Picton, the gateway to the South Island

 We took the ferry from Wellington to Picton when we arrived.  The three hour voyage across the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds is breathtaking.   We were so excited when Picton came into view.   It's a tiny little place, but lively in the summer with backpackers from all over the world.  There is a rather good maritime museum, an aquarium, lots of nice cafes and gift shops and er.....thats it really!   It's a really good starting point to explore the sounds either on foot, or mountain bike, or by kayak.