Behind The Wheel In New Zealand Part 1 - South Island

Day 9, Saturday

Visit Nelson Market (Montgomery Square, opens on Saturdays, 8am - 12nn) for its eclectic mix of wares and dazzling array of produce. Together with buskers, artists and street performers, the result is a kaleidoscope of colours and vibrance that is a true reflection of the town and its people.

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Leave Nelson by 10:30am in order to make the hour and a half trip to pretty Picton port, from which the Interislander Ferry line is scheduled to leave at 1:10pm for Wellington on the North Island. Take SH6 past Havelock and the Wairau River, then turn left into Rapaura Road (a shortcut), at the end of which turn left onto SH1 that leads to Picton. Remember also to pump a full tank before returning the car.

After the three and a half hour ferry ride (meals available on board), you will arrive in the capital city of Wellington. Collecting a car from AVIS will again prove to be a prompt affair, serviced by friendly and efficient service staff ever-ready to assist you. Promptly go about visiting the major sights in the city, consisting of the Cathedral Church of St Paul (Old St Paul’s), the Wellington Cathedral Church of St Paul (New St Paul’s), the Parliament Buildings (aka The Bee Hive), Old Government Buildings and the Town Hall. Due to time constraints, Te Papa Tongarewa (also known as the National Museum of New Zealand) with zones such as Awesome Forces, Bush City, Mountains to Sea, The Extinct Moa and Giant Squid, can be called on when it opens at 9am the next day.

Continue to Part 2 of our journey as we cross over to the North Island in Behind The Wheel In New Zealand Part 2 - North Island.

Credits: Written by Dave Wong. Edited by Bjorn Wong.