Nelson, South Island, NZ

After packing up and having coffee and more lamingtons for breakfast, we drove up Mt Victoria overlook for a bird's eye view of Wellington before dropping off our rental car right next to the Interislander ferry terminal. We took the 10:25 am ferry to Picton, and the waters were surprisingly choppy. Corey had taken Dramamine before boarding the ferry, but Denise did not in case Corey was too sleepy to drive after arriving in Picton. The boat rocked so much that when you stood up, and tried to walk, you ended up weaving in a zigzag line. Denise quickly returned to her seat clutching the handrails for support. It was a 3 hour-long ferry ride, which was rather luxurious with a cafe, food court, and cinema on board! The ride through through the Malborough Sounds were so beautiful!

We docked and picked up our second rental car, also right at the ferry terminal, this time a Toyota Corolla. The gas pedal and brakes were much less sensitive than in the Ford Focus, but this car had the windshield wipers and turn signals switched, so Corey kept inadvertently turning on the windshield wipers for the next couple of days. We tried to get fish and chips for lunch in Picton, but it was closed, so went to a Danish bakery that was open and picked up meat pies and a custard slice- delicious!

We drove the very scenic Queen Charlotte Drive, which was beautiful, but very windy and Denise was already a bit sick after the ferry ride. We passed by numerous lovely valleys and tree-topped mountains on the way to Nelson. Corey collapsed on the bed after we arrived at the Accents on the Park backpackers in Nelson, and after he napped, we ate dinner at another Thai restaurant. We bought more breakfast and picnic lunch supplies at another grocery store chain called New World. This backpackers was very nice- like an old house, and we had an ensuite bathroom, a kitchenette, and a comfy bed with a real bed frame. We went to sleep early because we are planning to visit the Abel Tasman National Park tomorrow.

View Larger Map