New Zealand Day 3 (November 27th)

Today we caught the ferry from Picton to Wellington. We got up, had a leisurely breakfast, and then got on the road. It was more stunning coastline and mountain passages and passing through little towns. That is one of the very interesting things about the highways here, you will be cruising along at 100/110 kmh (60-70 miles per hour), and then suddenly to come to town and the speed limit drops in half. These are the major highways, and they are all 2 lane, with passing lanes on occasion. Very tiny, winding roads. Generally in good condition, but it is just so different from what we think of as a highway in North America. It is more what we'd think of a scenic highway. Not that I am complaining at all about driving on scenic highways, it just so interesting that those are the biggest roads, minus the few multiple lane highways in the cities.

The ferry ride was 3 hours. We stood on the deck and we took off, then retreated inside to this lovely sun deck, where we sat and read. It was quite a smooth trip. At both the beginning and end, the ship weaved through passsages of small islands and pennisulas. The open strait, about half the trip, was a little bouncy at times, but overall, very nice ride. It actually lulled me to sleep for a bit.

Then we arrive in Wellington. After we exited the ferry, we drove toward downtown Wellington and found a place to park in this cheap lot where we could stay over night. R.'s allergies went insane, so we wandered around, finding him some allergies pills and taking in the city at the end of the work day. It was back to the camper van after that, and then dinner and a nap. R. was feeling wiped out, so I let him sleep longer while I wandered around. I got to enjoy a lovely sunset and take in a bit more of the city and what the nightlife was like.

Something both R. and I had noted was that Wellington seemed a bit like a mini-Vancouver at times. The financial area/business district was similar, as was the water front. We later found areas that were different, but there was definitely a similar feel at times. But, the biggest thing I noticed that was different, was that people were happier. For the longest time, I've been trying to put my finger on what made Vancouver a difficult city to meet people and why something seemed off about it. I always thought it was the fact that people weren't friendly, but it isn't that at all. People don't seem happy in Vancouver. I think a lot of people there are much more hung up on image, like L.A. Vancouver and L.A actually have similar cultural feel to me. And I think that's because people care so much about looking good, being thin and/or fit, fitting in, being part of a clique/scene, being cool, having money... etc. It's all so image driven. And therefore it does not seem like people are happy. Now, Wellingtonians, seemed happy. They were laughing loud and talking lots and didn't seemed like they were so hung up on what people thought of them. And I realized that was the difference. They let their happiness show and they just didn't care about a lot of the bullshit. It was refreshing. And it made me totally enjoy that city so much.

After my walk, and realization, I went back and woke R. and up and dragged him out for drinks. We stumbled upon this bar that was hosting a tour group for younger people – 18-35 or something. Anyway – they were all hammered and dancing on tables, so it was a very fun atmosphere. We then wandered up to the club/bar district, and took in the nightlife. It was quite happening for a Thursday night. Tons of people out. Lots of drinking and debauchery. We saw a fight that seemed to have started right outside a bar, then got broken up, then heated back up on the sidewalk, then got out of control, spiraled into a multiple person fight that ended up in the street, with a pile of about 10 guys. It was crazy. On the way back to the camper, we had one last beer at a karaoke bar, which was decorated totally in black lights and weird fluorescent scenes on the wall, such as the Statue of Liberty, the US Capitol building, Arch D'Triomphe..... so bizarre. But, it was a good place for a night cap. Then sleep.

Just north of Kaikoura, on the way to the ferry in Picton.


Beautiful road and hills. The roads are all like this.


Sheep!


More lovely.

Downtown Wellington. On the waterfront.

Residential area across the bay from downtown Wellington.

Funny fountain on downtown Wellington watefront.

-N.