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Our next stop was Picton, near to Blenheim and the ferry crossing point to the North Island. It was also the opening to the Marlborough Sound and my main reason for going there. The Marlborough Sounds encompass 20% of New Zealand's total coastline. This intricate maze of waterways consists of three Sounds, namely the Queen Charlotte Sound, the Kenepuru Sound and the Pelorus Sound. Within the area is pristine native forest ranging from towering 800 yr old Rimu trees, lush punga tree ferns and beautiful native orchids, all plunging down to the shoreline.
As I was not staying there for long we booked onto the Mailbox Run cruise, which delivers mail to the people living along the Sounds. This was not your red boat with a black and white cat but a small cruise boat mainly designed to show off the Sounds whilst delivering the mail. Depending on the day depends on the route but people tend to get their mail twice a week.
This beautiful place was incredible. Looming mountains covered in trees and little bays and coves with just the odd house here and there. The water was pure and clear, tempting you to jump in - if it had not been so cold! The houses were of incredible architecture tucked away from sight but with as much glass as possible to take in the view. The people waiting for mail would come down to their small decks as the boat pulled up alongside, mail would be thrown across before the boat pulled away. One owner, in his early 80's even rowed out to meet the boat which was interesting as the tide was stronger than he was. This house in particular had cultivated the steep hillside behind and a lovely garden could be seen. A great place and ideal to retire to.
We returned to mainland to meet up with the two other people from our wine tour and you can guess the rest, with the occasional firework booming in the distance. Happy Bonfire Night.
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