...and on to the North Island of New Zealand - Wellington,our capital City

If you wish to take the scenic route ..then you cross the Cook Strait by Ferry.( see previous posts on South Island Tour).If time is an issue then you fly but you miss so much - the cruise up the Sounds is worth millions in WOW factor - all untouched and unspoiled and differing little from the days of our forebears arrival in these fair isles.
Wellington, our capital city, ofter referred to as 'windy Wellington' - because when it blows it can be so strong they put rope barriers up at the corners of intersections so the pedestrians don't get blown away.I kid you not - forget hairstyles and buy bulk hair lacquer.It's what life in the 'roaring forties' is all about and makes Kiwis great in sail boats!
But take Wellington on a calm and sunny day and it is a stunner.Lovely hills, quaint suburbs,gorgeous homes and around every corner a little cafe serving coffee to die for and scrumptious food.Worth researching before you go and for accommodation you can't beat Mt Victoria a magic little Band B in the centre of Wellington.Bill and Coral Aitchison will treat you like royalty and give you a carpark - and this is pure gold in the city centre.
We have stayed in hotels too in Wellington ...but they are very generic...loo always just inside the door, two conditioners and no shampoo ....and pay for everything! The add- ons cost as much as the accommodation - at least with a B and B the price is all inclusive and no nasty surprises!
There is a huge amount to do in Wellington and well worth setting aside a couple of days to explore its delights.The 'Absolutely Positively Wellington' website says it all with the true humility indicated by its name- no shrinking violets here - it's where the politicians practice their black arts - just kidding - their mothers still love them!

A little north of Wellington - try the  Villa Margarita - a Member of both 5 Star Accommodation Group and Heritage and Character Inns of NZ.This is a stunner of a modern, purpose built property - brilliant hosting ( a requirement to belonging to these marketing groups). Mark and Margarita will make you feel so at home you may never want to leave.
A little further north ( about an hour from Wellington ) is Te Horo Lodge we have sampled the wonderful hospitality of Craig Garner.The location is wonderful and there is a great little restaurant a short distance away The Red House Cafe . Craig is an accomplished cook and a wealth of advice to his guests.
...and so we traveled north over the Rimutakas ... an interesting drive and amazing road.....