Picton and Marlborough Sounds

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Nelson 22nd - 25th January 2009

For a 'big' (in NZ terms) town, Nelson is really lovely. It's full of hanging baskets with flowers and is easy to walk around in a day. We explored the town and parks and the rather awful 1960's cathedral. It was lovely to sit out in the sun at a cafe drinking coffee and watching the world go by.

We stayed in a campsite about 10 minutes away in the Maitai valley. It was next to a river with a swimming hole, which was great fun. Unfortunately, we were starting to get our first taster of South Island sandflies! They are a nightmare from the time you get up, to the time you go to bed. We bought some more repellent, but the buggers always find the tiniest spot you have missed!

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Photos

Wellington
Our last view of North Island - for now!

Ferry
Rob with our first view of South Island behind him

Marlborough Sounds
A view from the ferry

Queen Charlotte Sound
A view of sailing boats as we explored around the peninsula

White's Bay
On the other side of the peninsula - lovely but the water was FREEZING!

Picton
Me with Picton behind - it was such a pretty little town - we loved it.

Queen Charlotte Drive
Rob with Queen Charlotte Sound behind him

Kenepuru Sound
This was the next part of the Marlborough Sounds that we explored

Portage
This was the 'James Bond' boat we saw - sailing to the edge of the water, then wheels coming down so that it could just drive onto the land - cool!

Mistletoe Bay
Our campsite on the Kenepuru Peninsula which overlooked Queen Charlotte Sound

Kenepuru boat trip
A little bay we found on our trip

Kenepuru boat trip
Rob driving the boat - he couldn't take the smile off his face all day.

Kenepuru boat trip
Me relaxing and enjoying the view

Kenepuru boat trip
Our beautiful little beach we found for our picnic lunch

Kenepuru boat trip
Our picnic beach

Kenepuru boat trip
Getting ready for departure

Kenepuru boat trip
Goodbye little beach!

Kenepuru boat trip
Look at Rob go!!!

Kenepuru boat trip
Me....still relaxing!