Up bright and early we had breakfast, did our final packing and went downstairs to wait for our prearranged taxi taking us to the ferry terminal. Peering out of the window I noticed that the sea and sky had merged into a grey ominous mass, but the wind, strong and cold, posed more of a threat. Security was less onerous than the airports so we walked on to the ferry, carrying our hand luggage and made our way to a seat at the window, facing forward.
The outside viewing decks were shut due to the weather so my husband’s photo opportunities were limited! Alas, this was really bothering him and he went on a walkabout to see how he could get around it! Mid week and not in the holiday season, yet the place was heaving! I had to put my bag on the seat next to me so that the nomad would have somewhere to sit when he finally returned!
In our itinerary we were told that this trip from North to South Island was one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourist experiences! The most spectacular cruise in the world! Alas, the weather put paid to any confirmation and only cleared up as we approached Picton!
We walked slowly towards the station, taking in the pretty village delights! We were going to Christchurch from Picton on the Coastal Pacific train. I love train journeys so was really looking forward to this! The rain and fog had finally moved on (or headed back to North Island!) so the promise of a scenic feast was realistic! We passed through Marlborough country, mile after mile of grape vines proudly displaying their new green foliage!
As we neared the coast the Kaikoura mountain range rose magnificently to my left and the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean stretched to the right. The open viewing compartment was next to ours so my husband was in his element! He should have worn my Fitbit as I watched him darting from one side to the other, lost for scenic choice!
We chugged into Christchurch at 8:30 pm, collected our luggage and followed the crowd to the row of taxis parked outside. We had to queue so waited our turn. Having to repeat the address a number of times and being asked if we were going home so could we advise a route, should have been a warning! Forty minutes later and after many stops to check his Sat Nav, we finally pulled up outside our bed and breakfast! I had tried to ring them for help and to explain the delay but had no reply!
I almost fell out of the taxi and made my way to the front door. All was in darkness! Not a good omen! I rang the doorbell once more as panic began to mount to high blood pressure levels! A light came on in the hallway! A middle aged man flung open the door and told me that the key was under the mat! I had been informed! He was very busy so explained where to find the room and vanished!
After trundling upstairs with all our luggage I put the kettle on, made a pot of tea, showered and went to bed, really annoyed and forty five dollars poorer! Tomorrow morning heads would roll! Tonight I needed to sleep! Easier said than done! It was a long night!👠
Jenny Burrell 