Long drive to Wellington with many roadworks and slow lorries through the gorges. Missed our check in for the 2.45 crossing by a mere 20 minutes but offered the freight crossing at 9pm which at least got us across to our accommodation. Contacted Kerry & John at Bay Vista motel who were so helpful and offered to pick us up at Picton when we arrived at around midnight- the alternative was to catch a ferry at 9am Tues which we were not keen on- so very grateful for their help. Always keeping a positive stance on things, we bid farewell to our friends and spent the afternoon in Wellington. With not much time we decided to take the cable car up to the botanic gardens and observatory to capture a great view of the city- well worth it- then had a beer by the magnificent train station before getting a taxi to the ferry terminal. We were the only foot passengers for this crossing and we had such a laugh as we were transported onto the ferry via the car ramp on a golf buggy with all our luggage! A quiet crossing in the dark unfortunately but managed to catch forty winks and John met us the other end. Relieved to be greeted warmly and our accommodation was warm & comfortable. We decided to stay an extra night so we could explore the Picton area a little.