Paekakariki

Caught the ferry to the South Island today, but drove up the coast north-west of Wellington first, to a little place called Paekakariki. We hadn't had a proper breakfast so we went a lovely café there (the Perching Parrot) and had pies - and some really good coffee - for brunch. Also drove into Queen Elizabeth Park there and walked down onto the beach. Very wild and beautiful - and so much driftwood!

Drove back to Wellington and caught the 2:30pm ferry to Picton. We'd been expecting a very wild crossing, but it was surprisingly calm - and the last hour or so through Charlotte Sound was so beautiful - and so sunny :)

Checked into our hostel (Sequoia Lodge), got supplies from the local supermarket and then cooked dinner in the communal kitchen. Afterwards we sat outside in the hammocks with a drink, and Tim then showed me how to play chess on the giant outdoor set they had there. Such a chilled out evening :)