DAY 12 NELSON TO WELLINGTON

This will be a day of short interesting rides but not much distance.  Most of the day is consumed with the trip from Picton to Wellington, the capital of NZ.  We start with a short ride to Havelock.  The road is filled with mountain terrain and it is an interesting ride.  The first stop for 3 of us was the camping area just past the Pelorus Bridge.   A perfect stop for coffee but I choose ice cream.  Again it is noted that the public toilets are immaculate.  The next turn is this stretch is at Havelock where we turn onto 32K of the tightest twisties that we have yet encountered.  It did not let up until we arrived in Picton.  I got gas and met the gang at the local café.  The ferry boarding is similar to the Canadian system with Motorcycles moved to the front to a special place for tie down.  The process went well and we proceeded to the passenger decks for observation and conversation.   I had a bowl of mac and cheese and took advantage of the recliner section for a quick nap which was interrupted by our guide Reini for another map session.  At this point I am carrying enough maps to tip the bike sideways.  We exit the ferry terminal with a brisk ride into and through the town to a high point overlooking the entire city.  We return to our hotel  across from Te PAPA the National Museum of NZ.  Since Wellington is a capital city it is loaded with activity.  This made for an excellent evening stroll to the streets where the people hang out.  We went to points of interest, motorcycle shop, Mercedes dealership and of course a Gelato store where Italian ice cream is served.  Armed with a cone of the smoothest chocolate delight we finish our tour of the city.  There was a good internet hook up at the hotel but I was too tired to use it. 

Center of NZ at dawn.

Cow right of way!