Backpackers on a Bus

Rode a scheduled bus, carrying mainly backpackers, for the two-hour journey to Nelson, the second-oldest settled city in New Zealand. Over the next twelve days we’ll explore the northwest corner of the South Island by foot, boat, and car.

Ridge Trail

Hiked seven hours on a well-designed and maintained trail along a ridge separating Kenepuru Sound and Queen Charlotte Sound. Sometimes we saw Kenepuru, sometimes Queen Charlotte, sometimes both.

Essential Supplies

After dropping us off at the trailhead for our multi-day, 72 km hike, the boat proceeded along Queen Charlotte Sound to deliver these essential supplies to Furneaux Lodge, our home for the next two nights.

Marlborough Country

Looked out at Marlborough wine country on the final approach in a de Havilland Dash 8-300. Later, thanks to Google, learned Geoffrey de Havilland, the founder of the aircraft company, and Olivia de Havilland (now 103) are cousins, Olivia’s sister is Joan Fontaine, and … . Enough celebrity gossip!