The drive from Nelson to Picton was the most picturesque so far in New Zealand, cruising by the Marlborough Sounds with the CD on and the sun shining was brilliant. We were catching the ferry from here in 4 days time to the north island but wanted to see the sounds by boat first, so the first thing we did on arrival was look into a trip. The choice was overwhelming but we decided on a walk and cruise option. Next day armed with enough sandwiches to feed an army we set off down to the harbour to catch the boat. The day before had been brilliant sunshine but on our way the heavens opened. Not good weather for a 13km hike on The Queen Charlotte Track. Well by the time we had finished the walk we looked like drowned rats, covered head to toe in mud, but luckily it had stopped raining and the sun had come out. We took the next day to dry out before heading for Kaikora