Nelson’s top of the south

My new favourite city — Nelson — still doesn’t beat Hawke’s Bay, but it’s a close second. I’ve been on a little break with some of my family including two grandies. It was so much fun.

I have to admit I was not looking forward to the ferry crossing. I’ve had a couple of bad experiences but decided I would just have to put my big girl pants on — and take a pill.

At first it was calm, I thought all would be well. It was mid-afternoon so we decided a glass of bubbles would be appropriate.

I should have known to wait until we were out in the open sea before making a decision like that. Two sips in and the boat started rocking and so did my tummy.

Once we were in Queen Charlotte Sound, all was well again but by that stage someone else had finished my little bottle of bubbles.

We stayed one night in Picton in a beautiful Airbnb overlooking the harbour. Just stunning.

In the morning it was back on a boat for a four-hour excursion through the Marlborough Sounds.

I wasn’t sure about this after being on a boat for 31⁄2 hours the afternoon before, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.

There were only six guests on the boat, our group of four and another couple.

The skipper, Paul, and the spotter, Nicky, were just fantastic and engaged so easily with the children.

The children’s task was to “use your young eyes” and find us some wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins, along with all kinds of other sea birds.

We also got to visit Motuara Island bird sanctuary in the Queen Charlotte Sound.

I was not worried about motion sickness one bit — the sea was so calm but I took a pill, just in case.

As it turned out I didn’t feel in the slightest bit ill. I was too busy taking in the incredible scenery. What a spectacular country we live in.

We saw penguins, NZ fur seals and all manner of seabirds. It was extraordinary. One seal we came across in the middle of the ocean was tossing a fish head around, playing and then washing itself.

We didn’t spot any dolphins but that’s just the luck of the draw.

When we arrived at Motuara Island, Nicky came with us and guided us up the steep but short path covered in lush native bush to Ships Cove, where Captain James Cook landed in 1770.

The views were outstanding. We saw a New Zealand robin, bellbirds, and could hear the tui and saddlebacks calling out.

I would do this trip again in a heartbeat. The four hours flew by as we headed back, drinking coffee and eating chocolate chip biscuits.

These two are fantastic hosts with a wealth of knowledge about local wildlife. What’s more, part of the cost of your ticket goes back to the conservation of the area.

Back on dry land, we headed to Blenheim for lunch and a quick trip to a chocolate factory and a winery.

We arrived in Nelson just before 5pm and again our Airbnb had stunning views over the beach where we watched the sunset every night.

There is so much to do in Nelson and, with only two full days, we had to pick carefully.

The Founders Heritage Park was a hit, as was the Nelson Fun Park complete with hydroslide, trampolines, bumper boats and mini golf.

It backs on to the beach, where we strolled in the late afternoon (great ideas here for our own Marine Parade).

One thing that the children really loved was the Skywire at Cable Bay Adventure Park. Apparently it’s one of the world’s longest flying foxes.

Basically the four of us were strapped into a huge metal swing and sent flying over trees.

“Ideal to take in the incredible scenery,” it says. I had my eyes shut most of the time. Great place, though, with lots to do.

We also visited the Pic’s Peanut Butter Factory — a free tour with tasting at the end. Well done, them.

After some fantastic fun, adventures and delicious food, all too soon it was time to head home.

I’ll be back, Nelson, and next time I might have to spend more than three days in your wonderful company.