I've found a common theme on this trip has been to change our plans as we go, and as such we decided to hop on the road and head south after finishing the Tongariro Crossing - I think the idea of another wine region swayed our thinking that a 4 hour car ride after finishing a 6 hour hike was a good idea. Hmmmm - I don't think my body agreed.
Martinborough Wine Region
In the midst of planning this trip, we actually structured the itinerary around plans to attend Toast - a wine and food festival in Martinborough. Unfortunately, a few months ago when we attempted to get tickets, the 10,000 tickets sold out in 15 minutes. So our solution, create our own version of Toast and sample some of Martinborough's finest (well known for their Pinot Noirs) before heading down to Wellington and EB's home.
Here are some quick highlights from the wineries we visited:
- Te Kairanga - main festival location, exceptional Pinot's
- Vynfields - organic wines (not our favorite), beautiful gardens
- Schubert - German owners, boutique winery
- Croft - boutique winery, Mother is a vicar, Daughter did the tasting, Dad is the wine maker, wine pastes also made by mom
- Palliser - somewhat corporate, good bubbly
Favorite winery in Martinborough: Croft - this was the wine tasting room!
We also attempted to visit Ata Rangi, as the description described this winery as the Mona Lisa of Martinborough and not to be missed. Unfortunately, they were closed in preparation of the festival the following day. Updated Winery Count - 17
Some things I've learned along the way...
- Climate change and land based emissions in NZ will be affected by Maori business strategies, as the Maori population is growing faster than the overall Kiwi population (EB's research)
- Most of NZ'd emissions are due to the methane produced from the farts of all the cows and sheep
- Most Kiwis have travelled extensively internationally but very limited within their own country
- Rieslings can be cellared and gets better with age, even as long as 10 years
- The inventor of the half flush vs full flush toilet is a very smart person
- I agree with EB - Savory meat pies are not that great. I tried one with lamb and one with venison and I think that's all I ever need to try.
- I figured out the difference between an NZ crayfish and our lobster - the lobster has huge claws while the crayfish only has long furry antena in the front.
- Rugby team - All Blacks, Basketball Team - Tall Blacks, Soccer Team - All Whites, and any national ladies team is some version of Ferns (I had to get my sports reference in there)
So after a brief stop in Wellington where EB lives and a delicious meal cooked by her flat mates, we headed off the next morning to Nelson and the top of the South Island, on our way to Abel Tasman National Park for some more tramping.
The view from EB's place in Wellington
Now Abel Tasman is a coastal walk with the main trails winding along the ocean and it would typically take 3-5 days to walk the whole thing. The advantage of the coastal walk is that you can take a water taxi in or out at any point along the way. We decided to hike 4 hours in to Anchorage Bay where we had booked accommodations to sleep overnight on a boat docked in the bay. We got lucky that night with a full moon and a view of the Southern Cross. As we arrived earlier that evening, some of the other guests were jumping off the top of the boat, and while it had gotten quite chilly, it was inspiration enough for EB to take a morning dip the next day. I followed her lead after some coffee kicked in. Rather than hiking back out the next day, we had decided to kayak back after lunch, and I was lucky enough to see a few more penguins and seals that day as well!
More barefoot tramping by EB
It actually took us almost the full time, since someone wanted to go a different way.
And we got dive-bombed by birds because of it - which someone is also afraid of.
Once again - NZ looks like a movie set, just this time it was the Blue Lagoon
Not waterfall jaded yet...still more pics to come
Enjoying a beer on the boat
Early Morning Jump
Kayaking from Watering Cove
The Beall Sisters - practice run for the Amazing Race.
We totally beat the other kayakers - yep, still competitive. :)
We ended the day in Nelson and decided to treat ourselves to a Chef's Choice dinner, so I figure it's only appropriate to end this blog with some food pics as well!
More Whitebait, and Prosciutto with Eggplant, as the Apps
Beef Carpaccio with Blue Cheese and Rocket
Fresh Red Snapper with Capers - Salad and Potato Sides
Lamb Wrapped in Bacon with Feta, Olives & Watercress
...and while I realize these are being posted post-return to the States, I ran out of time prior to leaving and wanted to continue sharing the amazing memories that came out of this trip!
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