Today we left Wellington, the southernmost city in the North Island to make our way to Nelson, our first stop in the South Island.
As we were checking out of the hotel to meet our 7am cab to the Interisland Ferry Terminal, we learned that during the night much of the West Coast of New Zealand had been hit by a huge storm. Winds at the Wellington airport reached 140 km (85 mph) and the airport closed for several hours.
Fortunately the winds, while still gusty, did not impact our ferry crossing of Cook Strait.
We learned, however, that several sections of roadway along the West Coast including two bridges were washed out. These roads are the route of our destination along the coast to Queenstown so we'll be watching repair progress carefully. Many residents are stranded in their coastal towns.
Apparently this is not an unusual situation and the bridges are repaired fairly quickly. They use the New Zealand army to rebuild roads and fix bridges in such emergency situations. It is training for wartime situations when similar activities must be conducted.
The ferry terminal is quite near our hotel so after being dropped off, we were able to board early and have a nice breakfast while other passengers arrived. This is high season in New Zealand so there were passengers occupying every space on the boat.
The Interislander provides vehicle and passenger service across New Zealand's Cook Strait. It is owned and operated by state-owned rail operator KiwiRail, between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island.
Three sailing vessels make 4,500 crossings a year carrying some 785,000 passengers, 52,000 rail wagons, 72,000 trucks and 210,000 cars.
It is said that the journey through Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds is one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.
The crossing was a comfortable three hours. The boat has ample space for its 1600 passengers and 600 cars. There are comfortable lounges, outdoor seating, two restaurants, a coffee bar. a cocktail bar and sunny atrium seating.
It is a critical transportation link for tourists as well as New Zealanders.
Many of the birds we saw in Cook Strait were the same species as those we had observed in Antarctica. They were highlighted on one of the charts on the upper deck.
Approaching the South Island via Queen Charlotte Sound
Picton is a town that seems to exist only for the ferry and backpackers. It is the entrance to the South Island.
Approaching Picton:
Once at the South Island Ferry Terminal we picked up our rental car and begin our 22-day adventure in the South Island.
Our destination was Nelson but, the first stop is Havelock, New Zealand, home of The Mussle Pot.
Mussels five ways
The drive to Nelson was probably typical for what we are still to encounter--hills and curves and beautiful views.
We are looking forward to our tour of the area tomorrow, January 4.
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