I had a good crossing from Wellington to Picton on the Kaitiki. Funnily enough when I was boarding the ferry I looked up at the hull and there in raised letters painted over were the words “Pride of Cherbourg”. I can’t imagine which route that vessel originally used! It’s a 3 hour crossing over the Cook Strait, and while the most of it is your standard up-and-down, you get about an hour of the most beautiful scenery. These are the Marlborough Sounds and the ferry has to slow to a crawl to conserve the wildlife in this area.
After that I got my new car. A Toyota Echo. This car, whilst smaller than the Yaris, with less acceleration does have the advantage that this thing will slow down before the onset of old age. I then had a drive down to Christchurch. When I left Picton I was told that after Blenheim (the next town) there was nothing for 90 minutes. I stupidly thought that they were joking. Oh no! It was just as well I’d had a good breakfast because sure enough 90 minutes after leaving civilisation I came into Kaikoura. Which was about ten houses and a corner shop serving some very suspect sarnies. Luckily there was a Subway in the next town so I managed to eat something before I wasted away. I got my first confirmed road kill!!! I think it was a possum and it ran straight in front of my car. I couldn’t swerve and as I looked in the mirror I saw its head roll away. It was a but unnerving but given the amount of animal pizzas I’ve seen over the last week, I wasn’t too concerned, and by all accounts they’re a pest in this country
I took a recommendation from Lonely Planet when I got to Christchurch and went to a little place called Sumner and found a place called Mariners Bar. It was very basic, but I had a double
bed, and en suite bathroom, and most importantly it was at the right price. It came to about £24 for the night, so after being up for 12 hours I was more than happy to pay that.I
went for a curry last night, and again I got an absolute bargain (around £13 for a starter, main and 2 beers). I wasn’t sure about the spices they used as I asked for medium hot. What I actually got was a curry hot enough to strip paint!! It was tasty, but I’ve paid for it today. Say no more.I made Queenstown in six hours today which was good going. The roads, and scenery down here were truly amazing. For about 2 hours I had a view of plains and scrub with a backdrop of snow capped mountains. I passed lakes with water as blue…well I can’t describe. .
Since getting here, I’ve done nothing apart from Check-in have quick walk, then go for a swift one. I’m going for a shower now, then Ill find somewhere for a nice meal ,and a drinkypoos.
Tomorrow brings what it brings. I’m making no plans, so I think its gonna be a lazy one
Until next we meet
M
AAAAHHHHHHH Blogger is playing up. Yet again no photos. I'll get them on here ASAP!!!!
