Day 321 (Thu 24 May) - Wellington

Got up at a fairly leisurely hour and drove up on the coast road to Picton.

On the way we stopped at a viewing point to see some seals that were just hanging out. We got fairly close to one particularly large fat specimen (about 10 yards) who just looked at us with faint curiosity.

Arrived at Picton at about 12 ish and checked what time the next ferry was to depart. Luckily we could get the 1.15pm and with our newly acquired Top 10 discount card we even got some money off. Sarb was most pleased.

Checked in and drove the wheels round to the loading area. Soon we were driving onto the ferry and having secured the van wandered upstairs to the decks.

The weather was being kind today as it was quite sunny. Beautiful looking back over Picton harbour.

Soon we were off passing glorious inlets and small towns nestling at the bottom of the hills. The journey was quite beautiful. When we passed the last land of the South Island we both felt a little sad. To cheer ourselves up we had a great fish and chip lunch on the boat and relaxed.

Got to Wellington about 4.30pm and decided that we would stay in Upper Hutt. A town a few miles North of Wellington.

After quite a few unanticipated detours we finally found the campsite. Found some shops nearby that sold wine and settled in for the night.