New Zealand, 9-9-2017--Kina Beach to Whatamango Bay (Picton)

Dawn on the north shore of the South Island, near the village of Tasman.

The charming abode of the camp host at Kina Beach campground near Tasman.

The coastal plain on the north shore of the South Island between Nelson and Motueka is a major fruit and vegetable growing area dominated by vineyards.  

Showy yellow blossoms of the kowhai tree, a frequent sight on the north coast of the South Island.

Espaliered apple trees.

Citrus trees, which were hard to believe considering we'd driven through snow just the day before.

Kiwi orchard with pyramid shaped trellises.

The marina at Nelson, the largest city on the north coast of the South Island.

A rugged offshore fishing boat docked at Nelson.

Recycling bins are never hard to find in NZ.  This one is in front of a convenience store. 

A rhododendron-like tree with spectacular blossoms that we saw frequently.

As we head north the number of dairy cows increases.

So does extensive clear cut logging.  These are essentially tree plantations that cover most of the steeper slopes that unsuitable for pastures. 

And the sawmill to process all those logs on the banks of Marlborough Sound

Looking east down Marlborough Sound

Marlborough Sound is a popular boating area.

Pleasure boats abound in Marlborough Sound, as its one of the few places on the South Island with protected waters

We'd been hearing of this luxurious combination of possum fur and merino wool, so when we saw this sign outside a shop in Picton we had to investigate.  The products were as soft as cashmere, with a price to match!

Two of the large ferries at Picton that link the North and South Islands. The next day we'd be taking one of them to the North Island.