Taking the ferry to South Island and driving to Murchison

This post is part of my New Zealand trip series. To learn more about the trip as a whole, check out my previous post: How we Planned a Three Week Trip to New Zealand with a Five Month Old.

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We did not do a whole lot on this day. In fact, an overwhelming majority of this day was spent driving. We drove from Taiphape to Wellington (2.5 hrs). Then we spent 4 hrs riding ferry from Wellington to Pincton (keep in mind, you need to arrive 1hr prior to departure). From Picton, we drove an additional 2.5 hours to Murchison where we spent the night. In total, this was about a 9 hour day. Even though, we did not do a whole lot this day, I will try to include some tips for Wellington, Picton, and Murchison.

Wellington

First regarding the ferry, we used the Interislander Ferry. This ferry ride is 4 hours. Yes, it is much easier to fly. Although, if you are renting a car/van/camper; a ferry is the only way you can get your rental vehicle from one island to the other. Plus, when taking the ferry you will get the chance to see some incredible views, as well as dolphins and whales. I recommend that you purchase your tickets for the Ferry well in advance. Furthermore, in order to board the ferry with your vehicle, you will need to arrive 1 hour in advance.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the ferry from Wellington to Picton. The ride was smooth and very scenic (bring your camera). Unfortunately, we took the Ferry on a moody day, so my scenic photos are limited. The ferry itself was very comfortable. There was a very comfortable sitting area with TVs. There is a children’s play area and a couple of nursing rooms (for breastfeeding and naps). the ferry also has a cafeteria with a delicious selections of freshly made dishes.

Copyright Kelsey Andriot Purcell. Do not use without consent.

I was rather surprised at the general atmosphere of Wellington. As we drove around looking for the correct entrance for the ferry, I found myself regretting that we did not have enough time to explore this beautiful city. If you are planning a stop in Wellington, I have done some research to help you find things to do and a place to stay.

Must-Do Activities (According to Locals):

Visit Hannahs Laneway

Get a Behind-the-Scenes look at some of the Lord of the Rings Movie Magic

Visit Zealandia (perfect way to get outdoors for those who are not as adventurous as our family)

Take a tour with Capital Personalized Tours

Visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

(Being the Coffee Capital of New Zealand) Spend some time at a local Coffee Shop

Meet some locals at a local Brewery

Accommodations:

Luxury: Greenmantle Estate Hotel

Standard: Ibis Wellington

Hostel: Hotel Waterloo

Picton

Photograph – Studio Proof, Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand, 1906 by Photographer: Sir Walter Baldwin Spencer is licensed under CC-PDM 1.0

I liked the small village of Picton. It was relatively small coastal town of Picton is quietly nestled in a between a few mountains. The views in Picton are stunning and absolutely worth staying for a night or two. If you are planning a stop in Picton, I have done some research to help you find things to do and a place to stay.

What do do:

Swim with Dolphins

Take a Hike

Go on a Mountain Biking Tour

Greenshell Mussel Cruise

Take a Fishing Charter or a Wine Tour

Accommodations:

Luxury: Escape to Picton, Sennen House (no children under 16),

Hostel: The Villa

Murchison:

Originally we chose this location because it is part of Kahurangi National Park. This is the second largest national park in the nation and is absolutely worth visiting. In fact, Kahurangi National Park is so large that it has four “gateway towns.” Of the numerous hikes that are in Kaurangi National Park, different hikes start in different towns. Murchison is one of these gateway towns.

There were a few reasons we chose to spend the night in Murchison. First, it was a great stopping point on our way to Karamea (another gateway town for Kahurangi National Park). There was also a hike that was on our itinerary. We chose not to hike on the Lake Matiri Hut Track and drive to Karamea instead. In hindsight, I am glad we chose this option.

Hikes

Lake Matiri Hut Track

Mt. Owens Tracks + Routes

Upper Matiri Valley + 1000 Acre Plateau Tramping Tracks

For our one night stay in Murchison, we stayed in the Grand Suites Murchison. Up to this point during our trip, the Grand Suites Murchison was the nicest place we stayed. The floor is heated in the entryway, kitchenette, and bathroom is heated making the room a really cozy place of serenity after a long rainy spring day. If you are planning on some great adventures in Murchison, we highly recommend you stay in Grand Suites Murchison.