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Travel Guide from Wellington to Picton
Let's get this travel on the road...............
We will begin our South Island travel in the North Island providing information for driving into the Wellington area from the north in order to get on the Bluebridge Ferry and, time permitting, also to enjoy the wonderful city of Wellington.
Wellington................
First the roads to the city converge whether you are approaching on either Route 1 or Route 2. Entering the city you will go though several kilometres of road congestion. Try not to be there during the busy times when people are going to or coming from work in the city if possible.
When you are driving in via Route 1 there are signs to turn to the ferry. If you are planning to use the Bluebridge Ferry ignore these signs. Continue on towards Wellington. Stay in the left lane and turn left onto Aotea Quay (first turnoff and well signed). This will take you to Waterloo Quay. On the right is the Westpac Stadium. The turn off to the Bluebridge Ferry terminal is on the left and well marked not too far down the road.
If you are planning to visit Wellington continue on along the waterfront. Stay in the left lane. The street names will have gone from Aotea Quay, Waterloo Quay, Jervois Quay(all the same street you will stay on) and then Cable Street. the National Museum of Te Papa on your left. Remain in the left lane and turn at the next light past the Museum and park in the parking lot on the right. You can stay overnight here for $8.00 and be in the middle of the Wellington action. The downtown area is very compact and easy to walk everywhere.
>From there walk into the city two blocks to Courtney Place the cafe centre of Wellington. if you walk along the waterfront past Te Papa when you get to the Rowing Club cross over the walking bridge to City Centre. The Wellington Information Centre is located here. Don't miss the funky part of town down Cuba Street right off the City Centre. Our favourite place for coffee is Plum on Cuba. The top shopping area is Willis Street and Lambton Quay just a short walk through from the City Centre. Best to pick up a city map at the Information Centre.
Time permitting the places to visit are: Te Papa Museum, Maritime Museum (also on the waterfront), and off Lambton Quay a ride up the cable car with its spectacular view of the city at the 186m summit and a very pleasant park. You also are not far from the Parliament Building. It is the beehive looking building north edge of town.
The Bluebridge Ferry crossing form North Island to South Island..................
From the Bluebridge Ferry terminal building it is a 3 hour 20 minute crossing to Picton in the South Island.Approximately one-third of the cruise is going out the Wellington Harbour, the next one-third crossing the Cook Straight and the last third going up fabulous Queen Charlotte Sound. If you hit one of those magic days of good weather it will be one of the most wonderful panoramas of an introduction to an area one could hope for.
Picton..............................................
At the ferry landing in Picton when you drive your vehicle off the boat you will be directed to Lagoon Road. At the circle if you plan to continue on and by-pass Picton go straight ahead on Kent Street that will take you directly to Route One. Turn right and you are on the way to the Marlborough region and Blenheim.
If you choose to have a stay or a short look at Picton (highly recommended) turn left at the circle (Dublin St) and drive into the main part of Picton. High Street is the main street. One street over is Wellington Street where parking is available on th street and also in a parking area right on the waterfront. There is a parking lot in the centre of town where council recommends putting camper vans. A very small community but quite vibrant. Le Cafe restauant on the waterfront gets our vote for best place to hang out. Lots of backpackers and motels and several very good holiday parks. Close to town are the Blue Anchor Top Ten and the Picton Campervan Park. Blue Anchor can be reached by continuing on Dublin Street after the circle. It becomes Waikawa Road and not too far along the road the park is on the right. To reach the Picton Campervan Park continue straight along Kent Street from the circle and on the left after Oxford Street you will see the entrance.
A good place to park your vehicle. Drive along Waikawa Road leaving the main part of Picton area, but still in town, take a left on Surrey Street (just past the Blue Anchor Holiday Park). This will take you down to the Marina in the area across from the main part of town. Continue along the Marina driving past the old sailboat restaurant on the left to where you can park during the day. Grand place to hang out. There is a walking bridge over the Marina back into town central too.
If you go up the road overlooking the town (the Queen Charlottes scenic drive we mention later) just to have a panoramic view there are adequate pull off areas to look down on the town, harbour and the ferry terminal. Great place for photos.
It is an area nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. A place of seemingly unlimited bays, coves and islands. Lots of world class lodges scattered throughout. A place where water sports prevail plus sailboat rentals, fishing excursions, kayaking along with all kind of cruises offered through the Sounds. One favorite is the world famous Mail Boat Cruise offering top quality excursions. Diving is popular with the Mikhail Lermontov laying in 33 meters of water. It is one of the world's largest divable ship wrecks in the world. Also offered for those interested in another perspective is sky diving in the Sounds.
Want to go deep sea fishing? Oban Cowboy charters will put you on the spot. Gear and bait supplied. Contact skipper Kelly Aldridge at 027-482-1027. You can also arrange for diving and hunting excursions. Great way to really experience the Sounds. He has an onboard BBQ too.
The other day I run into Philip Sim in Havelock. Philip is the tour director for Waka Whenua out of Picton. He provides wine tours, sihtseeing tours, back country tours in a customised minibus. Check it out at: Waka Whenua Tours.
Picton is a place not to be missed as it is one of New Zealand's most interesting and beautiful spots. Check with me for more information. I travel 24/7-265 days a year as a travelwriter/photographer around New Zealand. I can be of help to anyone who needs it in the way of good traveling information.
Next we leave for Nelson and the Golden Bay region..........
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