Our site in Wellington was just a few kilometres from the ferry terminal but it was still an early start on Sunday morning to check in on time for our voyage on Interislander's Kaitaki.
Kaitaki
The forecast was for "southerly wind easing". (Remember, southerly wind here is like a cold northerly in the UK!) Well, it still seemed quite brisk as we waited in Lane 2 with all the other camper vans and motor homes destined to be last onboard. Unless it eased quickly our hopes for a quiet crossing of the notorious Cook Strait might be dashed. We noted that Kaitaki was registered in Portsmouth. We correctly guessed that she had previously worked the route from Portsmouth to Cherbourg in France. With Kaitaki meaning 'challenger' in Maori, we too were ready for the challenge ahead.
Wellington Harbour
Driven inside by the strong winds we were not tracking our progress closely but it soon became clear when we had left the shelter of Wellington Harbour. We crossed the Strait without discomfort and were soon approaching Marlborough Sounds. The outside decks were now popular again with everyone enjoying the calm waters, shelter from the wind and the lovely scenery as we navigated the Sounds to Picton.
Marlborough Sounds
Picton
Our extended resident family loves to engage in great rivalry between 'Northerners and Southerners'. Although the Cook Strait is narrower than the English Channel the rivalry here is fiercer than England versus France. Both parties believe they have the better deal on everything including the sights and the weather. Both parties believe they are the mainland whilst their neighbours are ancillary. We just see one beautiful country with a wonderful scenic cruise in the middle.
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