Derek's New Zealand Blog 2012

Friday 3rd February

Westport to Wellington

Up early, quick breakfast, then on the road to catch the 6pm ferry to Wellington, North Island. Spectacular Gorge views on Highway 6 all morning, along the valley of River Buller. Stopped for coffee at Murchison Village. Promise of an internet connection, but no spare time to log on. Continued towards Picton Ferry with more wonderful views.

Buller Gorge near Westport

Electricity distribution very difficult with mountains all around. Spotted an electricity pylon on the top of a cliff high above the road.

Electricity Pylon on Mountain near Murchison

Waller Street, Murchison

Hodgsons, Fairfax Street, Murchison

The views as we travelled the New Zealand Highways were never disappointing. There was always something to see around the next bend. Crossing a range of mountains often meant a continuous bend either left or right. That is, never ending scenery.

Highway 6 after Murchison, near Howard Junction

Stopped at Hope Saddle Lookout. High mountains could be seen in all directions. Car park very busy, a very popular spot. A trig point is situation at the lookout high point. 

Impressive Mountains from Hope Saddle Lookout

Continued on Highway 6 to Nelson City, where we stopped to stretch our legs. Quick visit to Christ Church Cathedral, the immediate City Centre and on to Peace Grove Car Park just off Queen Elizabeth Drive, for refreshments and views across Nelson Haven.

Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson

Christ Church Cathedral, Stain Window

Peace Grove Car Park on Queen Elizabeth Drive, Nelson

Onwards towards Picton via the scenic route past Queen Charlotte Walkway. Stopped at Cullen Point Lookout to enjoy the wonderful scenery of Mahau Sound. Two hundred and seventy degree of wonderful views including a birds eye view of Havelock.

Mahau Sound from Cullen Point Lookout

Stopped on decent from lookout to minibus to investigate the source of the intense screeching sound. An insect similar to a grasshopper was found on an adjacent tree. Apparently is was rubbing its wings together to make the noise, against grass hoppers rubbing their legs together. We wondered why the scenic route was not sign posted to Picton. When we finally got to Picton we knew why. The route was one continuous bend, no not travenlling in circles but either left or right bends. In fact the road looked much shorter on the map, but could have been further when the bends were ironed out. Magic scenery however.

Mahau Sound from Cullen Point Lookout

 Insect at Cullen Point Lookout, Making Lots of Sound

Dinner at Picton waiting for the ferry to leave. Also a little shopping and a mobile top up as I queried the lack of mobile signal since Dunedin. I phoned the mobile company and was told that Two Degrees had an agreement with Vodaphone to use each others transmitters. When Vodaphone was enabled, walla, the phone signal was restored to normal. Walked down the main street looking for a public toilet. We spotted signs directing us, but we found two signs which pointed towards each other with no sighting of a toilet between the signs. As we searched we passed the most spectacular War Memorial ever seen. As we approached the memorial we found the toilets nearby. 
Boarded ship and headed straight for viewing deck to see the ship depart from Picton and sail past the islands along Queen Charlotte Sound. Most impressive, not to be missed. Only wished the sun had been shining. Retired to lounge for journey across Cook Strait, then returned to viewing deck as we approached Wellington Harbour. As the sunlight faded we drove from the ship towards Wellington City for a quick tour around the Capital City Centre. At first we couldn't understand why everyone were dressed up, then we realised the Rugby Sevens World Cup was being staged in Wellington. We enjoyed the occasion so much we kept driving around the city centre, past more and more of the sites, watching the fans enjoying themselves.

Picton, Bluebridge Ferry

Arapawa Island from Picton Ferry

Arapawa Island from Picton Ferry

East Head  of Arapawa Island from Picton Ferry

Eventually drove out of town to find a campsite. Took State Highway 2 past Upperhut and Rimutaka Range Mountains, where the twisty road was one long road works. Very hard to find a suitable campsite in the dark. We found a quiet picnic area when we reached Featherstone. I wondered if this Featherstone played Rugby Union or Rugby League. The insects didn't bother us, magic.

Wellington from Picton Ferry

22 degrees C, 80% Cloud

No Rain

Dull am , Fine pm