This morning I boarded the ferry to the south Island. 3h10 for the passage from Wellington to Picton, passing through the Cook Strait and Marlborough Sounds with its islands and waterways.

The coast line in this northernmost part of the South Island is outright ridiculous, and reminds you of a fractal, in its endless repetitions. The sounds were actually once valleys, now flooded with water, as the ground sank and the sea levels rose.

I spent most of the time on deck, I found a sunny spot in a wind shielded corner, and enjoyed the view, the accompanying dolphins and had a little nap.

In Picton I got my new rental car, a white Ford this time. And after a hearty lunch – New Zealand Corn Fritters with relish and a big salad – off I went the roughly 200 km to Kiakoura.