South Island: Picton
North of Kaikoura is the wine growing area of Marlborough.
The town of Blenheim is the
home of nearly 20 wineries, probably the largest wine growing area in New
Zealand. Except for the vineyards, we found the the area less scenic until
we reached Picton and the spectacular coastline of Marlborough Sounds.
Picton is where cars and people land when they come by
ferry from Wellington on the north island. More than simply a port town, it
is also an attractive center for sailing and fishing throughout the rugged
and scattered islands and peninsulas that make up the complex known officially
as Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park.
On the southwestern corner of the sound, connected to
Picton by an hour of hairpin turns and remarkable scenery, is the town of
Havelock, the Greenlipped Mussel Capital of New Zealand (and therefore of
the world). Judy may have eaten her weight in these delicious mussels throughout
our monthlong visit.
