The Cook Strait separates New Zealand's North and South Islands. We arrive at the InterIslander Ferry Terminal at 7:45am Monday for our 9am sailing. After queuing with the other cars, vans and trucks for 30 minutes William drives our rental car onto the ferry boat. We are parked on Deck 5 Mezzanine - we watch as our car and approximately 50 others are lifted up to make room below for another 50 cars.
We make our way to Deck 8 and grab a table for breakfast. At 9 am the horn of the ferry blows and we depart the Wellington dock. It takes approximately 45 minutes to leave the harbor and go around the tip of Fitzroy Bay. Then we are in the strait with the South Island on the horizon. Sometimes the Cook Strait is very rough, but it is a sunny, calm day and many of the passengers remain on the top deck for the entire trip.
Soon the captain is guiding us between Arapawa Island and the South Island. It is a beautiful trip as we make our way to the ferry port in Picton. The crossing takes 3 1/2 hours. 20 minutes after docking we are in our car and driving out of the port toward Highway 1.
We pass vineyards of some famous producers, but decide to stop at Hunter's Winery and Cafe for a bite to eat. I am able to enjoy a flight of wine with my quiche, but the only non-alcoholic beverage on the menu besides coffee is a milkshake. Oh well, William gives in. The winery is family owned and I think their white wines are quite good.
Back on the road we take the third exit at the roundabout in Spring Creek onto Highway 62 then another right 20 minutes later to put ourselves on Highway 6. The scenery is inspiring. We pass through Havelock, the Greenshell Mussel capital of the world. Mmmmmm.
Back on the road we take the third exit at the roundabout in Spring Creek onto Highway 62 then another right 20 minutes later to put ourselves on Highway 6. The scenery is inspiring. We pass through Havelock, the Greenshell Mussel capital of the world. Mmmmmm.
Around 3:30 pm we pull into the driveway of our rental apartment (bach) for the next week. We are in Atawehia, a small community less than 10 minutes from Nelson. The bach has been built as part of a home, which our landlords occupy. The bach has a decent kitchen, two bedrooms and a living space. It also has a swimming pool and deck in the backyard which we are welcomed to use! The front porch sports a small table and two chairs - enough to enjoy tea and coffee in the morning and a beverage watching the sun go down to the west of Tasman Bay.
After we are settled and have relaxed, we make the short drive into Nelson. Walking down Trafalgar street we are able to grab a table for dinner at Hopgood's. William's filet is tender and perfectly done while I have amazing pork belly with beets and plums.
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