We arrived at Picton on 5th April. Our B&B, Karaka Point Lodge, was the best so far, perched high above Queen Charlotte Sound and our hosts, Juliet and Brian, were charming. Both sang in barber shop choirs and treated us to inpromptu performances at breakfast and in the evening whilst we were relaxing with a glass of wine and nibbles in the lounge.

The views from the lodge were stunning...

 

We drove along Queen Charlotte's drive - more amazing scenery - to Havelock Village with its antique shops.

Eventually, we had a look at Picton itself. It is the main port from which ships to the North Island sail, and we ourselves would be departing from it two days time. The ferries are huge and whole goods trains and lorries are loaded on board.

On Tuesday, we drove to Marlborough to do some wine tasting. Of course, we had a pilgrimage to Cloudy Bay, and did some sampling and buying, before moving on elsewhere. We can now heartily recommend Huia and Severin wines!