These pages record two most enjoyable walks in the northern coastal areas of the South Island of New Zealand. This was in mid February 2004. I kept a diary of my journey, and I did some sketching on the way. In my youth I was quite a keen artist but once I reached about 14 years old, I became more interested in singing and also more frustrated with my lack of artistic talent. I haven't really done any drawing since then until now - which is an interval of 45 years. I had forgotten what a pleasurable activity drawing is. Time becomes suspended when you are creating, even in the meanest fashion as in my sketches. I also took some photographs, which are also on this internet site (Link) I hope you enjoy browsing through this personal record, and who knows, perhaps someone I met on the journey might come accross this journal. If so, I hope it brings back fond memories for you. If you have never been to New Zealand, or if you live here and have not walked these tracks, you will be made most welcome, it is a beautiful corner of the world to visit.

Day One ­ 11th February 2004

Alice dropped me off at the ferry terminal at midnight. Checked in my bag. Once on board found a vacant row of seats to stretch out on, slept like the proverbial hunk of wood. Raining in Wellington, and mild and damp in Picton. Watch the sunrise, well, the day rise. Boiled the billy and had my first cup of tea. I make my first attempt in about forty years to sketch a scene as I look out from the Picton foreshore along the Queen Charlotte Sound.

I wish I had organised with Kate to take her day pack, as I will need this. I have found out that the boat company taking us to Ship's Cove will ferry my bag between destinations each day, meaning I don't have to carry the heavy pack, but I will need a day pack. Fortunately just enough time to purchase a $30 bag in Picton, and load this, and give my heavy pack to the boatman.

Ship's Cove

From 15th January to 8th February 1770, Capt. James Cook on board the Endeavour first visited this spot. The forest and the stream and the shore probably look much the same now as they did then.

He subsequently returned four further times on board the Resolution , twice in 1773, once in 1774 and again in 1777.

Haere Mai Ra: "E te manuhiri taurangi,
Na taku Potiki koe i tiki,
Ki te taha o te Rangi, Kukume mai ai,
Haere Mai, Haere Mai".

This is part of the inscription on the monument in Ship's Cove but I don't know what it means. An hour's boat trip from Picton to the start of the walk, and we could see the ridge-line along which we would be making our way back edging the steep hills which climb steeply to the west of the sound.

I spend an hour or so drawing this monument and the gun, which I make too large. Never mind, I have enjoyed my time out, though sitting on my coat, mind solely occupied with the task in hand. Unfortunately bending over for an hour didn't do my back any good, and straightening up was a painful exercise.

And here comes a weka to plunder my rucksack. Cheeky birdy, to paraphrase Paul Holmes; for his bravado I give him some scroggin.