Villa Maria

After assuring Eva that we were not going to the distribution centre next to the airport, we arrived at Villa Maria and it was like entering another world.

Anyhow, it is very nice sitting here with my darling after having to endure the very informative wine tasting with Karen, a flirtatious young thing who...Sorry, where was I?

After trying the Arneis,  dry Riesling and getwurtztrainer it was time to move onto the reds. Pinot noir, Merlot/Cab Sauvignon and a Syrah from Gimlet Gravels near Hawkes Bay. My word, this has become an educational tour.

Eva ordered fish of the day and I had the eye filet with a caramelized tart tatin, creamed potatoes and a peppercorn jus. Mmmm..

I think I just recognized one of New Zealand's wanted criminals! Captured on CCTV and displaying his give away trait while stealing several slabs of RTDs,  the Bum Crack Burglar has just settled his account at the bar. Maybe it wasn't him. Just someone who is seeking some notoriety by sporting a bit of crack.

And then came dessert.

Eva had the chocolate pudding with vanilla bran ice cream and anglaise. I had the creme brulee with a strawberry send a biscotti,  which I dunked in my latte as I didn't want to lose another filling.

Light refreshment at Charley Farley's

Caught the bus here from Mudbrick and had a tour commentary from the driver. Stopped for passengers at a couple of the other wineries that sounded nice and looked tempting. One day doesn't do this place justice.

This pub is situated right on the long beachfront and the breeze is beautiful.

Heading back to Auckland, too stuffed to jump.

Light refreshment at Charley Farley's

Caught the bus here from Mudbrick and had a tour commentary from the driver. Stopped for passengers at a couple of the other wineries that sounded nice and looked tempting. One day doesn't do this place justice.

This pub is situated right on the long beachfront and the breeze is beautiful.

Heading back to Auckland, too stuffed to jump.

Mudbrick on Waiheke Island

After humming and haaing about coming here, we boarded the ferry and then jumped on the vineyard hopper and, like kids at the show, jumped off at the first winery we came to. The vintner was very knowledgeable but not smart enough to realise that we there for a drink and not to hear about the machinations of wine making.

After having my fill (5 tastings for $10) we joined "the girls" from Auckland for a walk up the road to Mudbrick Winery and restaurant.
Eva nearly karked it  and was in great need for a refreshment. Ginger beer at the bar, which had the added advantage of a cooling breeze.

We decided to have lunch here rather than walk to the next winery.

We began with complimentary shots of granny smith and celery soup. Quite refreshing.

My twice cooked pork Belly was accompanied with pineapple slaw, parsnip, filo, smoked jus. Yummo! Had a glass of their 2010 merlot cabinet sauvignon.

Eva had snapper fillet with potato croquettes, smashed beans and some sauce.

We are now awaiting the petit fours to have with our slim milk cappuccino.  Who are we trying to kid?!! Even the coffee had a little cube of mudcake that we consumed with petite porcine glee!

If it gets any better than this, good luck to you.

Lunch at La Vista

Situated opposite the harbour in St HelIiers Bay, we are having lunch at a nice little restaurant.
Eva is taking in the ambient music (headache music she calls it).
We managed to score the table by the open window but had time get it closed when a couple of women (the place is frequented bt couples of women) started smoking.

Breakfast with Scotty, Hamilton

Eva gets a pot of tea without the teabag and I lose a filling while hoeing into my muesli. Who said muesli was good for you?
It was very nice though.
Eva is scratching around for change in her new little change purse.

It's our anniversary

Just think; 31 years ago it was a stinking hot day. Uncle Brian took me wind surfing and if it hadn't been for a yacht moored at St Kilda that I grabbed hold of, I could have ended up in Tasmania.

Eva spent the morning getting her hair all tizzed up, only for it to come a tumbling down in the 42º heat.

Salt at The Waterfront

Eva, in an attempt to reduce her wine intake, has resorted to accepting samplers of wine. (See photo) Officials at Australian and New Zealand wine distributors have called crisis talks. The CEO of Dan's had a heart attack.

A couple of  blue cod fillets sacrificed themselves for Eva while I had a bit of Babe's belly,  with a glass of pinot.

We have decided to go on diets tomorrow/when we get back home. (I'll strike out the option that doesn't get up.) To celebrate this, Eva is having bread and butter pudding and I've challenged a slice of Lemon curd tart to a fight to the death. I've permitted the tart to tag team with a glass of sticky.

Whanganui Riverboat Cruise

All aboard the PS Waimarie for a voyage of discovery and adventure!

We set out on an overcast morn to make our way up the mighty Whanganui River. The sun burnt off the cloud to enable us to bask in the sunshine and coal dust and smoke generated by thus steam driven queen of the river.

Last of the paddle steamers that once plied this river, the Waimarie was restored at, the end of last century after sitting in the mud for 41 years.

The river hosted world skulling championships and Whanganui was a destination for international tourists.

Lemongrass House: Bless you all

Eva has chosen to eat Thai. So has a couple of the delegates from Jehovah.
I feel compelled to say grace.

