Smooth Sailing in the Marlborough Sounds
With luck on our side, we made it from the north tip of the North Island to its southern tip with plenty of time to get to our ferry and on to the primary focus of our New Zealand trip – the South Island.
I had read about this ferry crossing in several lists of “Top 50 Travel Destinations” or “The 100 Best Travel Moments” or, “25 Best Boat Trips” or… well, it’s on a lot of those.
The Marlborough Sounds are not fjords, but ancient river valleys that flooded with rising oceans. After crossing over on a blissfully calm sea, I would say that I agree with the inclusion of this venture on all these lists of fabulousness (Jeff says he would have preferred it with big waves, which happens some times).
There’s not a lot of words to describe this trip, mostly the pictures are what matters. I do want to send out a “thank you” to the sales agent from Crumplers in Perth who told us where to go on the ferry to have the best view (get first in line and make a beeline to the front of the ship, which happens to be the bar). We were almost the first on and did exactly as told, and got the best seats on the boat. Front and center (this being one of the few times that I had no desire to ‘upgrade’ as the luxury quarters were in the back of the boat with nearly no view).
Plus, we were in the bar, so it was just a quick trip over to pick up a spectacular glass of wine, for less than $7. I had two.
Lots of good people watching and fantastic scenery. All in all a wonderful couple of hours on the Aratere, and the perfect arrival to the South Island.
this is gorgeous – beautiful vistas – but what- no oysters? are you going in to shock yet?
love the art shots- as good as any gallery paintings I’ve seen in LA in years- in fact- much better-
Thanks, was an amazing voyage. Though you’re right, where’s the oysters? Good white wines like those need oysters…
since it’s already Christmas Eve there- and when
I wake up it will be Christmas there and I don’t want to miss wishing you the best there is- certainly – this is a great way to spend it- have fun- looks like you are-
these are trips that most agents don’t think of – plus you could corner the oyster obsessed crowd – its an idea- have to go – some fat man is stuck in my chimney – screaming about cookies
Merry Christmas right back. Beautiful spot to spend the day, and it’s far less a commercial thing here so has been nice to miss all the hype, so to speak. There has to be a market for oyster lovin’ travelers… have to check into that. Hope you got to that fat man. People say he likes gingerbread but I think he’s more a classic chocolate chip cookie fan myself (or a plate of oysters…)
love missin the commerical and touristy stuff- there is more to your journey than just the oyster lovers gathering- the spas- the wine- the path less taken- I see a few patterns here- meanwhile here the fat man in the chimney wanted ‘edibles’- special brownies- god this man is demanding- and what did he bring? coal -sending it to china-
hey have to get some import /export thing going- but I do see a travel special – very boutique in the air- here- after all- who needs more age cream- ME-
It was so great. I could do that every Christmas. Maybe facial cream made from oyster shells??? And of course Santa wants the special stuff, did you deliver?
What a great time you spend outthere, beautiful landscapes and wonderful weather to enjoy all this nature. Wow!!!! it’s a pleasure to see you guys are taking great pleasure of all this. Thanks for to be a part of your adventure and be a Little bit with us ( gkero tshirt 🙂 ). Enjoy your time and Merry Chrismas wherever you are and a great year 2016 with all the nature give you the energy, the people you meet give you joy. Great year for both of you !!!. Raphael y Carmen
Raphael and Carmen. Merry Christmas to you both as well. So good to hear from you here. Hope all is well in your world these days and that you’re celebrating a lovely Christmas. Loving the Gkero t-shirt; it’s been perfect in so many occasions (did you see it with the cat in southern France?). Jeff was rocking (pun intended) the Bob Dylan shirt today. We’re spending a mellow and enjoyable Christmas in Mendoza, Argentina. Will eventually get to this part of the story!!
It’s 18 degrees here. Was just shoveling snow. Nice to look at this and feel warm. I can’t wait for more posts!
Hope the snow has ceased by now. Sorry, the next posts will get a bit cooler, but nothing below zero!