Picton

Picton is the gateway between the North and South Island's of New Zealand and was the takeoff point for our hike along the Queen Charlotte Track.  This is a harbour town that depends on tourism generated from the 50 or so cruise ships that call into port each year.  In the distance, covered in clouds, are the mountains that form part of the Queen Charlotte track.  Should be a good hike.

On Friday, before we started the hike, we took a cruise on the Queen Charlotte Sound along the "Mail Run" that occurs every Friday afternoon to deliver mail to the remote homes dotted along Sound.  This was a fantastic way to see where we would be walking and to catch a glimpse of the North Island as we peered out from the safe waters of the sound across Cook Strait.  You can see the windmills if you look carefully.  We were very lucky to have calm waters and clear blue skies.  Apparently a 6 meter swell is normal if the winds pick up.

Below is one of the last sheep farming properties on the Sound. The grass covered mountains are in stark contrast to most of the mountains in the area that are covered in native bushland.

It is currently for sale as the cost of transport to/from the mainland has priced them out of the market. Got a spare $7 million?