Picture Postcard Picton

Woke up this morning to a beautiful view from our balcony as we sailed up the Marlborough Sound into picturesque Picton. It was a beautiful sunny morning, so we had breakfast out on deck surrounded by rolling hills covered in trees, and the aquamarine of the water.

From the small but attractive village we were spoiled for choice for activities both on and off the water. We opted for a scenic tour in a comfortable Mercedes van (again the tour was similar to that offered by the ship but at half the price). Regrettably there was an issue with overbooking on our 6 passenger vehicle, resulting in a bit of a stand-off between two posh Australian retired schoolteachers and the rest of us. The school ma’ams pushed their way on board, and proceeded to correct our friendly local driver at every opportunity - teacher knows best! Our driver (who had relocated from Newcastle to New Zealand ten years ago - I can’t think why!). pointed out there were wild pigs and goats all round. ‘I would kill them all off if they are not indigenous to the area’ declared the elder Miss Jean Brodie. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask if she was Aboriginal and therefore indigenous to Australia.

The surrounding viewpoints our driver took us to were nothing short of magnificent - breathtaking vistas and a stunning ancient Maori site.

It is from Picton that the only ferry services operate to Wellington on the North Island. We had a long time ashore today from 9am till 7.30pm, so we had plenty of time to explore and sit with a coffee and let the world go by. What an idyllic place to visit and on such a perfect day.

Back on board we noted that we had been joined by a few more ‘celebrities’ - Liza Minnelli, Don Estelle, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rolf Harris, and several prominent members of the Glasgow Light Opera Club.Read more