30|11&1,2,3|12|18, The beginning of something breathtaking

Hello people,

after 3 days without the possibility to write, I want to speak up again.

On Friday, November 30th, we spent our last day on the North Island in Wellington. We strolled through the city, took another shower in the swimming pool, and in the evening we met two friends we had met in the North Island, who had now also arrived in Wellington.

We talked until late at night, and since the alarm clock rang early the next morning, we went straight to bed. The next morning it was time to cross the chapter North Island and take the ferry to the South Island of New Zealand.

In conclusion, all I can say is that the North Island was absolutely incredible for me. It was incredibly beautiful, and thinking that the South Island is supposed to surpass it in every way, I am incredibly excited about our experiences here.

The ferry ride was very nice. After leaving the port of Wellington, which was really beautiful, we headed towards "Picton". The ferry took us through the "Marlborough Sounds" to the port of the city. On the way, we saw dolphins jumping around in addition to the breathtakingly beautiful nature. So the first impression of the South Island was already ideal. Arriving in Picton, we went shopping first and then drove through beautiful mountain landscapes to a campsite in the middle of the "Marlborough Sounds". A true idyll. Although we were completely cut off from the world, with no reception or internet, it was just great. We fished in a fjord between mountains, enjoyed a cold beer, and admired nature.

The next morning we headed to a village again because we had to go back to the supermarket. We had forgotten something essential! Mosquito and sandfly protection. Since there are only insects here, and they really have no qualms about stinging and biting us, of course, we had to buy the spray and then start our hikes.

First, we did a track of about 2 hours to a viewpoint in the mountains. The path was challenging but definitely doable, and we were rewarded with a great view! We had a view of beautiful fjord landscapes, in the middle of the mountains.

Then we drove to our next campsite, which was located near "Mount Stokes". This is the highest mountain in the "Marlborough Sounds" and logically, we had to climb it. So this morning we started the hike. We started the path and quickly realized that it would be challenging. However, when we arrived at the summit of the mountain, we did not yet think that this would be the most challenging path in all of New Zealand. We fought our way up the slippery steep slope of the mountain, with extreme moisture, over logs, roots, and stones. It was a real challenge, but we managed to do it. Exhausted, we arrived at the top. Just clouds around us. Since we had hoped for a great view, we decided to wait until the clouds were gone. After about an hour, the time had come. The clouds moved away, and suddenly we were in paradise. Fjords and mountain landscapes all around us. It was really great. We took some pictures and enjoyed the view for a while before we started our descent. It was a slippery and sometimes dangerous path, but we mastered it without any major injuries.

Now we are at a campsite with all the bells and whistles. Warm shower, kitchen, lounge, and everything else the heart desires. We spent the rest of the day here and now we are lying in bed, tired from the day.

In the past few days, I couldn't post anything due to bad reception, in case anyone wonders why I haven't been in touch.

Greetings from Havelock, New Zealand!🇳🇿

Your Tim!😊