This time, going back from Picton to Wellington, we had a nighttime Ferry. Luckily, we decided to see more of the Sounds before we left the South Island: we made a “little” detour on the winding roads up to French Pass. Most of it is sealed road, just the last 20km are gravel. An exciting trip with stunning views over the numerous bays an land outcrops stretching into the sea, the road winding along the top of green hills.
There are not many people up there, only a tiny fishing village at the end of the road and loads of sheep, staring at us and occasionally standing in the middle of the road. It is a beautiful area.
Getting up in the morning to a glorious sunrise over the Sounds was well worth the long trip!
... As was seeing a stingray gliding by just next to me near the beach. The owner of the DOC site mentioned that they are often coming close and I was lucky!