We have booked a ferry ride across the Cook Stright for today, but it doesn’t leave until this afternoon.  We found some great parking (Dan got us a $40 ticket because he forgot to pay the meter) and headed off for some breakfast and exploration.

Naturally, Roland found some friendly dogs.  This kid seriously loves dogs!!

Playing outside a motel were two black labs looking for a good tug-o-war.  Dan also spied this old gem of a Mustang.  We have seen a lot of old cars in very good shape.

As we headed down toward the water, Roland found one of his favourite things to do.  (Don’t ask me why, I haven’t a clue).  Sitting on a bench.  He’s waiting for one of his other favourite things, a bus.  As bus stops go, this one is very nice.

Down by the harbor, we found a spectacular surprise.  This park is simply wonderful.  The big ship is amazing and even has a ramp for easy access at the back.  There is also a splash pad, swings, model trains, little park and public toilets.

 

Speaking of, I would like to share with you a side by side comparison of the types of videos Dan and I shoot.

We made a quick stop at the Picton Community Museum.  The staff member working today was fantastic with Roland.

There are a lot of very interesting things to see and read about here.  Admission is only $5 too.

With all this running around we were ready to eat lunch but also did not have a lot of time before getting on the ferry.  So, off we headed to be one of the first in line so we could grab lunch on the boat.

Roland is patiently waiting and ready to go.

Once on board, the 3-hour ferry crossing from the South to North Island, the views are something worth seeing.

When we crossed from Melbourn to Tasmania we chose a night sailing as there is not much beyond the open seas and it was 12 hours long.  Here, the short 3 hours is easily taken up by walking aound the ship and grabbing a bite to eat.  The two islands are so close, infact, that you can see on from the other and will always have a good view of the land.

 

 

Along with comfy chairs, dining, and incredible views, there is also a children’s play area.  Today, Roland has skipped his customary nap.  The timing just didn’t work out for him to have one.  So, I compromised.  He was allowed to watch TV for as long as he wanted, just so long as he way laying down at the same time.  He Was Tired.  He also refused to nap with the TV on.  I even got him to eat some food served out of a paper boat.  Scarlet enjoyed crawling around before sleeping in the Ergo carrier.

 

 

As we get sight of Wellington we are first impressed at the size of the city.  It is also getting dark FAST and we will need to find somewhere close to stay the night.

Much like winter in Canada, winter is New Zealand gets dark early.  It’s not even 6, there is rush hour traffic and it is dark.  Both kids are super tired too and I think I will be able to put them right to bed when we find the caravan park.

No Cooking dinner tonight!!  I had a chat with the staff as we checked into the Top10 Park, just outside Wellington.  They highly recommended we call HELL PIZZA as we could get free delivery.

Established in 1996 (totally makes sense with the theme), this pizza chain has gone all out with branding.  I am digging the boxes.  We ordered the Mordor and the Damned.  If I though they put a lot of attention into the boxes, they put even more into the pizza.  There are some serious flavour combinations going on here!!

Photo Recap of the day.