One more day to go here in New Zealand. We are winding down and catching our breath before coming back to America. Yesterday, we spent some time shopping and played a family card game last night called “Presidents and Scum”. I’m still not completely clear on what happened but it was a lot of fun. I was Scum three times in a row. Properly speaking, that is not a good thing!

Recapping our tour of the south island, we took the ferry from Wellington across the Cook Strait to Picton. Immediately, we boarded a smaller boat for the famous “mail run” and spent 4 hours touring Queen Charlotte Sound.

On the ferry crossing the strait.

Making the “mail run”.

Ship’s Cove

 

That night we made a harrowing journey through dark, winding roads in rain and fog over 13 one lane brides to Hamner Springs. The next morning we got up and headed for the outskirts of Christchurch but did not visit the city as it was recovering from a huge storm. Instead, we drove through the gorgeous countryside to Akaroa.

 

 

That night we arrived at the farm in Geraldine and spent the evening riding on ATV’s, chasing deer, and eating over an open fire.

The next morning we set off for Alexandra and our final destination, Queenstown. Along the way we passed by some interesting sites along the side of the road such as “Salmon World”. I finally got that fish that Gollum wouldn’t relinquish!

In Queenstown, we had a wonderful visit in the city underneath the grandeur of the Remarkable mountain range. And, of course, we took the trip to Milford Sound. Along the way we encountered a huge open grass field surrounded by mountains and this is where I fell off the infamous boulder.

 

 

From atop the Syline we watched paragliders.

Leaving Queenstown, we headed north and west for Hasst. Along the way, we found more interesting sites.

We arrived in Haast and had “tea” at the Hard Antler Restaurant and then headed up the west coast toward Greymouth, pausing at the glaciers and the pancake rocks.

 

The next day, we left Greymouth and visited Shantytown on our way back to Blenheim and the ferry from Picton back to the north island.

Overhanging rock over our road.

Now, we are here in Napier resting after crossing the strait to the north island. Tomorrow, my summary of what this trip has meant to Sherry and to me.