With my week 5 blog focusing on wrapping up my time on the North Island with a beautiful hike in Egmont National Park and a more chilled-out stroll around Wellington with my friend, I boarded my Ferry from Wellington to Picton to start my journey on the South Island, a much-anticipated venture for my while I have been currently travelling on the road at this point of time. Little did I know that there would be such a contrast in scenery, though I must say that both Islands hold such a beautiful presence in their little ways, with the North being more forestry and field base and soon to be found out what the South Island has to offer, looking at all the pictures I believed it would be more Mountain based, which is one of the reason is as to why some of the drives are so long In this part of New Zealand. But with that said, It was time to move on to my next adventure, and all of what I have been waiting for will soon turn into reality
(The Ferry ride was very windy)
The morning was cold, the sun shining at 7 am and the breeze cold, as a damp 13-degree sea breeze whooshed around the large ferry as we all gathered our cars into this large vessel, ushered in by the staff and crew as we all awaited our 8:40 am voyage across to the South, reflecting on the events that had transpired before on this trip. The main events that I was looking forward to when I got to Picton and the South Island, were doing my first ever Sky Dive, hiking some more trials, like the Queen Charlotte track and Roys Peak and visiting some other cities that I have heard good things about, like Queenstown and Wanaka, but more importantly driving around and taking in the beautiful sights and serenity that make up the South’s identity.
Where to stay in Picton.
(The outside of The Villa is, very cosy)
While the ferry ride was more of a long transportation ride and nothing too exciting to ride home about, it built up the anticipation more and after this 3hr boat ride, we towed up to the edge of Picton, boarded our cars and drove off to wherever we had to go. It wasn’t far from where my accommodation was, and I will say if you are looking for accommodation in Picton, there is not a whole lot of choice due to how small the town is, however, I stayed in a hostel called The Villa that at $26 is a pretty quiet and cosy little set up if you are interested in staying in a room if you intend to have a break from being in your vehicle.
As I previously mentioned, there is not much to do in Picton, as the town is small and only has a few streets. I would recommend going up to Nelson, closer to Able Tasman as the drive to the Able Tasman from Picton is about 3 hrs in total (you will get a lot of these big duration times in the proceeding blogs) where I was, unfortunately, unable to visit in my time In NZ, so if you are looking for a bit more to do, that would be your best cause of action.
What activities to do while in Picton, New Zealand?
Nelson’s Lake National Park.
Although small, I made the most of my four days, which started by visiting Nelson’s Lake National Park the day after I arrived. From Picton to the national park, it’s about a 1hr 30-minute drive (from Blenheim to St Arnaud) that takes you around and through the various vineyards of which appear to be the vast majority of the well-known wine brands to come from, that eventually takes you to Highway 63 where you will come to find this gorgeous little spot. There is camping for self-contained vehicles and non-powered tent sites available to stay at in Kerr Bay, which would allow you to explore and see more of the area, but for a day trip, it is also a lovely spot to visit as there is enough to see and do.
You are also allowed to swim in the lake, which would be one of the nicest spots ever to do so as the positioning of the mountains makes for an incredible backdrop, but more so in summer than winter as it can get quite cold, something I experienced at my time of visit.
With swimming being only one of many activities, personally, the best aspect of this national park would be the various small, half-day and full-day walks that are present within the park. The loop track (the trail I completed on the day) is a 1 hr and 30 mins walk that starts in the eastern corner of Kerr Bay. The start of the track is on Bellbird walk (30 min in total as a separate walk) that takes you the St Arnaud range/loop track that takes you through Terrance’s, junctions, and the bush until you loop back around to the lakeshore and from there, you’ll end up in the car park. A stunning view of The Bellbird Walk.
(The Bellbird Walk)
It is an easy track, that makes for a pleasant stroll and some of the views you get from the vantage points you’re met with at various points of the lake are simply peaceful and beautiful, you will not be disappointed and makes for a great place to snap a picture.
Queen Charlotte Track
One of the main things I’d love to have done in this area if given the opportunity is hike the entire Queen Charlotte track, 3 days in its entirety and can be purchased in a package worth $785 if you’re limited on time. I wanted to do this package however, as a solo traveller, the nice man over the phone said it is only catered for 2 or more people, in larger groups, to make it worthwhile for everyone involved and sadly I was the only one interested in doing it on the day, robbing me the opportunity to do this hike. So, I had to settle for doing a small, 4 hr section of the track, which is beautiful, though it was still disappointing as I can’t tell you too much about this hike apart from the coastal views which are awesome and worth exploring if you have the time to do so.
(Queen Charlotte Track featuring some coastal views)
On day 3 and my final night, I was able to make a friend in the hostel, so we explored Picton together for a bit, then relaxed in the hot tub and made a couple of more friends, where that evening, we went out for some drinks and then went to sleep. This is one of my favourite aspects of travelling, these brief encounters with people you happen to have a chance to meet and hang out with for a short amount of time.
On day 3 and my final night, I was able to make a friend in the hostel, so we explored Picton together for a bit, then relaxed in the hot tub and made a couple of more friends, where that evening, we went out for some drinks and then went to sleep. This is one of my favourite aspects of travelling, these brief encounters with people you happen to have a chance to meet and hang out with for a short amount of time.
Travel gives you a new perspective and lets you meet some great people along the way.
And then, it was time to set off from Picton, a small town that allowed me to hang out and introduce myself to the South Island. My next activity on the list would see me move onto Kaikoura which was the gateway towards my push towards Christchurch, which will be the theme of my next blog.
Thanks for reading and tune in for my next post!!
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