We stayed in Nelson overnight while on our way back to Picton to catch the ferry. Along the way we stopped here and there to see the sights, an autumn walk in a Black Beech and Totara forest along the Pelorus River, a stop at a steam machinery museum, a stroll along a beach, and a view of a mud marina to name a few.

Autumn has definitely arrived as a few trees turned colour. Most native NZ trees stay green all year round. Some introduced species, called exotics, may be deciduous such as the bright gold trees reflected in the Pelorus River.

This private museum, as many in NZ tend to be, is financed by volunteer members and paying visitors. The entry fee is NZ$2.50, pretty cheap. Several large barn like buildings house steam engines and stationary machinery as well as a large collection of old diesel and petrol motorized tractors and farm machines. Many of the indoor exhibits work and are brought out to show visitors on weekends. Steam equipment is fired up every Sunday.

Outside are large non working examples of steam engines than ran logging operations, a huge refrigeration compressor, and other unrecognizable functions. The outside exhibits are not operational. One of the difficulties is getting boilers certified for operation. Boilers are very expensive to repair and rebuild but as pressure vessels present a public danger and have to have yearly inspections and certification.

Working machinery and tractors have been lovingly restored by owners and lent to the museum. Some of the tractors, dating from the early and mid 20th centuries are almost in mint condition. FK845 steam tractor on the left has had tire treads attached to its wheels, otherwise it is kept in working order and looking much as it did when used on the farm.