South Island - Our Intrepid Journey Day 33 - 39 20 – 26 November 2009

Blenheim – Picton – Elaine Bay

2 nights – 1 night – 3 nights

After six nights at Whites Bay it was over the hill, past Rarangi Bay.

This was the wide part of the hill road.

And on to onto Blenheim to check out the Farmers Market.

And the characters that really make it happen.

Recycling old drink bottles.  He tells me he can’t make them fast enough.

Whilst at Blenheim we stayed for two nights at the race course, $5 per night.

Leaving for Blenheim we stopped off at the Wairau River to see if any trout were willing to join us (for dinner). 

Just kidding.

At Picton we parked over for the night at the RSA,cost $0, and after getting all our ducks in a row.

We headed to Aussie Bay.  Right by the main road with a very steep entry it wasn’t the place for us to stay.

On the way to Havelock which was our lunch stop after Aussie Bay we stopped at a lookout that even on a flat light day we were treated with this sight.

We made the decision that we would head to Elaine Bay to spend three nights.  First it was over the Pelorus River 

The bridge sign says it all.

Past some very large estuarine flats.

For another hour or so to our next stopover, 3 nights, at Elaine Bay S41.05540 E173.76982

From the Piwakawaka track looking back into Elaine Bay.  The small white blob central is us.

The locals we most friendly.

Even came inside with out invitation. One actually walked right past us and down the passageway.

A very picturesque safe mooring area for a number of boats.

One of the walks is to Piwakawaka Bay.  1.5hrs return.

South Island - Our Intrepid Journey Day 27 - 33, 14 – 20 November 2009

Wellington - Cook Strait - Marlborough Sound - Picton - Whites Bay

After arriving at the Bluebridge terminal at 7am we left Wellington after loading at 8am. They put us on first with the truck and trailer units which was good as we got off first.

 The three hour crossing was quite good with only a small swell and a cool wind. A beautiful blue sky with a stunning view .

 Once in Marlborough Sounds the sea calmed right off.  All down the sounds there were these homes nestled into small bays most of which would only have access by sea.

 The Blubridge ferry reversed into the wharf for our offload.  We tied up without even a bump then it was down into the dark hold to find our motorhome amongst the very large truck and trailer units.

Off to Picton for a good cup of coffee and a bit of a look around.  A beautiful park that looked so inviting in the warm sunshine.  Ferry wharf in the distance.

 Picton to the DOC park at Whites Bay is only a short drive.  The bay faces SE, you can tell from the direction of our satellite dish.  The shelter gave us a chance to set up camp.

 A nice sheltered beach that we almost have to ourselves.  This is the northern end.  The rocks are covered in blue mussels intertidal and big green mussels that you have to get wet for.  Talk about cold with no hood.

 We stayed for six nights. This is the southern end where I got our big mussels.  Whilst I was in the water, completely I could only put my head under water for a few seconds each time.  It was worth it.

 

DOC call it the jewel in the crown for DOC parks in this area.  The mountain in the distance, souther end of beach, Mt Richmond I think, is 9000' high.  Same one as in the picture above. As I said earlier we'll probably stay another  two or more nights, definitely be gone by the weekend. 

South Island - Our Intrepid Journey Day 24 - 26 11 – 13 November 2009

Wellington

These three days prior to sailing on the 14th were spent in Wellington where we again stayed with Karen and Stephen.

 I had meetings in Wellington on the 12th and 13th plus a bit of maintenance on the motorhome so the time was well spent. Here are a couple of extra pics to fill some space.

South Island - Our Intrepid Journey Day 23, 10 Nov 2009

Greytown – Waiohine Gorge

We stayed at a POP in Greytown almost the Remuera of the Wairarapa.

 Old buildings are the norm with many quite up market shops of all kinds.

 From Greytown it was out to the DOC park at Waiohine Gorge.

 9km of good unsealed road with a few interesting moments.

To walk the longest swing bridge in New Zealand.

 It’s probably one of the highest.

 Don’t stop to change your camera lens half way across.

Back on track.

 We headed down to Lake Wairarapa.

 To a POP for the night not far from this old lake shore building.

South Island - Our Intrepid Journey Day 21 - 22 8 - 9 November 2009

 Castlepoint – Gladstone - Carterton - Ngawi - Putangirua

 Leaving Castlepoint we headed via some backroads for Cape Palliser.

The day before was Scarecrow Day throughout the area wit a big display at Gladstone School.

Stopping at Caterton with visited Richmond Gardens.

That was hosting Italian Day.

 Very large extensive gardens.

Enjoyed by many.

That almost needed a road map.

 On the road we past this quite modern derelict house do up anyone?.

 The road to Ngawi and Palliser can be seen along the cliff.

 On our way back.  There was a sign for 'Active Slip' on one part.

 We arrived at the settlement of Ngawi.

Where we parked the night right on the beach.

All the boats are launched by bulldozers, counted 39 in all.

Some of which have substantial trailers, this one coupled to a very large Kohmatsu.

 Some show humour like Tinky Winky.

 Monday we stopped to walk to the Pinnacles.

 Up a stream bed at the DOC park Putangirua.

 120,000 years of erosion.

Some somewhat suggestive.

Greytown next stop.