Picton and Marlborough

We tearfully said goodbye to Rachel, Carolyn, and Jeff, took a breather to do the laundry and some grocery shopping, and were ready to start out again.

Jim had to return to work :-( so Elizabeth and I drove to Wellington and took the ferry across Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island. We had only a few minutes of motion discomfort on the ferry, so we were able to enjoy the relaxing and scenic three hour cruise. Picton is a picturesque small seaport and tourist town on Queen Charlotte Sound. One can take the ferry here and then go to Abel Tasman Park, Marlborough, take the train to Christchurch or enjoy water activities and tramping in the area. It was a 10 for both of us!  

 We didn’t have a specific plan when we arrived, but we were open and as luck would have it, the perfect plan fell into our lap. Elizabeth had hoped to see some wineries, and our bed and breakfast host took us on a personalized tour of Marlborough, famous for their Savignon Blanc. Savignon Blanc is Elizabeth’s favorite, and I am coming to like it also. It's very refreshing during this summer that I am pretending is hot. There will be plenty of dark and cold winter days to come in June, July, and August when I will be happy to sip New Zealand pinot noir. 

The only down side to our excursion was the non-functioning air-con in our host's car, which is why I am guessing we were drooping after a few hours. It couldn’t have been the eight wineries we visited… I didn’t even get excited for the chocolate factory.

Waiting to board the ferry

Looking back at Wellington Harbor

Coming into Queen Charlotte Sound

We had a nice view of the sound while walking into town from our Bed and Breakfast

Seresin Wine

Testing Rachel wine-delicious but too expensive

 

One of our favorite wineries

Had a great lunch at Wairau winery

It's good to support New Zealand wineries