Marlborough Sounds and its Beaches

We had noticed a meat market on our route the day before and went there to buy something for dinner tonight. Whilst there were lots of cuts we had never seen before our choice was limited given the lack of cooking facilities in our destination. So we will be BBQing steak tonight.

We drove out to the nearest coast at Monkey Bay and investigated the Caves there. From there we drove on to Robin Hood Bay, a very windy steep journey, a lot of it on unmade roads (beach difficult to see for the piles of washed up driftwood). Before returning to Whites Bay, which is a Conservation area. Beautiful beach, but mussels too tiny to pick for lunch so we will have to adjourn to the St Clair vinyard for a cheese platter in the sun and the compulsory wine smelling. (Added bonus was the Manuka honey bought from their shop. Breakfast now sorted!).

Back to our accommodation tonight, which we had already passed twice today. First

thought was disappointment as it was not as clean as we would have liked, but on second look it will do for a few days. The sunset over the vineyard was spectacular, (see picture) and the stars in the night sky were bountiful and heavenly.
Next morning we needed to drive into Picton as we had a trip planned in Marlborough Sounds to rodent free Motuara Island, used to protect endangered birds. During the boat trip we saw fur seals, dusky dolphins numerous seabirds and on the island we saw a waku, fantails and blue penguin chicks. A truly memorable trip.

Highlights the next day was a poor artisan's market in Blenheim, tasting local gin's and wines and Bobby finding out that Lindt is not like Cadbury's chocolate here, thankfully it still tastes the same as in the UK.

Today we move on again. Weather was cloudy and very windy. Not much choice of what to do as it is a Sunday so we decided to make the 1:45 hour drive to Nelson. Very worthwhile trip as we managed to sort our travel internet problem by buying a mobile 4G broadband device. The day was further enhanced by a superb lunch at the Cod and Lobster. The restaurant was made more interesting with a very knowledgeable mixologist with over 100 gin's available for him to work with. The local one I tried was excellent, as was the Boulevardier.

The beach house we are now staying in for the next few days is only up the road from where we have just stayed. So another long drive back. However upon arrival we both agreed that it was worth it, located right on the beach it has a slight bohemian feel that works. During the evening we had our first minor tremor, which was a bit of a surprise. Sure we will feel more before we leave NZ ! Next morning we woke to sunshine but the hefty winds made the sea look

turbulent. During our walk on the beach we enjoyed all of this as well as the ability to be nosy and checkout all of the other houses backing on to the beach. We agreed that we are in the best situation and that we would like to stay again when we return to the South Island.

After this we tried more wine smelling and tasting. Beginning to master this though might need more practise and refreshers during this holiday. The most disappointing visit was to Cloudy Bay, who were charging, most tastings are free. Visited Alan Scott instead and had the wine surprise of the year. Sauvingion Blanc made with hops and sold in a can. Best wine so far this visit!!

After another pleasant evening and a morning walk on the beach we checked out of the Beach House and headed towards Picton. The price the boat taxi was asking was too expensive for the 10 minute trip to another conservation island, so Bobby consoled herself with a bit of retail therapy before we headed to our new accommodation, Heaven Sounds Clouds.
Driving up and up a steep windy gravel drive we finally arrived at a small secluded property with stunning views. Our hostess was a Chinese lady, Ting, and her husband Craig who was building a

picturesque tea house and garden that we enjoyed walking around.

This was a great location to explore the remote beaches of the Marlborough Sounds, a number of which we visited during a drive the next day. The route was very windy and steep with drops at the side of 300-400 feet. Spent our evenings with our hosts discovering a lot about the locality, particularly from an immigrants perspective. Slept well, so much so that neither of us felt another minor tremor that night. All too soon it was again time to move on.

On our last day before the ferry we decided to go for a walk and found a pleasant track from Kaiwaka Marina where we had moved to (we had incorrectly thought it was nearer to the ferry terminal) to Picton. Spent a few hours on it's balcony soaking up the evening sun. And then next morning headed off to the ferry for the next stage in our journey.