Ohakune, Napier, Taupo and return (or how my life flashed before my eyes)

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With the days walk cancelled it was decision time on what to do with the day. George & Ross were up early and came back with a take out breakfast.
We then set out for Napier to visit vineyards in and around Hawkes Bay (btw photos to be added later when I can work out how to do it).
John H took the first leg driving the 240 kms. What an unforgettable experience. I'm only just recovering. The fact that we drive on the same side of the road seemed to be lost on our driver as when he told to go right he immediatley did so right down the slip road on the opposite side of the road facing oncoming traffic. We can only hope they thought he was a mad frenchman. If that wasn't enough, having passed the tank museum (and boy did I wish I was in one) we had to turn left. Not something you would normally associate with a problem especially since Sebastion Loeb next me had had 15 kms notice. Oh no, nothing is simple when John is driving. How we managed to escape with our lives as we hurtled towards the New Zealand forest on two wheels on the wrong side of the road (naturally) will forever be a mystery. At least he'd finally remembered to take the handbrake off by this time.
Arriving at the Mission Vineyard was a welcome relief. Excellent place, highly recommended. V nice wine tasting then a two hour lunch. Half a dozen Cleeveden oysters, pistachio encrusted yellow fin tuna & a fine cheese board all washed down with a cheeky sauvignon blanc. Very good!
On then to the Church Road vineyard (excellent Marazimo red) and then George took over for the return leg (thank the lord) via Taupo (with a stop at Fin Cullens bar for a pint of Speights)
Boodly awful weather on the way back so straight back to the lodge. Walk to the mountain cancelled so it's off to Rotorua tomorrow.

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Photos

Views of NZ 1
Road from Ohakune to Hawkes Bay

Lunch at The Mission Vineyard
Cleeveden Oysters as a starter

Mt Ruapehu
View from Ohakuna