From the train to the ferry..

From Christchurch we took the coastal train up the east coast of the south island to the tip top town of Picton where we caught the inter-island ferry to Wellington on the north island. The views were incredible!! Once again I spent most of my time freezing out in the open viewing car- well worth it!! On the right-hand side was the Pacific ocean, so close it could splash the train, and on the left were breath-taking views of autumn colors, snow-capped mountains, and gorgeous vineyards... priceless. :)

The ferry was the size of a cruiseship (it carries cars..) and takes 3 hours, first through the gorgeous Marlborough sounds, then across the notoriously rough inter-island channel, then around the point into the port of Wellington. It was great!