Our last few days in the South Island

After leaving Kaikoura on 15 May, we headed to a little park over property that had been recommended to us, Ward Beach. 

Ward Beach is accessible to the public but not for overnight camping. There is a small gated space next to the public area on private land where NZMCA members are able to stay overnight. We had a beautiful view of the beach and perfect weather.

There was a collection of rocks that had been decorated by previous campers so we added one, too.

We were treated to a gorgeous sunrise, viewed perfect from our bed!

16 May we arrived in Blenheim. Unfortunately the weather was changing and soon turned to steady rain that carried on through the next day. We made our booking for the ferry over to the North Island, giving us 4 days to fill in. We parked up at the Blenheim racecourse for 2 nights.

As the rain was easing on 17 May we walked into Blenheim town center. It was a pleasant walk through the golf course.

The rain cleared and on 18 May we moved closer to Picton where the ferry is, to a park over property at Koromiko. Wow, what a nice setting along with perfect weather and lovely people to talk to. A couple came to introduce themselves as they has recognized our bus from a Facebook group! That was pretty sweet, I had also spotted their bus and thought it looked familiar, I had seen photos of it on the same Facebook group.

After we managed to leave our doormat behind at Weedons, we had been on the lookout for a new one. We found the perfect mat in Blenheim Pak n Save, of all places.

We were up and organized on the morning of 20 May, ready to continue up the road to Picton for our crossing.