DAY 13- FERRY FROM NORTH TO SOUTH ISLAND

Today is the day we take the Ferry to the South Island. Very Early for us. Up at 5:30, so we can be packed and ready to head to the Ferry at 7:30 AM. We do manage to make it, and not even the last couple. It is about 10 minutes to the Ferry from our hotel in Wellington.

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton

It is somewhat of a wait outside, but fortunately it wasn't too chilly this early in the morning. The clouds were pretty spectacular in the sky.

Inside the ferry and next to the big trucks

Eating breakfast 

Michael and Patsy had to turn in their rental car in Wellington, and then pick up another one in Picton, as one is not allowed to take a rental car on the ferry. So they boarded a long time before we did, and managed to save us some seats. Patsy wasn't feeling well ( a bad cold), so she had a cushioned bench to stretch out on for the trip.
It is about a 3 hour trip, and the ocean was quite calm. We had heard that it can be rough, but this day, it wasn't. 

Approaching the South Island

By Richard 

Loading back into the car

 Scott, a Kiwi, had invited the group to lunch at

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a winery behind his home in Blenheim, but we skipped it so that we could be with Michael and Patsy to get them to the hotel in Nelson, so Patsy could rest. While they obtained their new RED Forgen (Ford Morgan), we waited at the overlook on Queen Charlotte Drive overlooking the port of Picton.

Philip at the Scenic Overlook

The drive along the cliffs

People taking photos of the Morgan

More photos- we need a contribution box. 

Picton Harbour

Driving along Queen Charlotte Drive

We settled into our motel in Nelson, and started the parking lot party when the others arrived from Blenheim. Dinner was purchased at the grocery store across the way, and heated in our microwave. 

Morgans arrive

Enjoying wine with John and Christine

As we had a long day, we headed to bed early, anxious for a fun day tomorrow in Nelson.