Motuara Island and the Sounds

Today was our trip out to Motuara Island and the sounds. It was an early start and we were going well, when Robyn read that we had to be at Beachcomber Cruises by 7:30. But we made it and I parked the car in the Council carpark – went and checked in at parking kiosk and had a wee problem with the device which proved costly when we later returned.
We were on board and off shortly after 8:00 with about 12 or 14 passengers. It was such a beautiful morning out on the sounds, and we sat up on the top deck with the wind in our hair.
Motuara Island is protected – it has history of clearing it of all its native bush, farmed and at one stage goats occupied it. It is now predator free with a lot of bird life, insects, kiwi etc. We all hiked up the trail to the top where there was a tower that we climbed via steps. Great view. We had one hour on the island and at 10:00 boarded another company boat for the return via visits to a number of coves making deliveries and dropping off suitcases at various places for people on the Queen Charlotte walks. Some of the accommodation was flash and at one place we dropped of 4 suitcases and a package of wine.
First visit after Motuara was Ships Cove where we had 15 minutes to look around – we were pleased to see the monument and take in the history.
We called into one house places, and the owners came out, some with dogs, to gather their goods. Stopped in Resolution Bay, Furneaux Lodge jetty and Punga Cove.
This part of the day was just fantastic – we so enjoyed the two hours cruising in and out of bays. Sometimes the wind would get up, and the sea was pretty rough from the wind, especially 30 minutes out from home, but we just relaxed and soaked it all up. During this time there was mainly 4 of us on the top deck – one guy knew the area very well and had taken tours in the sounds – so we learned a lot as he relayed stories etc.
Getting back on dry land at 12:30 we came back home to freshen up and then back into town for lunch at Gusto. Great place. We talk about the rest of the afternoon, and Robyn suggested that we take a drive on the road north from Waikawa Bay to Port Underwood and then back home via Blenheim. Robyn volunteered to drive and off we went – not log after Karaka Point there was a sign that said, “winding road 7km”. Not deterred she continued climbing and winding until we dropped down in to Oyster Bay were stopped briefly and then went to carry on where there was another sign that read “15km of gravel road” At that point 7km of winding road sounded better that 15km of gravel road. So, we headed back.
We stopped off at Karaka Point and walked down to the beach past an ancient Maori site.
Then home – met the owners of the place here and had a cup of tea and naps.
It was a fantastic day!Read more