Crossing to Wellington

Today will be quiet, it's time to cross to Wellington, so after breakfast in the misty dawn, we pass the many vineyards again to Picton. Arriving much too early, I stroll along the harbor. In a museum, an old immigrant ship, the Edwin Fox, is being restored. It is the ninth oldest ship in the world and looks like a lot, a lot of work.

After boarding, I go up to the upper deck and enjoy the warm sun. The ferry makes its way through a labyrinth of islands, even makes a small detour, and then reaches the open sea. In the lee of the superstructures, it is pleasantly warm, I love the smell of oil, sun-warmed paint, and salt air and will certainly sleep for an hour of the good 3-hour crossing.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is showing its windy side. A strong breeze blows through the harbor until we reach the wind shadow of the hills. I drive another 20 km to Porirua, where I will stay for 2 nights, because tomorrow I will go back to Wellington, I want to stroll through the city and visit the New Zealand Museum Te Papa Tongarewa (yes, that's what it's called).