Vino
Trip Start
Sep 01, 2008
1
4
20
Trip End
Sep 23, 2008
Hastings,
North Island,
New Zealand
Sunday, September 7, 2008
We had driven past Huka Falls on the way in last night and decided to go back to see it. Wow. It ought to be called Huka Chute because tons and tons of water are funneled from a river 150 feet across into a channel 30 feet across where it becomes a roaring rapids which then falls 35 feet into a turquoise swirling pool 150 feet across where it boils and bubbles. It is quite a site; certainly one we wouldn't have wanted to miss. We hiked to take it in from several viewpoints and then set off for wine country. First, however, a stop at a local wine store recommended by our innkeeper, Nigel, the night before. We were to see the cellar at the store which was worth the stop. We asked Ian, the proprietor, which wineries we should visit.
Halfway through our drive-a long and winding road to be sure-on a whim, we decided to jump off the lightly traveled roadway at a scenic viewpoint. There, we saw the most beautiful falls down below.
Upon arrival in Napier, we sought out a winery map and set out for the first recommended stop: Clearview Winery. There, the proprietor is Tim Turvey who is Mike Jerrick's twin. Amazing.
We ate lunch and had some of their 2007 Reserve Sauvigon Blanc and then went next door to Kim Edwards winery to taste. Lucas Liquors back in Overland Park had recommended their oakless chardonay so we decided to try it. Very nice.
Further still we dropped in on the ultra-modern Craggy Peak Winery. We enjoyed the pino noir. Across the street, a man hung from his parachute/glider contraption above the grazing sheep.
Wined out, we drove into Hastings and settled on the Clairmont Motor Inn for our nightly bed. Dinner at the Corn Exchange. We should have exchanged it for a different restaurant. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? We head further south...where the weather is cooler. The weather has been great so far but we have to remember that it is still the end of winter.
Asides: Neither our cottage in Russell, our motel room last night nor our motel room this night have HVAC systems. There was an electric heater you could plug in at Russell and a similar device here in Hastings. There was no HVAC at all in Taupo. The weather is so temperate that, well, they don't have that. Interesting.
Gasoline is $1.99 per liter; a fill-up is around $110-$120 NZ dollars which are currently about 70 cents to the US Dollar so it costs around $77-$85 to fill up. Driving is on the left and there are roundabouts everywhere. It is tricky but you get used to it; sort of.
Breakfasts are heavy. Lots of meat. Food is, so far, just OK. The wine is nice. The people are very nice.
