We are at the top of the South Island. It is much greener here in Marlborough.

Pelorus Sound is the largest and most remote of the Marlborough Sounds. Three years ago we cruised through Queen Charlotte Sound when we took the ferry from Picton in the South Island to Wellington in the North Island. Today we joined one of the few mail boats left operating worldwide. It also has one of the longest histories, since the Pelorus Mail Boat has been operating since the earthly 1900s. It delivers not only mail and newspapers but also essential supplies, groceries and freight to homes in their remote community that have no road access. Our first stop was Whatanihi. Many of the residents brought their kids and pets along to meet the boat. Then we crossed to Pokokini, the oldest farm homestead in Pelorus Sound. It was built in the 1860s and is still a beautiful spot with many trees and fruit and vegetables growing in abundance. Cream used to be loaded here to be taken to the butter factory in Paradise Bay. 

On another stop we delivered to a man who walked out in the water to meet the boat in his wellies to pick up his mail and then we delivered a prescription to a man who rowed out to meet the mail boat.   The mail boat is sometimes the only contact the residents have with the outside world one day a week.   

We dropped off a lady with her groceries from her trip to Havelock. Her jetty is a 30 minute walk to her house. She planned to return to the jetty in her row boat to pick up the supplies. In her spare time, she traps and skins possums to sell for their fur.

The day was gorgeous, the scenery was spectacular, and we also saw some wildlife. We spotted a pair of blue penguins who were happy sunbathing and didn't dive under when we approached them. We also visited a gannet colony. These birds fly all the way to Australia after fledgling and then return to NZ to mate and raise their chicks. They are amazing fliers and if they spot a fish while soaring above the water, they will dive straight down at 100 mph, hitting the water with such force that they need air bags in their heads to protect them against the force.

We visited several green shell mussel farms and watched the farmers at work. They put out long lines (the backbone) on the surface of the water suspended between large buoys. Then lines with baby mussels attached are dropped down many meters. Then they wait for 2 – 3 years before harvesting about 90 tons of mussels. There are about 500 mussel farms in the Marlborough Sounds. The mussel industry made over $200 million last year, so it is a profitable business.

We were on the mail boat from 9 – 5, when we arrived back in Havelock. Havelock was the boyhood home of Ernest Rutherford, the famous atomic scientist who split the atom. They must have good schools there!

We only drove a short distance before stopping at a Department of Conservation campground at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve for the night. There are many hiking trails here and some of the campsites are on the river. There is a swinging bridge over the river, too. Hope we get to do a hike in the morning.