Apr 22nd: “One of the most dangerous and unpredictable waters in the world.”

Day 19 (Day 15 in New Zealand)

After packing up the car, we strolled down to the harbour and sat outside the same bar as last night. This time for tea and a bacon & egg toasted sandwich while enjoying the sunshine.

Eventually we dragged ourselves away to drive the 2km to the ferry terminal and checked in. The weather forecast was in our favour but having read the Cook Strait Wikipedia page I was taking no chances and took a sea sickness pill just in case.

I needn’t have worried. It was a very calm crossing. The scenery for the first hour or so cruising through Marlborough Sounds. No sightings of whales, dolphins or penguins as some have seen.




Grey and overcast as we approached Wellington for the start of our week long North Island adventure.




Another very short drive to our hotel near the city centre where there were quite a few quaint old buildings like the one below. 

After checking in we just had time for a quick visit to the Museum of New Zealand, or Te Papa as it is known in Māori. 

Set in a new purpose built building and set over 6 floors we focussed on just 2 in the time we had: the history of how the British (and other Europeans, took the land from the Māori people) and an exhibit about the Battle of Gallipoli which commenced on Apr 25th (remembered in these parts as Anzac Day in much the same way as we do with Nov 11th. They even sell poppies). Quite timely as it is coming up n 3 days. 

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