. As mentioned previously, the Lounge on the Interislander has proven its worth many times previously, the one bug bear being other travellers, invariably from overseas, keen to regal their exploits in great detail to anyone unfortunate enough to be within earshot. Tolerance is a marvellous thing - well, so I’m told, and as I write this I am trying to work our where the very noisy fridge is plugged in so I don’t have to put up with it humming all night. Picton duly arrived and after gassing up, we got underway, choosing the more scenic and windy Queen Charlotte route over the main highway. Jeff took the front and was in “The Zone” - one of those times when the stars align and everything just clicks. It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon, too hot in fact, but no one was complaining- not until we hit 3pm traffic between Nelson and Richmond, the equal of Auckland rush hour, although thankfully on a much smaller scale. The roads were chocka with rental cars by the dozen, mostly Toyota Corollas, and mostly badly driven, so caution and prudence are paramount. Likewise the many campervans are a hinderance, with few showing much courtesy to other road users, and whilst sometimes erratic, a small issue in the scheme of things. We stopped for a late lunch in Havelock, and in deference to the heat and the fact we still had a couple more hours on the road, forgoing the Musselboys famous offering for some thing a little lighter. The main highway into Nelson, and then to Motueka is incongruous in that it has been, or still is subject to the most spectacular roadworks, that which once completed being off the charts, with the still to be completed unbelievable- someone in the region must have some pull, and you don’t have to be a genius to figure out the the Auckland taxpayer is contributing in a very significant way. A trendy pub serving craft beer in a garden bar was our welcome to Motueka, a great first impression , and one that lingered, although after a couple of well deserved drinks we completed our days journey with 3km to the unusually named Equestrian Motel. Hosts Alan and Lisa were beyond welcoming, to the extent of delivering us all a beer to enjoy while we settled in. Not the flashiest Motel, but super clean and tidy, the most generous and genuine owners, and a dead cert for our next visit. A wander into the pretty and apparently prosperous township (the Main Street complete with freshly watered hanging baskets), before settling into the Sprig and Fern pub, adjacent to and recommended by Alan from our Motel. We enjoyed quite a few Pinots and 7 medium rare steaks (unlike the rest of us, Chris opted out of an egg on his), happy in the knowledge that tomorrow’s plan allowed for a late departure, a welcome respite for those who prefer to sleep in. Tomorrow, Hanmer Springs Comments are closed.
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Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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