Havelock - Picton 25th November 2020

Woke up to a wet morning after hearing the rain over night. Although we were expecting a wet day today we were hoping it would be good to do the mail boat run around the sounds but no such luck constant rain most of the day. It eased off a little around two.

We left Havelock at 8.00am arriving in Picton about 9.00am. We were heading to Blenheim today through the Queen Charlotte Scenic Drive (through Linkwater on the above map) Drive from Havelock to Picton then on to Blenheim. But when we saw the weather we decided we would not do the windy drive through the Queen Charlotte scenic Drive to Picton. 1. We wouldn’t see much with the rain and low cloud 2. The drive would be very hard for PT to drive in those conditions. Hence we drove down to Rapaura just north of Blenheim through the Picton wineries area across to Spring Waters  (see map) then up to Picton. Drove round town  stopped and did a few things and then decided that we wouldn’t drive down to Blenheim today instead would spend tonight in Picton at a very nice top 10 camping park. Checked in at mid day and just waited for the weather to give us a break to go out for a walk after dashing around in the rain when we arrived. I thought that I wouldn’t have pictures worth uploading toninght but I was amazed how many I had taken on such a yukky day.. 

Picton vineyard country along the road from Rapaura to Tuamarina. A lovely drive passing all these vines, very pretty.

When we arrived in Picton we kparked by the waterfront and made a coffee.

Watched the ferry arrive and depart.

The Edwin Fox old sailing ship built in India in 1853

Hi no

To arrive in to Picton for her final resting place.

One of the convicts working under ball and chain. Does anyone recognise him.

Down in the lower deck

Up on the top deck. She is under a big roof for protection.

The bow, all of her in really poor condition.

Picton township

A few quick shots out of the van window  going along the waterfront to our camper.

Really nice camp even in the rain. Top 10 holiday park.

Break in the weather so went out for a walk to the marina, but still low cloud. Look at the house on top of the hill. Really high up more so than picture indicates. Doesn’t look safe.

Our camp is just over the back of marina short walk into the town.

Foot bridge going over the entrance of the marina to walk into town.

Looking along to the Sound where the ferries come in.

When we left this morning I thought that I wouldn’t get any photos today in this weather but I always say better to have bad ones than none at all. In the past we have only come off the ferries into Picton and never stopped and didn’t really see much at all.  It was nice to stop over and take it all in and we find it’s really a nice area. 🤞 weather will be brighter tomorrow before we go if we don’t stay another night.