I picked up my free rental car and got a nice small SUV. Brand new with only 2031 km on the clock. I therefore opted to pay a bit extra to have reduced excess to pay in case of damages.

Having packed everything ready to go I went from Christchurch of to Hanmer Springs to enjoy a nice night at the hot springs. One last soak before hitting the bush. The road was pretty empty towards Hanmer and it was easy going.

In Hanmer I spend a relaxing evening eating chips and enjoying the hot pools.

I set off early the next morning towards Picton. Once I got onto SH1 the road got considerably busier. There were also a lot more cars that were not considered enough to make way when they are obviously slower than everyone else. Although the road has improved a lot since the earthquake damage from 3 years ago, there are still a few sections where only one lane is open for both directions and you have to wait your turn to go. But it is nevertheless a beautiful route along the coast.

I arrived in Picton with plenty of time to return the car by four pm. So I first went to the iSite to get my Queen Charlotte Track pass as well as the transfer to the start. Afterwards I used the car to hit the supermarket and get the last few things. I realised pretty soon though, that I should have bought those last items in Christchurch, as the supermarket in Picton was considerably more expensive with limited choices. I still got everything I needed. I then checked into the backpackers for the night and returned the car. As there was no one there to take over the car and I was supposed to just park it and drop the keys into a box I took a bunch of pictures as well as a video to make absolutely sure that they won’t later notice damages that happened on the parking space from third parties.

I spent the rest of the night going around Picton, getting fish an chips and talking to other travellers at the backpackers. There was an interesting bunch of people there doing all sorts of different adventures. As I had the water taxi at 8am the next morning, I decided to turn in early to get enough sleep.

The hostel actually has some cats wandering around here, living on the property. I found two of them to cuddle with. So nice:)