The canny owner has a greeting for the delegates out the front so they have begun to stream in. They all seem like a nice bunch. It's a shame really.

Stellar☆r place to have lunch

River cruising sure works up a thirst. And especially after you've been up stream and down on the Whanganui. After swallowing a bit of soot, a cleansing ale from the Boundary Road brewery is just the ticket.

Too hungry to stop for a photo of Eva's lamb kebab and my burger. Very tempted, but resisted attacking any of the desserts.

Lost out to Jehovah in Hamilton

And here's another reason why we don't like them.

Pulled into the reception area. Unloaded our luggage and walked into register at the Novotel only to find that there was a Jehovah's Witnesses Convention there. To make matters worse, our voucher for our accommodation stated that we were booked into the Sudima (previously The Commercial Hotel).
The room (bigger than a bread basket but not suitable for cat swinging) is like the rest of the place, totally refurbished and comfortable. We have been given a "free upgrade" to what I can only guess is the fact that it has two windows rather than one.

Puke Ariki for brekky

No, it is not a new breakfast cereal but rather the Maori cultural museum located conveniently next to last night's accommodation, The Waterfront Hotel.

We are having breakfast here in the Arborio Cafe. Muesli for me and a mountain of scrambled eggs for Eva. (I had to finish off the eggs for Eva; didn't want to upset chef.)

We'll have a look at the museum before heading off to the glow worm caves. Might need to stick some long strides on as it is a bit cool.

The museum was very informative and Eva was taken by a couple of vintage tourist posters.

Aotearoa Motor Lodge, Wanganui

All of my fears were groundless. Free car parking, free WiFi,  big flatscreen TV, laundry and a double spa adds up to accommodation with the best facilities to date. And we're talking Hilton's and Novotels, mind. These joints need to take a good hard look at themselves.

Fine dining at the old chateau

Just as well I packed a clean pair of strides. Eva has dragged me along to the dining room of our accommodation. The Bayview Chateau Tongoriro is a grand old hotel built in 1929 and located at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.

The dining room is as big as a ball room with a 20 feet ceiling. It's all class. Speaking of which, Eva has just fished out the lemon slices from her lemon, lime and bitters and plonked them in her water.

Eva had the steak and I had the chicken supreme.

Angel Louise Cafe, Raetihi

Just sitting down to brekky at this lovely cafe. Internet cafe, no less.

Left Whakapake with all of the volcanoes obscured by low cloud/mist. Lucky to have had such a clear day yesterday.

En route to Wanganui for our cruise on the river. Staying at a motor lodge tonight. I hope that it is up to Eva's high standard that has been set to date.

A Taste of India

Our second evening at Rotorua began with our traditional Saturday meal. And it seemed popular with a large proportion of the pommie tourists. He was resplendent in his black singlet and she was resplendent in her silicone implants.
The tandoori combo went down a treat, just like the first of the Mac's Gold Lager. Eva succumbed and got herself a Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet. I reckon she'll need another one of those for the main meal.
Rogan Josh, named in honour of a famous race horse, is next on the list of culinary delights. But we are having the lamb version tonight.

Pillow talk

I should have followed the receptionist's advice and tested my pillow. For they have a pillow menu here at the Hilton and I should have gone for No. 3: the superior medium support rather than tolerate the No. 4: premium ultra firm that was supplied. I hope that the kink in my neck will not be permanent. To be fair though, it guarantees me a better night's sleep tonight.

Taupo

Started off the day at our little cafe Lime Cafeteria for brekky. Eva had the healthy waffle with fruit and I had the healthy eggs benedict with bacon and lime bernaise. Mmm..

Got lost end route to view some forest and had to back track  to get back onto the Taupo road.

Stopped for lunch at a glass blowing gallery and had a lovely salmon and prawn salad before buying a green vase.

Got into Taupo and found our lodgings on the road out of town. It does have a nice view of the lake with the snow capped-mountain in the distance.

Booked into our jet boat ride and sunk a Mata Manuka Ale, with a hint of the honey in it. So you know that it has to be good for you.

And away we went! Eva just loves a jet boat ride.

And it sure worked up our appetites!

The Vine Eatery

Popped into one of our favourite eating and watering holes, The Vine Eatery, all chill out music and sample plates (Eva's preferred way to dine).

We scoffed down some spaghetti with prawns, courgettes and chilli; wine marinated pork Belly and venison meat balls in a tomato sauce with rice  Mmmm.

Aorangi Peak

Looking for a viewpoint and stumbled upon this restaurant with a fair view, a lovely drop of wine and free Wi-Fi. The deer farm next door was also interesting.

Hobbiton Tour, near Matamata

Visited Bag End but neither Bilbo or Frodo were home.
Popped around to Sam's place but he was out too.
I think they have gone to ground, on account of the large number of human folk they have traipsing about the place. Usually 1600 - 2000 a day can be seen bumbling about the place, up to not much good. But then again, at $75 a head, that's a lot of bumbling taking place.

Ready, Teddy, Go

Here is our intended itinerary.