Actually, this a sequel to yesterday's blog. But we thought it could have its own title - unlike Shakespeare, who couldn't come up with anything better than Henry IV Part 2. No imagination, that was his trouble.
Unlike the Polynesian dancers...
Where was I? Oh yes, we travelled today from Hastings north-east up to Lake Taupo, the largest inland body of water in Australasia. Our main detour was to Napier, famous for its Art Deco architecture.
Yesterday we had parallel activties; I took a final wine tour while Barb attended the U3A study group she reported last night. With apologies to those uninterested in the subject, let me dust off my bullet-point summary skills for an overvew of our NZ wine experience:
. the standard of the wine is consistently terrific - it deserves a bigger space on our wine shelves
. the wineries are great to visit. Being relatively new, they often have real family stories and characters (such as Steve at Moana Park, pictured)
. the most striking wines were often a surprise. Marlborough is famous for Sauvignon Blanc, but some of the Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminers are superb. Hawke's Bay is producing some stonking reds
The tour was enlivened by an entertaining and knowledgeable guide. I think I'd also like her friend, whose two lambs are called Roast and Freezer.
Speaking of which, we're aware that many of you are suffering - southern England under a foot of snow, travel chaos etc. Let us assure you that we understand. Yesterday the temperature here dropped so much that we thought about putting on LONG-SLEEVED SHIRTS.
Tomorrow, on to the strange geo-thermal landscapes and Maori culture of Rotorua. Stay with us.
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