Wellington to Nelson (South Island) 3/10/13 (day 8)

Started the day in our great hotel in Wellington. They upgraded us to a suite...lovely,clean and spacious. Up and out to the farmer's market next to Te Papa Museum. Unbelievable fruit and giant veggies and incredible food stalls. Jim went lamb wrap, Suzanne and Craig crepes and I had an Indian Dora masala- a fermented lentil and bean paste spread thin on a griddle, fried and filled with curried potato and onion mixture. Yummy- should have taken a picture.

We spent 2 hours in the museum learning more about the Waitangi Treaty, flora and fauna and the geology of the region. Could have used all day! Great museum...

Boarded the huge ferry to the South Island after leaving our car behind. A very nice big ship with comfortable seats, tables and snack bar. On the back deck were two huge semis loaded with sheep...very weird sight. After leaving beautiful Wellington, we hit Cook's Strait and crossed to the Queen Charlotte Sound-a gorgeous waterway weaving between islands and peninsulas.

We arrived in Picton and got another car and drove a very winding and beautiful road up the coast to Nelson. Tomorrow we will hike and/or kayak in Abel Tasman National Park and try to sketch out the rest of the trip.