So after my lovely couple of cocktails and writing my blog I decided to head out for some dinner. They do lovely food in the hotel but it tends to be lots of meat, chips, and large sharing platters…not helpful when you are on your own! So I left and walked along the Marina road where I had seen a couple of Indian and Thai places on my bike ride. I opted for the Thai Hut, a small place which looked cute. I’m not exactly sure what is happening in the NZ music scene, suffice to say that practically every place I have been seems to be stuck in the 1950’s and 60’s Seriously, these are tunes I haven’t heard since I was a child, for example. The ‘Banana Boat Song’ by Harry Balafonte! Sad to say I knew the words…😳 Anyway, music aside the food was great, I had my usual, veg spring Rolls and Vegatable fried rice, which wasn’t on the menu but they made especially for me, it was bloody gorgeous!
After this I headed back to the hotel and resisted another drink and went to bed.
After a good night I woke up ready for the day, albeit with a slightly sore arse! (thanks to the cycling) I spent a thrilling morning doing laundry. The hotel have a handy little laundry area for guests! I stuck some washing on a went out for a bite to eat. I am very happy to report that New Zealand seem to have an affinity with Cheese Scones!!! Praise the Lord! 👐👐👐 I bloody love a Cheese Scone! And today’s was superb! In my excitement I forgot to Photograph it! But trust me it was epic! After this I had a quick walk around looking at the magnificent Art Deco Buildings then back to the hotel to wait for my Wine Tour.
The lovely Peter arrived to collect me, and I met Marty, a local who was checking out the tour in order to sell and promote it in the summer. We drove to a large and very beautiful winery called Mission Estates which is owned by the Catholic Church 😳 and leased to another company, it used to be a winery and Seminary but now is just about the wine. The building was gorgeous and had been moved bit by bit back in 1909 due to flooding on its original position, a remarkable feat considering the tools they had at their disposal back then. The move only took 12months, impressive! We picked up 2 more people; Peter & Claire (easy to remember!) they were both from the UK, although Claire is currently teaching in Bangkok. We visited 3 Wineries, Moana Park, Vidal (part of Villa Maria) and Ashridge. They were all very different but the wines were great! My Favourites of the day were a Pinot Gris from Moana, and a Viognier also from Moana! I also quite liked a couple of the Chardonnays. We tried a few reds, they were pleasant but they just don’t do it for me. By the end of the tour you are feeling a little tipsy and chilled! I have to say it’s a rather fabulous way to spend a cloudy Tuesday afternoon, beautiful scenery, fabulous wine and good company!
I’m now back in the Hotel bar, in my usual spot drinking water….yes, water! Before venturing out to have an Indian at a restaurant recommend by my fellow wine tour buddies! I think a glass of wine before I leave might be in order!
Kia Ora my lovelies. 😍😍
Hereandthereclaire.com 
OMG cheese scones!!!! 😋😋
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I know!! 😍😍 xx
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I am very envious of the wine tours. Love a good chardonnay, oaked ones are so hard to get now.
Very impressed with you getting on the saddle, but did you wobble after the wine?
We have a friend who did NZ last year, she was a lone traveller, she hired a small motor home and spent five weeks living the life of a nomad, she loved it.
Xx
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I don’t usually like Chardonnay, but the ones here are really good! Most of them are Oakes in smoked French oak barrels which depends and adds to the flavour!
I did consider doing my trip in a camper van or by car but decided that I didn’t want to spend so much time alone, I also like to sit back and relax and enjoy the views in the bus!
Xxxx
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