Christchurch to Wellington

Kaikoura

The alarm goes at 6:00am and we are on the road by 7:10am to travel from Christchurch to Picton and then by ferry to Wellington. So far it is a cool, overcast day.

The departure on Interislander Ferry is at 2:15pm but we must be checked in at the marshalling yard by 1:15pm.

The drive from Christchurch to Picton is 4.5 hours if not stopping.

We first stop at Kaikoura Marine Resting Area. I watch the sea lions lounging on the rocks. On the way to Kaikoura Town we pass fur seals with their sleek coats also having a Sunday morning lounge.

In Kaikoura I grab myself a cheese and mushroom breakfast muffin. It is delicious with a cheesy centre, eggs and packed with mushrooms.

It’s starting to rain so we continue along our way.

Ohau Point

Our next stop is Ohau Point. This area is teaming with seals and seal pups. I love watching them play in the waves. Click here for a short video.

Paparoa Point

Paparoa Point is just about one km down the road. More seals here and a statue of the Maori God of Earthquakes.

Marlborough Wine Region

We drive through the Marlborough Wine Region, home to over 500 wineries. They are known for their Sauvignon Blanc. Everywhere you look there are vineyards. It breaks my heart but we can’t stop at any wineries because we don’t have enough time if we want to catch the ferry. Sigh.

Ferry to Wellington

At the ferry terminal we wait in line to board our car. Once boarded we walk to the passenger decks and notice that the first level of parked cars are actually on a large hoist that is raised to allow a second level of cars to park underneath. Very cool.

The ferry has all different types of seating options. We choose a table by a window. The trip to Wellington takes 3.5 hours and is smooth sailing under a sunny sky. We are told that sometimes this crossing can be quite rough.

Upon arrival in Wellington, we head down to our car and wait for them to guide us off the ferry. There is a big transport truck beside our car packed with cows jostling to see out of the slats in the container. One smaller cow keeps trying to get his nose up to the airhole. I honestly don’t know if they were given any water throughout their trip. They are packed in so tightly. It makes me feel sad.

Evening in Wellington

We have no problem finding our Airbnb because our hosts, Terry & Suzanne, gave us such great directions. The place is great and we can easily walk to downtown.

We get dinner at a nearby Thai food restaurant. By the time we are finished it’s almost 9:00pm so we head back to our Airbnb.