After four glorious days of spending time in Wellington aka Wellywood I took the Bluebridge Ferry to the South Island. The crossing of the Cook Strait was a bit rough and windy - we were even asked to vacate the outside deck of the ship.
Arriving to Picton and the sundrenched Marlborough Sounds by 4:40pm - the journey was a bit longer than the 3 hours and 20 minutes that they say it should take... but it was a great trip!
Was even welcomed to the South Island by a Dolphin (not sure what type, but a dolphin nonetheless).
A note on hostels in Picton and Nelson - all of them seem to be trying to outdo the others. For instance the backpackers hostel in Picton that I chose to stay at advertised giving out chocolate pudding and icecream every night at 8pm. The place that I'm staying at right now offers free ice cream to everyone...perfect treat after cycling 109km from Picton to Nelson. This place also has free internet. Pretty "sweet as!" Let's just hope that this trend continues throughout the south island.
T1 was taken to the Ride HQ (aka a bicycle shop) and was given a new chain and gear cables - the mountains have been tough on my bike - or maybe it's me... but at least I had the smarts and know how to get it looked at before problems arose. While it was in the shop I climbed 157m to the Centre of New Zealand (see pictures on here and facebook).
Beautiful day. Tomorrow off to Motueka and then have to climb from sea level to 810m over the Takaka Hill to make it to the Northern most point of the South Island - and see the Farewell Spit.
Looking forward to seeing more, For now I'm going UP South!
My Gawd, that country is beautiful! Sounds like an awesome time. -5 and snow here Nathan. Safe tavels, love from us both.
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