Picton

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Picton is the southern terminus of the Inter-island ferry. It’s a beautiful little port this time of year before the GUPs show up en masse. You can still go out on a charter if you wish, but you don’t have to fight for a spot on the rail like dogs over a bone. The marina illustrates how New Zealand rates as one of the top nations as measured by boats per capita (don’t know if all the American boats here count).

The place we selected to stay was about 3k from town, and right next to the marina. We stayed two nights while reconnoitering and planning our next move. It was really good to leave the North Island behind.

This bird is called a Pukeko. They are common around the islands. This one greeted us when we arrived. He was a very curious fellow, and if you stood or sat still, he would come pretty close, and check you out. He would never get close enough to touch. Cynthia decided to do a test where she put several food items out (e.g. raisin, pumpkin seed, cashew, etc.). The bird crept up, grabbed the cashew and ran at top speed (they're hilarious to watch run) into the distance and we never saw him again.


Duck Invasion Part 2:

I don't know what it is with these parks, but they all seem to have ducks around. It's probably because dogs aren't allowed most places (we drove by one sheep farmer's place and there were about a dozen dog hides hanging on the fence).


Cynthia's duck barricade:


I finally had to chase them off with my fishing rod.

Maori art (?)


The Harbour: