Wellington to South Island

Queen Mary 2, Nelson cathedral, playing organ at Nelson, pancake rocks, Haast jetboat

An excellent crossing from Wellington to Picton and passed Queen Mary II in Wellington harbour. Big ferry. Before we got the ferry we saw the wonderful views over the city from Mount Victoria. From Picton drove to Nelson via the Marlborough vineyards home of Hunters and Montana wine. Had a swim in cold outdoor pool. Found Nelson cathedral Christchurch closed at 5.30 so walked on to Mass at Catholic church. New rite on overhead projector. People sang hymns but not the Douglas Mews proper setting. Organ is good and played it afterwards. Suggested to organist "Dove" that he just play the tune for the setting. Back for dinner which took a while but was good. Wierd business with candles again - one lit for gospel then altar candles lit and gospel one blown out.
Sunday drove to blowholes on West Coast at pancake rocks at Panakaiki via Murchison. Picked up 5 people at Greymouth station and went to jade shop at Hokitika - nice icecream. To Franz Joseph glacier - most impressive and nice hotel in forest. Drinks reception and sat with Barry - service again slow and lights kept going out.
Monday people went on helicopter flights over glaciers but we had done that in ALaska. we opted for the jetboat ride for an hour at Haast. Collected rocks on one of the stops and enjoyed it - a covered boat. Gates of Haast fantastic pass. Lake Hawea and stop in Wanaka. Lovely hotel Edgewater with balcony and view over lake Wanaka. Hot tub and sauna. Lovely meal - smoked salmon, beef and chocolate.