We arrived in Wellington on time last night and checked in to our airport hotel. With the 2 hour time difference, we were up early and enjoyed a continental breakfast before heading over to the check-in for Sound Airline.

Having seen the weather forecast – strong wind, choppy seas, rain, and cool temperatures, and after receiving an email from the ferry people warning that the sailing might be delayed or cancelled,  – we decided not to risk a delay and sea sickness, and instead bought tickets to fly from Wellington to Blenheim.

The flight was surprisingly smooth given the windy conditions and we had an interesting view sitting up behind the pilot in the small plane. Fortunately there was a shuttle driver at Blenheim airport who was willing to take us straight to Picton. Alan told us that he has written a number of history books inspired by his own family’s history both here and in Tasmania and he related fascinating stories as he drove. We asked if he would like to join us as a guide on our hike, but he declined the offer! Before leaving us at our motel, Alan drove us around the 3 main streets of town to give us the lay of the land.

The day was then spent venturing out in the blowing rain to buy food for our first section, as well as supplies to post on to stops we will make further down the island where there are limited options for resupply. We packed the boxes up and hurried back out to post them before the services closed.

Every hour we look at the forecast which promises better weather at the turn of the hour, every look out of the window tells a different story!

We have sim cards installed in both phones and we have our TA and Queen Charlotte Sound trail passes ready for the start tomorrow. We paid a fee covering a donation to the Te Araroa organisation and most of the DOC huts we might use. There are many small hiking huts along the trail which we may use, but we will also be tenting much of the time.

The small boat taking us to the start of the trail at Ship Cove leaves at 9.30 am, so we should have time to grab a bite of brekky before we head out.