New ferry cruises into capital
A rare chance to explore the privately owned Pepin Island, near Nelson, was taken up by more than 1000 people on Sunday.
Walkers, runners and cyclists were given access to the island for one day only as a fundraiser for the Hira Volunteer Fire Force.
Organiser Mary-anne Baker said about 1200 people took part, raising close to $11,000 which will be put towards a new first response emergency vehicle. It cost $10 for an adult and children were free.
‘‘This is just the second time that we’ve actually run this as a fundraiser. Asking a few people what brought them out there and whether they enjoyed it, they said they don’t get this opportunity and had never been to Pepin Island before and people just wanted to do something different,’’ Baker said.
‘‘A lot of people who went round said it was just really beautiful going around the other side of the island and getting quite expansive sea views.’’
There were also views back towards Cable Bay, looking over the estuary, but Baker said fog closed in at the summit later in the day.
The hilly island is joined to the mainland by a causeway at Cable Bay, a 25-minute drive from Nelson.
Baker said it was a ‘‘lovely day out’’ for people from all walks of life and ages, including babies in carry packs and older people. ‘‘It was actually a really good day for a walk. It wasn’t too hot and it wasn’t too windy either. We were really lucky that it didn’t rain.’’
The two walking circuits – one to the summit and an easier track – took between 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete and a bike circuit took up to two hours.
Pepin Island was bought for $2 million in 1996 by German industrialist Viola von Hohenzollern.
Following her death in December 2012, it was inherited by her daughter.
The event was run with the permission of the landowners and farm manager Andrew Newton. The latest addition to Bluebridge’s fleet cruised into Wellington yesterday after a 45-day trip from Sweden.
Strait Shipping, which owns and operates Bluebridge, bought the new vessel – the Strait Feronia – in January to replace the Santa Regina.
The ferry, which previously sailed the Sweden to Germany route, will officially join the Strait Shipping fleet sailing in late June.
It will be the longest ship on the route when it enters service.
The 186-metre freight and passenger ferry is larger than the Santa Regina and has the potential to carry 2150 lane metres worth of vehicles and 400 passengers.
The passenger facilities include a movie lounge, cafe and bar, children’s play area, and drivers’ cabins.
Strait Shipping managing director Sheryl Ellison said the ship was brought in to meet customer demand.
‘‘We are delighted to have secured this ship after a global search, and it’s great to have her finally arrive in New Zealand.
‘‘[It’s] ready for service, after a major makeover and very long journey.
The main passenger area of the ferry was completely refurbished, including a new servery and updated floor and new radars were added and other bridge equipment was updated. The ship also received a new paint job.
The makeover was carried out while the ship was in dry dock in Sweden.