The South Island: Day 1

Over the kids school holidays we took a trip down to the South Island.  We visited the West Coast of the island and enjoyed discovering more of the beauty that New Zealand has to offer.

Day 1: Wellington to Greymouth

We woke up bright and early to catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton.  After leaving Wellington Harbor you are in the open ocean for a short time and then enter Queen Charlotte Sound which is quite long.  The skies were overcast and a mist hung over the land we passed.  It was calm seas and everyone enjoyed the 3.5 hour trip.  There was a family room with toys and movies as well as a cafe to satisfy all our needs.

After exiting the ferry we started our long drive to Greymouth.  A stop at Buller Gorge Swinging Bridge was a much needed energy outlet.  We crossed the bridge, which was an adventure; and then went on a small hike where we learned about the Murchison Earthquake and saw where the ground had changed elevation.   Zachary, Eric, Hyrum and I returned across the river via a zip line.