BOARD FERRY IN WELLY FOR A SCENIC SAIL

With direct flights from Australia’s east coast to Wellington, it’s easy to make your way to Marlborough via New Zealand’s capital.

The bonus of beginning your adventure in this cool little city is the scenic sail across the Cook Strait.

Billed as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world, the Interislander is the longest-running ferry service in New Zealand, linking Wellington in the North Island with Picton in the South Island.

It’s a very streamlined, very comfortable service, but for extra luxury you can upgrade your ticket to the Plus Lounge.

While time flies with reserved seating, complimentary coffee and a breakfast buffet, the view unfolding outside the windows is enough to coax me from my seat.

We’re lucky enough to spot a whale midway – sparking a mass exodus on to the viewing deck – but vantage points across multiple levels come into their own as we slip into the calm waters of the sound.

Densely cloaked slopes studded with tree ferns plunge into indigo depths and I spot seals slumbering on sun-warmed rocks.

Breaks in the bushland reveal exclusive lodges that survey the sea from remote perches, a perspective reserved for guests dropped in by chopper … or the neighbours paying a pittance to bunk in a modest fishing bach at the water’s edge.

There really is no better way to appreciate this landscape than from on the water.

For more information go to greatjourneysofnz.co.nz