Safe to say I am now a professional wine sommelier…NOT! But I have definitely drank enough wine for all of New Zealand. I spent the last week in wonderful Auckland - a large city full of beautiful little boutique villages, each with their own beach alcove. Lucky me, my aunt and uncle live in the area of Torbay where I spent (most of) my time here in NZ living like a true Kiwi. We toured museums that depicted the history of the Maori culture (the traditional people of New Zealand) and visited both the North and West sides of the city where we visited different beaches and quaint markets. Although extremely windy, everywhere you looked, there was something beautiful to see. Whether it was a beach, a vineyard or even a strawberry farm…there was always something. Our days were filled with activities both outdoors and in, including many coffee trips (side note: think I may have fueled a coffee addiction over the past few days…I’m looking at you, Auntie Linda! hehe) It was all wonderful and great to meet and spent time with family, including Linda’s beautiful grandchildren Quinn and Eden. We enjoyed a special Friday night dinner (and a show) at Caluzzi’s; where we were entertained all night by Auckland’s famous drag queens…we ate, we drank and we danced the night away. Definitely one of the books!
The remainder of my week long trip was spent in Waiheke…one of the MOST beautiful islands I have ever visited in my lifetime. A 45-minute ferry ride of the coast of Auckland, Waiheke is paradise for anyone interested in wine and sun (Me! Me! Me!) Unfortunately, the first few days were cold and rainy due to the South-Westerly wind bringing weather up from Antarctica. FORTUNATELY, that meant all our time was spent at wineries…woohoo! Over two days, we visited a total of 7 wine farms – Stonyridge, Cable Bay, Mudbrick, Obsidien, Peacock Sky, Batch and Man O’ War. All absolutely stunning and all gorgeous for different reasons. If you’re looking for a view and upscale wining and dining – must try Mudbrick and Cable Bay (both just a 10 minute walk apart). If you’re wanting a personal experience with the wine sommeleiers – Peacock Sky sat down with us and talked us through each wine and degustation pairing as we drank and ate. A smaller, yet cute and quaint, vineyard was Obsidien – also a personable experience with a great group of staff and a great deal on wine tasting. If I were to ever get married in NZ – Batch would be my choice of venue – aside from the gorgeous view, there is plenty of space and different areas to celebrate. Our final day in Waiheke was spent on the beautiful Little Oneroa beach where we met with Linda’s mum, daughter and grand-daughters as we spent the day running around in the sand and diving in and out of the sub zero water (lol). Our evenings throughout the trip were spent in what Kiwi’s call a ‘Bach’ or what we may call a bungalow/villa. Our cute little bach was located in Surfdale with all the necessities for our two-night stay. My trip to New Zealand was unforgettable. An amazing country that I’m so happy I had the chance to experience thanks to my wonderful Aunt Linda and Uncle Doug! They spoiled me rotten and I’m so lucky to have spent the time with them this week! I will be back one day – I promise!
3 Comments
Linda
27/1/2017 03:05:37
What a wonderful description of a fantastic fun , busy , ( lots of coffee ☕️ and wine 🍷tee hee ) week !
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'Uncle' Doug
27/1/2017 03:19:26
Great summary of a great week with you. It was our pleasure to show you around our beautiful city and our favorite island. Thanks for being an easy- going fellow traveller. X
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Auntie Mary
28/1/2017 03:19:24
New Zealand is divine and your blog just makes us want to go all the more. We just need to keep saving. x
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March 2017
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