Scenic bus trip from Kaikoura to Picton, along the road that was renewed after the earthquake.
Picton is a small ferry port connecting to Wellington on the North Island. Collected our hire car and checked in to our motel, just off the High Street.
We had booked a mail boat cruise of the Marlborough Sounds the next morning, but unfortunately it was cancelled the evening before and too late to organise another trip.
Nigel was pleased though as it meant he had a much longer time at the Omaka Air Museum, who had a WW1 and WW11 exhibitions, both of which he thought were excellent. Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings Director) helped build the WW1 collection and his team helped display the aircraft. Glad we did this instead of the boat as the weather not that brilliant.
Havelock was our next stop, famous for Green Lipped Mussels, definitely not something we both like. Very small town but managed to get a meal in the Captains Daughter restaurant, but last serving time was 7.30pm!
Took the road to the French Pass, through fabulous scenery, at points overlooking the Sounds. Decided as the last 15kms was unsealed road, with a chance of a puncture, no telephone signal and a few road slippages, that we would turn around, with 10kms to go, at the Windy Trees Lookout point.
Carried on to Nelson, which is much bigger than we imagined. Met up with Katie, as Tee is now working in Auckland having been successful in becoming Head Chef at the Sugar Lounge in the Sky Tower. Unloaded our slightly reduced luggage (still working on that) and looking forward to spending nearly two weeks here with Katie.
Katie has organised loads of things for us to do. Our first day (Thu) was a trip to several wineries for tastings and lunch at the Moutere Inn, the oldest Inn in New Zealand. Loved Flaxmore wines the most but also Neudorf, Moutere and Gravity, where we sat outside with fabulous views of the vineyards. Obviously purchased a bottle or two!
Finished off the evening at the local night markets, was too full for a meal, there was loads of choice, but did take home some fabulous cherries (which had a very short life) and nectarines.
Pic’s Peanut Butter factory was our first port of call yesterday, fascinating and a hit with us all, Nigel may even use peanut butter instead of marmalade on his toast. Seifried Wineries for our lunch and a tasting after.
Visit to Hoglund Glass Blowing, some stunning pieces, could have bought loads but settled on some penguins, to remind us of New Zealand.
Picked up some local cheeses at The Junction and a final stop at the Souvenir Shop for a couple of bits and pieces. Katie is doing a few evenings at the Brick Eatery before moving to join Tee in Auckland, so went across for a glass or two of wine later in the evening. Really good two days and all credit to Katie for all the organising.
Off to the Saturday Markets tomorrow and the Car Museum.