A small matter of the Cook Channel in the way on this trip..
So we say farewell to the South Island with some sadness, spending the morning by a lake with a wonderful relaxing atmosphere. It's been a surprising trip around South Island in so many ways; we've enjoyed it more than expected.
We can't put it off any longer and, reluctantly, we finally head to the Interislander ferry for our 1.15pm check in deadline. We're packed in tightly and sooooo thankfully for Sue, the sea is quite calm as we head for the channel.
Disembarking at Wellington is a chaotic affair as a motorhome breaks down forcing much reversing to and fro' to get out. All good fun. We head off to spot some blue penguins with a couple of other vans as a bit of relaxation before camp. No penguins, but it turns out as a bit of a laugh as we all suspect that thee penguins are very elusive, despite the signs. Certainly, the locals we chatted to said they might be there but were reluctant to say if they had actually seen one.
Even more fun. Three vans rushing back through the Wellington traffic to reach camp as darkness falls. Fail
But here we are:
The second day is all about Wellington.
We have a pre-arranged coach tour around Wellington which is pretty good; the driver drives through heavy traffic and reels off a stream of information, even when reversing. Didn't hit anything either. A lot of history here and, of course, earthquake proofing work is an ongoing occupation. Too much to write about so do try Lonely Planet if you want more info.
Note the new building standard in NZ: more steel and crossbracing on shock absorbing foundations. It's the same in Christchurch.
Parliament buildings.
View from the top.
We're dropped of at the National museum which is great. Very flash, actually, with some impressive Maori artefacts; it's success, for us, is how it manages to convey the Maori beliefs and values.
Maori canoe with a long history
After the museum, we try to get a feel for Wellington, which is, of course, pretty impossible in a few hours. Still, eating the seared salmon with a glass of the local brew, sitting outside in the student area is great.
The city is quite small (600,000ish) and it feels like it. Many of the former office blocks have been converted to student or other apartments as many firms/corporations have relocated to Auckland, which has now reached around 1.7 million. Nice place, Wellington, but it doesn't tug at our heartstrings like Christchurch.
We catch the bus back to the campsite which takes a circuitous route of one hour. Phew.
Long trip to Napier tomorrow.
So we say farewell to the South Island with some sadness, spending the morning by a lake with a wonderful relaxing atmosphere. It's been a surprising trip around South Island in so many ways; we've enjoyed it more than expected.
We can't put it off any longer and, reluctantly, we finally head to the Interislander ferry for our 1.15pm check in deadline. We're packed in tightly and sooooo thankfully for Sue, the sea is quite calm as we head for the channel.
A final, sad, farewell to South Island as it fades away on the three plus hour crossing....
Disembarking at Wellington is a chaotic affair as a motorhome breaks down forcing much reversing to and fro' to get out. All good fun. We head off to spot some blue penguins with a couple of other vans as a bit of relaxation before camp. No penguins, but it turns out as a bit of a laugh as we all suspect that thee penguins are very elusive, despite the signs. Certainly, the locals we chatted to said they might be there but were reluctant to say if they had actually seen one.
Even more fun. Three vans rushing back through the Wellington traffic to reach camp as darkness falls. Fail
But here we are:
The second day is all about Wellington.
We have a pre-arranged coach tour around Wellington which is pretty good; the driver drives through heavy traffic and reels off a stream of information, even when reversing. Didn't hit anything either. A lot of history here and, of course, earthquake proofing work is an ongoing occupation. Too much to write about so do try Lonely Planet if you want more info.
Note the new building standard in NZ: more steel and crossbracing on shock absorbing foundations. It's the same in Christchurch.
Parliament buildings.
View from the top.
We're dropped of at the National museum which is great. Very flash, actually, with some impressive Maori artefacts; it's success, for us, is how it manages to convey the Maori beliefs and values.
Maori canoe with a long history
After the museum, we try to get a feel for Wellington, which is, of course, pretty impossible in a few hours. Still, eating the seared salmon with a glass of the local brew, sitting outside in the student area is great.
The city is quite small (600,000ish) and it feels like it. Many of the former office blocks have been converted to student or other apartments as many firms/corporations have relocated to Auckland, which has now reached around 1.7 million. Nice place, Wellington, but it doesn't tug at our heartstrings like Christchurch.
We catch the bus back to the campsite which takes a circuitous route of one hour. Phew.
Long trip to Napier tomorrow.
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