The rally moves to South Island.

Wellington is much smaller than Auckland and has a totally different feel. It's beautifully situated in a large bay and surrounded by hills. A highlight was the quite marvellous Te Papa museum. 

Peter Jackson is an absolute genius, of which there is no doubt.  We saw more evidence of this in both Wellington and Omaka in the south. More about that later. 

His special exhibition on Gallipoli in the Te Papa museum is the most powerful war display I have ever seen. It stuns from the minute you go behind the curtain when all you see is a 2.4 times life size perfectly life like model of a soldier aiming his gun and screaming. The detail is extraordinary. The exhibition continued in that dramatic vein and was sobering and deeply moving. 

As it was November 5th, we were treated to a short, but tremendous firework display in the harbour, just across from the rally hotel. 

Waking early for our crossing to South Island, we were greeted by dark clouds and a strong wind. We had already been warned that the four hour crossing could be very rough. In the event, although the skies were heavy, spoiling the view of what should have been a marvellous spectacle, it was calm as could be. 

To get to SI, you don't actually go south but more east to west and, upon landing, you are no further south than when you leave Wellington. 

The last part of the journey, through Marlborough sound, is through a fjord, reminiscent of Norway.  

We called in at the Okawa Aviation a Heritage Centre, which is chaired by Peter Jackson.  The first sight, looming over the car park, was a magnificent Bristol Freighter aeroplane that worked in NZ for many years before retiring to the museum. 

The staff were thrilled that a Bristol car was coming to visit and they allowed us the privilege of parking it under the plane's wing. Two old girls, made in the same factory, had a lovely afternoon together. 

The collection of WW1 planes and memorabilia is truly astonishing. Plus, the dramatic, powerful displays, created by Peter Jackson, stun. The artifacts contain many personal items from famous people from all sides. It is breathtakingly good. 

Our short driver today took us to the heart of Sauvignon Blanc country. Vineyards surrounded us and it was fun to see all the different wineries with names that make a regular appearance in the Shooter household. 

Tomorrow, we are on gravel for 150kms and cross many streams. All good fun. Can't wait.