Martinborough, New Zealand
Trip Start
Apr 15, 2008
1
42
60
Trip End
Apr 01, 2010
Martinborough,
North Island,
New Zealand
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Farm Stay number 3! An even longer drive south this time, 9 hours in total to the wine lands of Martinborough in the south of the North Island. This is a relatively new grape growing area, although very compact it produces some of New Zealand's finest wines. Once a poor rural area, the introduction of the vine yards have sent property prices soaring, with many residents in nearby Wellington purchasing new homes here. An interesting fact about Martinborough is that it was designed by a British man in the shape of a union jack, with all roads leading away from the village green in the centre.
Our hosts Helen and Warwick live in a beautiful 1920's farmstead tucked neatly amongst the rolling hills. Being located along a long track from the road it is a real heaven of peace and tranquillity. At night the stars in the black night sky were just amazing, they seem to sparkle and there seems to be so many more than we have in the UK night skies
Hobbiton
.On the farm they have some rare breed stock; these include Staffordshire Sheep and Red Poll cattle which originate from East Anglia, along with a handful of Clydesdale cart horses and of course a flock of chooks! We also enjoyed meeting the neighbouring farmers too, helping to drive their cattle down the road to a new paddock after delivering one of Helens Bulls to them. Helen was not only the perfect host but also acted as the local tour guide showing us around the area and she even took us to a local café for afternoon tea.
Our Afternoons were taken up oiling the horse's leather collars and various harnesses. We found the experience to be quite therapeutic and relaxing, again it's really rewarding to look back and see what were dry, sad pieces of leather now shiny and brought back to life, I'm sure the horses will look spectacular in all their finery.
Unfortunately our stay here was only for 3 nights and it was over in a flash, but most enjoyable all the same.
