[Timbo]

For those of you in a position to take advantage, have a look at this...
Free Cook Strait ferry sailings


Interisland line ferry Arahura back from $4 million refit, free rides offered on the next 2 Fridays, 1 cent charge on Internet



2 October 2004

Passengers will be able to make a Cook Strait ferry crossing for just one cent later this month.

More than $4 million has been spent refitting the ferry Arahura in Australia.

To celebrate its return, the Interisland line is offering, in effect, free rides on the next two Fridays.

Spokesman Peter Monk says the ferry ride is free by phoning the call centre, but Internet bookings will cost one cent.

A one-cent charge is necessary on the Internet because it is a credit card transaction.

Peter Monk also points out that depending on your travel plans, it will be possible to go free in both directions.

He says the vessel is looking fantastic and the crew are enthusiastic about having people on board again.

Entertainment and other activities will be provided.

[Jodie]

Fantastic news! We've been waiting to go to the South Island since we've been here. Where can I book??

Jodie
:cheers

[Paul]

Jodie

Found this ona search - http://www.interislander.co.nz/

All details of the offer are on homepage

Good luck!

[Jodie]

Excellent! Thanks Paul. :cheers

Looks like we'll be heading that way this weekend then. Does anyone have any opinions on where we should/shouldn't visit? We'll only be there for Saturday and Sunday, so can't venture too far from Picton.

Nelson is taking my fancy - anyone know of anywhere nice (and not too expensive!) to stay and things to do in the area?

Jodie

[Moorf]

Cool!

Anyone want to house swap?!!

:P

[herseymusic]

Free ferry rides?! And here's me having just bought a plane ticket to Nelson for this weekend!

The Marlborough Sounds are wonderful. I love 'The Chill Inn', which is closer to Havelock than Picton. Beautiful house, great views, inexpensive, and mellow. A large balcony looks out over the stunning confluence of the Pelorous and Mahau sounds. They will pick you up from the ferry terminal, but it's about 25 mins away.

Cheap accommodation isn't that great in Picton itself, but the guy who runs Sequoia Lodge is super-nice. And there's free veggie soup! No sea view at this one.

A boat trip from Picton out to Ship Cove is unforgettable. With double waterfalls and lush rainforest right next to the beach, it's no wonder Captain Cook anchored there many times. This is at the seaward end of Queen Charlotte Sound, and is the start of the Queen Charlotte walking track.

You can then walk to a lodge on the track (3-4 hours), continue on the boat to another bay, or return to Picton.

www.lochmaralodge.co.nz

www.mahanahomestead.com

www.pungacove.co.nz

www.hopewell.co.nz
(not on the track, but has been highly recommended to me)


Nelson is great if you're looking for a town or beach getaway. It's a good 1.5 - 2 hours from Picton to Nelson. I'm heading that way for some hiking and beach camping in Abel Tasman National Park while it's still quiet.

Three cheers for the South Island!


Have fun,

Tyler

[Moorf]

Drat - offer doesn't cover cars :(

Having said that - does anyone know where the Faithless concert is being held in Welly? Or when?

[herseymusic]

Faithless plays the Wellington Town Hall tomorrow night (Oct. 6). This is right in the center of the city.

This show is not sold out. Last minute airfares, anyone?


Tyler

[Moorf]

:wah

Oh well, next time.

Or perhaps we can catch them in Oz .. :nice1

[Jodie]

AaaaarrrggghHH!! :wah

Should've booked the tickets on Sunday when I was looking into it all tried to book them yesterday afternoon and there's only the 1;30am sailing left now! :? Bug**&r! Oh well, next time.

Those places you mentioned around Picton sound fantastic Tyler. I'm so annoyed with myself! :eek

Moral of the story: Don't hang around when there's a deal on the cards!!

Jodie
:no