The Long and Winding Road

With thanks to Lennon and McCartney, it seems to be our theme song for Picton. But we did plan last night that we take a drive west from Picton around the bays as far as Linkwater and then up that road along the Pelorus/Kenepuru Sound to perhaps Portage.
It was a super morning weather wise setting off at around 10. Bought petrol first, then out on to Queen Charlotte Drive – just a short distance up the road was a great look out of the harbour where we stopped for some photos. Back on the road and we wound around up and down, and the scenery was so good. We stopped (I think) at Ngakuta Bay – a chance to stretch our legs.
Next stop was the turnoff at Linkwater – we were met here with several signs warning us that the road was under significant repairs and we could expect delays. Going on the suggested website told us that the road was open on the weekend. A group of bikers turned up too and they were weighting up whether to continue on; but we all agreed that it was worth a try. They headed off and we followed – didn’t see them again!
So, it was an interesting drive - it wasn’t long until we hit road works – some completed and areas still under repair. There were so many places where the road had just dropped down a valley and there must have been mud and rock blocking roads after the rains. After over 20 minutes of winding up this road we came to a little resort/holiday camp that had a restaurant so in we went – the area Te Mahia and it was centred on a tiny bay with a magic view.
We decided to have lunch there and sat with another couple from The Lakes District in the UK. They had a son living in Mayfield. They love NZ and own some accommodation nearby that they must use when in NZ, and their little runabout boat was moored at the wharf – just came over for coffee!
We both had fish tacos and an enjoyable cup of coffee.
After the drive in, it wasn’t hard to flag going on to Portage, so back down the road and on to Havelock. We had a walk around the marina there and saw what the rich and famous spend their money on. Drove through the town and found no reason to stop, so back on the road home via the SH to Marlborough North and back to Picton and home.
We leave Picton tomorrow – our plan is to leave 7:30 ish – pick up strawberries and cherries at Marlborough and on to Christchurch. We hope to make it to CH CH by 1.00 pm and meet with Lorraine and her family for lunch. Then on to Ashburton to spend some time with Nan.
The weather has been kind to us, and we have had 2 relaxing days here in Picton, we will be back for one night at the end of our holiday – no hurry.Read more