Coasterz 'n' Canyonz

Ferry to South Island | Happy Valley Adventures

Coasterz 'n' Canyonz Blog Day 13

From North to South Today, we left Wellington by ferry for the South Island. The crossing is 3 hours on, what looked like, an old English Cross-Channel Ferry (Pride of Cherbourg). Nothing else to say about the crossing, other than the weather was spot on and the scenery simply stunning. Here's a sample of pictures from the crossing..........

Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island FerryWellington
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island Ferry 
Cook Strait Island FerryPicton Port on the South Island

We were lucky enough to be one of the first cars off, so an hour and a half later, we were at a place called Happy Valley, close to Nelson.


Happy Valley Skywire, NelsonHappy Valley
Happy Valley Skywire, Nelson
Happy Valley Skywire, NelsonSkywire, Nelson

The main reason for stopping here was a ride called the "Skywire". Simple enough to describe.....

Happy Valley Skywire, NelsonStrap 4 people in a suspended gondola car....
Happy Valley Skywire, NelsonGive them silly hats (to hold spectacles) and glasses (in case of bird strikes!) to wear........
Happy Valley Skywire, NelsonThen release the brake and let the gondola fly into the valley....
Happy Valley Skywire, NelsonReaching up to 60mph on the way down....
Happy Valley Skywire, NelsonUntil it comes to a halt. Then, winch the gondola up to the other side of the valley and repeat the process in return.

What we weren't expecting was the sheer size of the setup. The cable span is approx. 1.3Km and the height above the valley is unreal, but at no point to you feel scared or intimidated.

We must mention Pat from Ireland and daughter Kelly who now lives in New Zealand (pictured above in the centre of the gondola) who shared our ride - and it just goes to show what a small world it is, as Pat know's Rob Hackett, brother of fellow coaster enthusiast Ryan. The staff at Happy Valley Adventures also rate as some of the friendliest we've ever encountered.

Sorry North island, but after only a few hours, the South Island wins hands down on the scenery offering - it's out of this world.

Tomorrow, a day's drive along the west coast and through the mountains towards Queenstown.

Until tomorrow...........