Another day another wine tour. Hawks Bay is renowned for its wine, particularly grapes that are historically grown in the Bordeaux region in France. Our guide for today was Robbie Darby. She had vast experience in wine and was very knowledgeable. Our first stop was Graggy Range, known for its Pinot Noir and Chardenay. We …
Day 24 – April 23, 2025 – Rosewood Cape Kidnappers Hawks Bay Wine TourRead More »
April 22, 2025 – Rosewood Cape Kidnappers We had a big breakfast knowing we would be traveling in the car for 4 ½ to 5 hours on our way north to Hawks Bay. We had a brief tour of the lodge, the lounge, library and the dining room before heading to our suite, a separate …
Day 22 & 23 April 21 &22, 2025 Travel to Rosewood Cape Kidnappers and a tourRead More »
Happy Easter! Today was a leisurely day. We got up late and had breakfast of juice and coffee and a small sweet roll. We did not want too much, not that we ever have a big breakfast, because we would be having lunch in the wild. To pass the morning, we took a walk heading …
Day 21 – April 20, 2025 – Wharekauhau Country Estate – Chief in the wild!Read More »
Today we headed out of the estate for some art, wine and oil! Our first stop was Rototawai, a tranquil landscape & restored homestead located in the rural setting of the southern Wairarapa: a family property made available to the public to enjoy a private collection of art, a unique landscape and historic home. We …
Day 20 – April 19, 2025 – Wharekauhau Country Estate – Artisan tourRead More »
Day 18 – April 17 – Travel to Warehauhau Country Estate We left Wellington late in the morning on our way to Wharekauhau (forry-ko-ho) Country Estate. We arrived at this beautiful place just after 1:00. Set on over 5,000 acres of private land, it commands spectacular vistas of the Pacific Ocean. The lodge is a …
Day 18 & 19 – April 17 & 18, 2025 – Wharekauhau Country EstateRead More »
We had a “day at leisure” so we decided to go to Zealandia. Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore the valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to pre-human state. Set around a picturesque reservoir, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne …
Day 17 – April 16, 2025 – Zealandia, bird sanctuaryRead More »
After breakfast in the hotel lobby, we returned to our room for a facetime call with the kids and grandchildren. They were all at Ben & Chloe’s in Brooklyn, so we got to see them all. While we travel and keep pretty busy, we still miss everyone back home! We left the hotel for Queen’s …
Nothing planned for today. We are on our own. So, after spending 40 minutes on the phone with my bank to get them to clear my ATM card to be used to get cash, we went down for breakfast then headed out for a walk about. Though situated between several mountains, and having some hills, …
Day 16 – April 15, 2025 – walking around WellingtonRead More »
April 12 2025 – travel and arriving in Wellington Not much happening today. Got picked up about 10 am for drive to the airport. Our driver, Tony was exceptionally helpful in getting us situated. At the airport in Wellington, Robert picked us up. Gave us a brief tour of the Capital and 3rd largest city …
Day 13 & 14 – April 12 & 13 2025 – travel to Wellington and a tour around townRead More »
We started the day in the Breakfast room, which is actually an auxiliary kitchen right next to the actual kitchen where the staff creates their amazing food and confections. Today was surprisingly busy as we only expected to do a half day tour of the city and then relax. Christchurch is a very walkable city …
Day 12 – April 11, 2025 – Christchurch – a city rebuildingRead More »
