Trips between Wellington and the Upper South Island in the last year, ranked

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By Someone who should probably just move to the South Island, 01 September 2025

20 Jetstar flight Wellington to Christchuch, May - Wasn’t allowed on the flight because I didn’t check-in online and I was too late to the check-in counter. Flying is the worst
19 Jetstar flight Christchurch to Wellington, November - Nice hitch from Dunedin then a forgettable flight. Flying is the worst.
18 Hitch Picton to Christchurch, December - The killer! 30 mins+ in Blenheim then over 2.5 hrs in Seddon. Luckily I had no obligations but I was dead by the time I got in. Nice swim at Kaikoura.
17 Hitch Christchurch to Picton, February - Delayed until evening by the buskers festival in Christchurch, but a German woman was heading all the way to a 2am ferry. Nice enough sleep at the Picton boat club.
16 Drive Westport to Picton July - Good music and vibes with Chris, champ sent 4hrs in one go
15 Drive Westport to Picton April - everyone was exhausted, but good curry in Richmond and walk with Jack
14 Drive Picton to St Arnaud, August 2024 - 5 people with Midwinter packs in a Suzuki Swift was a great time! Toby got carsick so we had to tramp at Nelson Lakes instead of Arthurs Pass
13 Drive St Arnaud to Picton August 2024 - Stayed at Atlantis in Picton which is excellent
12 Hitch Picton to Christchurch, October - First time hitchhiking. Cool local guy to Blenheim who talked constantly, then an unfortunately awkward ride with a lovely woman because I wasn’t used to hitchhiking yet(sorry).
11

Hitch Christchurch to Picton, October - It was raining cats and dogs, 2m of snow on the hills that day. Offered a free umbrella in Blenheim. Not too long in Seddon before I was picked up by a guy who smoked the whole trip but was otherwise great.
10 Drive Picton to Arthurs Pass July - In a rush unfortunately, but we still got delayed 30mins in the Paknsave carpark. It’s a very pretty drive to the coast.
9 Drive Picton to Westport July - Good music and vibes with Chris
8 Drive Picton to Cobb, December - Nice drive with Jack and Alan, very hot, picked up a hitchhiker.
7 Hitch Christchurch to Picton July - Routine trip at this point. 4 rides from Woodend to Picton. Stayed at the Cheviot motor lodge which was strange.
6 Drive Picton to Westport, April - 2am ferry, then a very relaxed day, enjoying 2hrs in the scenic Blenheim pak-n-save parking lot
5

Hitch Christchurch to Picton, October - Back of a car to Kaikoura, lovely camping spot by the railway tracks, then a really cool Asian guy who didn’t speak much English but we got along great. I was as very lucky to make a 10am checkin to get back in time for Bushrave.
4 Hitch Nelson to Picton, December - Really cool woman, still got her number.
3 Drive Christchurch to Picton August 2025 - Very nice drive with Lochie and Rewa but I wish I was more awake.
2 Drive Picton to Westport August 2025 - Wonderful. Discussed the electricity transmission network the whole time.
1 Drive Westport to Picton June - Great vibes with Tadgh. Caught a zoom call in St Arnaud, mentioned that we didn’t know where we were staying, and ended up at some private hut.

 

Total spent on ferry tickets alone: Roughly $1260