New Zealand Day 17

Today was another new transportation day - we are continuing to rack up different modes of transportation.  We call this "multi-modal."  So far on this trip, we have taken city or local buses, light rail, airplanes of varying sizes, taxis, trains, bicycles, shuttle vans, water taxis, intercity bus, ferry and Uber.  Today we added a ferry and Uber to the list.

We were up early for breakfast, which was 'take away' treats from a well-known bakery in Picton.  We enjoyed it in our hotel room with orange juice and coffee made there. 

 

We next walked ourselves and our luggage to the Interislander Ferry pier to check-in.  We were scheduled on a ferry to Wellington, first leaving at 2:30, then 11:00 am and finally at 1:00 pm.  The company kept sending me emails updating the scheduled departure times (possibly due to mechanical issues).  After checking our luggage, Betsy and I took one last walk around the Picton marina, looking at the boats on the water, and sting rays and starfishes in the water.

Our Hotel from the marina - our room was on the top floor, far right side.

After some waiting in the terminal, the ferry arrived, disgorged passengers and vehicles, uploaded different vehicles and finally passengers.  We filed on and secured 7 seats on the upper deck in a a secluded area next to the first class lounge and the "truckers" area.  This was our base for the 3 and 1/2 hour transit of the Cook Strait to Wellington.  The seas were very calm, making for a smooth ride.  We  took turns exploring the various outdoor decks and enjoying the breeze.  Because of the schedule delay, the boat offered everyone a free order of "chips," which we in the US know as French fries.   I got two orders after standing in line for some time, obviously.

Twin light houses at different levels inside Wellington Harbour

An obscenely large ship that was tied up in Wellington  

We arrived in Wellington at 4:30, reclaimed our luggage, and after some investigation as to where we were and where our hotel is, decided to order an Uber.  We had to travel about 2 miles to the hotel along busy freeways into the city center.  It was a wise decision to Uber.  But it required two pickups (i.e., two cars) to cover all 7 of us.

We got checked in, and promptly went out exploring separately, primarily along the waterfront.  We saw some fun public art and a small group of young people practicing busking skills, including tight rope walking (over the water), juggling, and acrobatics.  We then gathered at BrewBar for drinks and ultimately decided on a light dinner there - salads and taco plates.  The walk back to hotel went via an interesting overpass and through some blocks with more neat art.  Wellington has a lot of tall buildings of various architectural styles and the streets are not grid-like.  It is built up between the harbour to the east and some hills to the west and has the feel of being tucked in.  Tomorrow, we will be adding a cable car to the multi-modal list - more on that tomorrow.

Note the ball - it appears to be floating with visible means of support.

An iron tree fern.

??????  "the hand of man?"