About a 3-4 hour beautiful ferry journey. Besides a means of getting from the south to the north island, it's an awesome experience in itself. Observation Deck perfect spot for this great trip. Lots of sailboats in Picton Bay taking advantage of this nice sunny day.

About an hour going through the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds, a beautiful area of small bays with rolling hills, thick bush, sandy beaches, and mussel farms. Crossing the Cook Straight thankfully was very calm today and a gorgeous blue. 

TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK campground in Hutt, about ten miles on the other side of the harbor.

First thing the next morning headed back to central Wellington's Harbor area for some sightseeing. 

Dragon Boat Races - Wellington

Dragon Boat races were in action. Lucked out being here today. Secondary schools from all over come to race their long canoes. Very festive, lively time. Happened to be next to a local couple whose daughter was in it and explained everything to us. Lots of hooping, hollering, painted faces and cheering from paddlers and watchers.
So much fun! 

TePapa (Our Place) Museum: New Zealand's national museum - one of best ways to learn about the country's history in one place. And it was free.  Highlights: big Maori meeting house, simulated earthquake in a house, bush walk. Spent about three hours in this excellent museum.