Interislander ferry, Picton to Wellington

I had to check my blog to find out, but I had travelled on this ferry before. Then, I used the intercity bus pass, which just charges you the hours the crossing takes. With a single fare around $50 for a 3.5 hour crossing, while passes are around $8 per hour, it’s a cheaper option.

Not as cheap as free, though, and my crossing was covered, along with that of the SUV beast I was driving, by the rental company, via the transfercar website. Loading was slick, too – the ferry left on time, yet not much more than half an hour before, all the car and campervan traffic had been parked in lanes on the land.

Last time I went North-South, which leaves the scenic part to the end. I preferred this way; staring out at the green, tree-lined shores, wondering at life in the houses which can’t have any road access, then settling in for the rest of the crossing wherever I could find a seat.

Picton waterfront.

Picton waterfront.Picton waterfront

Picton waterfront.

WW memorial.

Steam train leaving Picton.

View of Picton from the ferry.

View back over the ferry.

Ferry staff and funnel.

Greenery, and houses only accessible from the water.

Greenery.

Hilly green scenery over the water.

Barnacles, Paraparaumu. Stayed here for 6 nights four years ago.

Sunset in Paraparaumu.

Sunset, Paraparaumu.

Sandcastles on Paraparaumu beach.