Yesterday we left Elaine Bay at 9.15 and it took an hour and quarter to drive the 39km (25miles) out to the main road, not an hour as I thought. We drove along to Havelock, stopping at a lookout for a walk on the way. The day began with very slight drizzle and cloud, but the sea was still a pale turquoise.
Whilst having coffee in Havelock we got chatting to a Kiwi couple from Nelson. We learned that the storm on Friday had caused severe landslides and road washouts on the West Coast and the the centre of Greymouth had been severely affected. Apparently Gentle Annies got off lightly, but we were glad we had taken the decision to move inland. Hundreds of motorists were stranded overnight on the West Coast road.
After leaving Havelock we took the scenic route to Picton along the Queen Charlotte Drive, although it is twisty and hilly it is not to be missed, eventually we found ourselves descending the hill into Picton. It was a tricky drive through Picton as we had to cross traffic coming off a ferry, but we got through and along to Waikawa Bay Holiday Park, where we booked in for one night. This site has a lot of holiday cabins and quite a number of semi permanent caravans but we got into quite a private corner and settled in sitting out with a beer in the sunshine. After lunch we walked down to the marina and thought of our sailing friends.
Weather: varied, drizzle, cloud, then warm and sunny with a breeze.
Total km
This morning we were up early to prepare to the ferry crossing, much too early in fact! We completed the waste water etc dumping, filled up with fresh water in 15 minutes, so we parked up at the side of the road for quite a while before driving to check in in Picton. The ferry is full but we were on fairly early and are parked on the bottom deck close to the ramp doors so hopefully we will be off early too. The sailing is 3.5 hours and for the first 1hour 10 minutes we were sailing through the Sounds before meeting the open sea. The views were beautifu and we saw dolphins!
Leaving Picton
In the Cook Strait,
Once we got into the Strait there was quite a swell and very strong winds, however the ship did not roll at all and Michael was able to eat some lunch and have a beer or two! It got even rougher approaching Wellington. We were sailing into the wind so the voyage was slightly longer than usual, and we docked in Wellington just before 3.0pm.
Approaching Wellington, taken through a window!
We were off the boat at 3.0pm and soon into the city traffic, however the route was well marked and the first 20 minutes or so were on dual carriageway or a three lane road We drove over one serious mountain pass, the Rimutaka I think, the summit of the pass being 725m (circa 2,400’). Also through very horsey country, studs, stables etc. We just kept rolling along, pulling over to let vehicles pass as necessary, as I wanted to get as far as possible this afternoon . At 5.20pm we pulled into a delightful campsite at Eketahuna. It has excellent reviews on CamperMate and first impressions are that they are correct. We got a very friendly welcome and it is cheap!! Powered sites 9NZD, non powered 7NZD. We went for non powered in a quiet spot on th edge of the field. Showers are included in the price. There are some families here presumably taking advantage of the public holiday tomorrow for Waitangi Day.
,Had a quick cuppa, then it was gin o’clock! 😉👍
A sign just outside the campsite said Kiwi Country, it would be great to see one.".......
Heading for Napier tomorrow.
Weather! Sun,wind, cloud and the odd very light shower
Total km 144
Napier, one of our favourite towns in NZ Liz. We are enjoying G&T o'clock in Paihia and of to the big celebrations at Waitangi Treaty Grounds tomorrow, a bit like a County Show.Friends of ours from Sussex arrive here tonight having picked up their Maui mobile home in Auckland this morning. Keep blogging, we are enjoying your posts.
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