Across the Cook Straight

Wellington is windy! It's location surrounded by water makes it a beautiful city though and the view from Mount Victoria is spectacular, even on a slightly cloudy day. We spent a night here prior to taking the ferry across to the South Island and visited some friends just outside of the city. The Te Papa museum is excellent so the city is certainly worth a stop if you are passing this way.

The Interisland Ferry across the Cook Strait from north to south island is an experience in itself. The whole journey takes 3 and a half hours but at all times it is possible to see land and enjoy great views. Not long after leaving the beautiful waterfront city of Wellington, the route takes you across the short Cook Strait and into the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, a simply breathtaking fjord where, on occasion, dolphins can be spotted.

The Interisland Ferry is well equipped for families with cabins set aside with cots and changing facilities for anyone to use. There is also a soft play area and cinema for older children. Thomas was quite happy to play and look at the views and the time passed quickly.

The ferry docks in Picton at the end of the fjord and I really recommend taking the 35km scenic drive from Picton to Havelock as a great introduction to the picturesque south island. We even managed to stop at a second hand shop along the route and pick up a load of books for Thomas.

We have been told that the south island is more beautiful than the north and our introduction so far is promising.