Picton and the ferry 11th October

First things first. Happy birthday Rosie from New Zealand. Due to limited access to the internet this is a bit late but we all hope you had a great day.
Well there is a lot of building work going on in the southern hemisphere. The hotel in Melbourne was surrounded by construction work and half the Beachcomber hotel where we stayed in Picton was being refurbished. However we were at the opposite end of the building so didn't really affect us. Bit cold for the outdoor pool though so we had a good walk round the very picturesque harbour and surrounds.
We  then dropped off the hire car (as hire cars can't be taken across the cook strait) and took the very smooth ferry across to the north island to Wellington before picking up the replacement car from Avis. That was the theory but, although we had to give notice of this event when we picked the original car up and again when we dropped it off at ferry terminal, the Avis rep decided to have an early dart it being Friday and all. When we finally got her back she had the full wrath of Mary brought down on her as we were by then the last people remaining at the terminal! The Avis strap line is 'we try harder' but only before 4pm on Fridays obviously.
Anyway, the Rydges hotel in Wellington where we are staying overnight  has apparently been voted the best in New Zealand. Not sure who voted and if it lives up to that accolade, but it is a very pleasant place. Heading up to Napier tomorrow which is famous for its Art Deco buildings so looking forward to that.