Day 2: Tongariro National park to Picton via Wellington and the Arahura Interislander ferry

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We wake to rain and mist.
After a long leisurely breakfast the weather clears and we set off.

We enjoyed our stay at the Chateau. We appreciated the excellent service of wonderful staff from many different countries.


Mt Ruapehu is hidden by cloud.
The road takes us through rugged landscapes...
...to rich loamy soils ready for  growing carrots and potatoes around Ohakune and Raetihi.
... and Rangitikei.
There have been storms overnight and the seas are crashing onto the shore north of Wellington.
All is calm in the Plimmerton harbour.
Typical scenes for Wellington - houses perched on the hillsides.
We check in at the Ferry Terminal and follow the directions to the bikers' area.
Hiding over the bank is a beach and the Kaiwharawhara stream estuary.



...Onto the Arahura Interisland ferry at 6pm.
Two other bikes and many trucks and motorhomes join us onboard...

We were expecting a rough Cook Strait crossing and were pleasantly surprised with how smooth it was.


Comments

Ken said…
So whose the fella riding Mella?
7 November 2014 at 14:24
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