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Published: March 22nd 2011
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Up early, It is a bit overcast and chilly early in the morning. We have breakfast and go to meet the bus that is picking us up at reception to take us to the boat.
We board the boat at Kaiteriteri beach. The boat is essentially a water taxi that drops and picks-up people who are walking different sections of the coastal in the Abel Tasman National Park. The boat has an extending gangplank on the front that allows them walk onto the beach to start their walks. Di and I are not walking but simply riding the boat from Kaiteriteri to Totaruni and back calling at about ha/lf a dozen beaches along the way. The trip takes about 3 hours. We sit on the top to take photos, but it is a bit windy and chilly. The guide points out items of interest along the way; like "Split-Apple"rock.
When we arrive back at Kaiteriteri we are met by our mini-bus driver to take us on the Wine Tour. There are only four of us on the tour ; Di and myself and a German couple. The first vineyard we visit is very small, it is virtually a private house
with vines at the back. It is run almost single-handedly by a woman. She grows the grapes but sends them away to a winery to be made into wine.
We then visit another small vineyard called Redoubt Hill, this one is unusual as the vines are planted on a hillside, which is unusual for New Zealand. The vineyard was also in a beautiful location, with views of the mountains, valley and sea depending on which direction you looked. We tried three wines here and bought a bottle of the prize-winning Sauvignon Blanc.
Next was another small vineyard in the Mot Valley.The owner is German and a qualified doctor, as is his wife. During his medical training he spent time in Tuscany, Italy. And a lot of his winery has mementoes of Italy, including a clay Pizza oven in the garden. The wines he produces tries to recreate Italian wines including Chianti. We are given lunch here, which is platter with meats, salami, cheese, quiche etc., we also had a glass of his Sauvignon Blanc with lunch.
The last winery we visit is the largest and is also an importer of wines and spirits. It is called the Khurangi
Estate. Here we sample four wines. We end up buying a bottle of the Pinot Gris and the Sauvignon Blanc. The last stop is a pub that was established by an immigrant German, and is now claimed to be the oldest pub in New Zealand, established in the early 1840’s. It is a bit like a CAMRA pub back in the UK and has a row of real ales and guest beers. I have a pint of Bitter (It’s ages since I had a real pint of Bitter!) – It is pretty good.
Back on the mini-bus, which drops us back at the campsite.
There is a mobile Clay Pizza oven at the site tonight, and we have been advised that the Pizzas are really good. We ordered two and eat them outside with a bottle of wine. They are excellent. Then early night –long drive tomorrow!
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