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Tues 11 Nov 2014
We woke this morning to a wet and gale battered Wellington - we now understand how it got the name 'Windy Wellington'. We braved the elements and went to Mass at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral (a 15 minute walk from the hotel) followed by breakfast back at the hotel.
Afterward a walk around the city centre and a vist to the Te Papa Museum. The Australian Ruby League Team was staying close by and we saw some of the boys Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday. The museum has a large selection of Maori artefacts and interactive displays on the history, culture and tradition - well worth the free entry cost.
More wandering about the main city shopping centre and grabbing some lunch before heading back to the hotel for the bus ride to the ferry terminal for the trip across a Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island.
The 3 hour ferry ride was surprisingly calm considering the conditions - the Captain had advised that the forecast was for gale force winds in the Strait. We arrived into Picton which is nestled at the end of Queen Charlotte Sound. The Sound is beautiful and dramatic, steep mountains right down to the water's edge and deep, milky blue water.
Off the boat and onto the coach for a quick look at Picton then set off for the 30 minute drive to Blenheim.
We arrived at Blenheim and only had time to freshen up before we were back on the bus destined for the the Old Malthouse for some beer tasting and dinner. The menu included New Zealand lamb, gurnard (fish), beef, cheese and Marlborough wine.
After dinner, back to the hotel ready for an early start in the morning.
Today's temperature: Min 9 & blustery (Wellington) Max 20 & fine (Blenheim)
Today's insights....
Blenheim was named after the 1st Duke of Marlborough who defeated John Churchill (great Uncle of Winston Churchill) at Blenheim, France.
78% of all wine production in New Zealand comes from the Marlborough region. Savingon Blanc is by far the most popular wine.
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