

 

Sequoia?

 

Ferry

 

Ferry through 'Marlborough Sound'

 

Marlborough Sounds