Marlbourough/Wellington

We flew to the South Island. We use the scenic ferry to return to Wellington. We book in what serves as business class. We get a private room, comfortable seats, and a decent lunch.

The cruise is roughly in three parts. The first third the ferry exits the South Island's fiords. The middle third crosses the Cook Strait. The final part takes one from the Wellington channel entrance to the dock.

The crossing can be an uncomfortable ride. The seas are calm.

The next mandated departure: Fiji