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to
the constantly traveling website.
   
Marlborough Sounds - Elaine Bay photos
(click on photo for closer look)
Details of the
Picton/Marlborough Area for your use to find where to go, what to do,
etc.
Travelogue/Guide
from Wellington to Kaikoura
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.
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 toward 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.
The South
Island - 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 restaurant 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.Only $18 a day and well
appointed.
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.
Picton is a place not to be missed as it is one of New Zealand's most
interesting and beautiful spots. Take a look at the photos below to get
visually acquainted.
A place I
really recommend for anyone to really experience a real family farm far
out in the Marlborough Sounds is The Nikaus,
Waitaria Bay. This is a beautiful spot where a person can enjoy a
relaxed time of enjoyment. Check out the web page above for full
information.
Lots of Photos of Picton-check these
out!
If you need
to get in touch with Ron or Paula
(or Sylvester and Chocolate):
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© Copyright
2005
Ron Laughlin - All rights reserved
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