Day 5 Picton, South Island, NZ

SHORTENED VERSION

The forecast promised showers, but Picton surprised us with sunshine ☀️ We cruised quietly through Queen Charlotte Sound on a catamaran, rugged up against the wind and soaking in the stunning bays, wildlife, and those secluded homes only reachable by boat. A wander around Picton, a long lunch back on the ship, and dinner with old cruise friends made it a perfect day. 💙

The longer version.

The weather forecast predicted showers today but we were treated with a beautiful sunshine day - for the most part.  Our tour is Queen Charlotte Sound Catamaran Cruise and we boarded the shuttle bus around 9am for the short journey to our waiting Catamaran.  

The catamaran silently made its way out of the harbour and into the pristine natural beauty of the sound.  We decided to sit upstairs, in the open to get a better look and feel and we weren't disappointed although we had to don our windproof jackets as the wind picked up.  

Our first stop was at Double Cove where the boat crew fed the "pet fish" that were mostly blue cod and mullet.  There was also a sneaky paradise duck that made an appearance.  

Next we made our way into another cove that had a lot of magnificent hillside homes.  It is secluded and the only way in and out is by boat.  We passed a boat shed that was leaning at an angle and the captain explained that this was a reminder of what happened a few years ago in a large rain event that saw houses slip.

We then journeyed further into the sound where the captain pointed out the one and only waterfall.  Try and spot it in this photo……

There is one sheep farm that we pass but the country is not really suitable for farming.  However, full marks for the farmer giving it a go.

We are now slowly making our way back to the harbour after our two hour cruise.  It was leisurely and probably just the thing needed for me and my dicky knee.  Once we disembarked the catamaran we decided to take the shuttle back to the ship as we wanted to roam the streets of Picton.  It is a gorgeous town with a population of around 4,000.  The townsfolk welcome us with happy faces and cheerful words that is wonderful to see.

Back on board the ship and time for a delicious three course lunch and a rest this afternoon before we head to dinner with friends from our previous cruise.