Kaikura/Road to Christchurch

We were very sad to leave Marlborough (and the amazing BEC Spa Resort) but the coastal drive to Christchurch was incredible. The pristine turquoise ocean against the dry hills, green forests, and snow capped mountains was mind blowing. We stopped for lunch in Kaikura at The Store, a stunning restaurant right on the ocean.

Tomorrow we trade in our car for a campervan and head to Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers.

Watch how you go...

Ian & Greg

Greg's 30th in Marlborough

My 30th birthday was more than I could have ever hoped for. Ian surprised me by booking us 2 nights at the BEC Spa Resort in Marlborough. It is a small B&B surrounded by the picturesque landscape of the wine region. The owners Aloka and Leon were so gracious and made us feel completely at home. Every minute, from the moment we arrived till we left, was a complete dream.

The following day we were taken on a wine tour by DeVine Tours. The sun made its first appearence in days and made the entire valley glow amber against the dry hills. Peter, our amazing guide, brought us to many of the boutique wineries and taught us so much about growing grapes and the New Zealand wine industry. After many tastings and a lunch amongst the vines of the Highfield winery, we had dinner at Herzog.

I can't really put into words what the dining experience was like because anything I say will sound trite. It was the single most fufilling and enjoyable "dinner" I ever had. The seven course menu with a different wine pairing for each course was set against the lavender bushes and olive trees in the garden.

The 2 days of wine, food and scenery was a complete sensory overload that left me utterly fufilled and grateful that I have someone who put it together for me.

-Greg

BEC Spa Resort...

Our hosts Aloka & Leon...

View from our bedroom...

Highfield Vineyard...

Don't even say anything...we know!

Peter (on left) , our expert tour guide...Inside Seresin, a bio-dynamic winery...

Ferry to South Island & Abel Tasman National Park

Wellington was a pretty cool city. By far had the most character than any of the other cities so far. There was a young downtown energy on Cuba Street. Due to the rainy weather we saw "Four Holidays" also know as "Four Christmas'" in the States. We have to say we loved it! Vince Vaughn was at his type-casted best.

After a day of prepping we took the 3 hour car ferry to the South Island. Once again we both got sea sick! Almost as soon as we arrived the sun finally came out! We drove through Marlborough to Abel Tasman National Park. The Park sits on the northern rocky coastline with white sandy beaches nestled in the many bays. We were so happy when we drove up to our guesthouse that resembles a Swiss Chalet in the Alps. The next day we went on a full day sea kayak excursion where we saw many sea lions and crystal clear turqoise water. Lunch was on a secluded beach. Tonight we are cooking dinner for our hosts. Tomorrow we are going on a 7-hour hike which visits the inland areas we saw while sea kayaking.

Watch how you go...

Ian & Greg


Poor sheep...




Our Swiss Hotel Guesthouse...
Cooking in our Guesthouse...


Ian posing on our own private beach...

Walking across the bay at low tide...

Water taxi launch...

Can you spot the seals?

From Volcanos to Vineyards

After our crazy volcanic hike we drove east to the art deco town of Napier in the center of the Hawkes Bay wine region. The weather was perfect for our day of wine tasting. We hit 2 vineyards that turn out to be wine we drink often at home - Seleni and Kim Crawford. Te Awa was another great one with an unbelievable setting for lunch. Unfortunately we were full from our stop at the local Farmer's Market a couple of hours earlier so we didn't stay for a meal.

Our day ended with a trunk load of bottles...it's going to be a fun couple of weeks when we get in our RV!

Watch how you go...

Ian & Greg

Seleni, one of our favorite vineyards...

Driving through the vineyards...

Kim Crawford - chillest vineyard ever...

Kim Crawford sits right on the ocean...