Sailing New Zealand’s Bay of Islands
In February 2011, I embarked on the first major sailing adventure of my life, spending three weeks in New Zealand with a group of Canadians. We flew into Auckland and spent our first week chartering a flotilla of sailboats to discover the Bay of Islands – a beautifully pristine, tropical…
Day 14 – Valentine’s Day!!! – 14th Feb
Another day, another winery! This time Wither Hills (near Cloudy Bay winery where we went yesterday afternoon by the way!) Very grand exterior, lovely layout and expansive views sweeping across the valley from mountains in north west to the southern hills. Horse riding country and vineyards galore! Windy and warm…
Day 13 – Sunday 13 Feb
Winery Day – Astrolab in the morning – a charming NZ family (husband and wife team) at their private home. We sat in their garden overlooking the olive orchard and revelled in the wine tasting, walking through the vines, stroking the cat, snapping photos of the chickens, beautiful home, walnut…
Day 12 – Sat 12 Feb
Wellington (North Island) to Picton (South Island) – 3 hour ferry ride. Weather dull and rainy so not as impressive a cruise as hoped. In fact the ferry rides in BC way more impressive, although scenery very similar. Picton very small town and got bus to Blenheim about 15-20 mins…
Day 11 – Friday 11th Feb
Rushing this Blog a bit as last night on dry land before we head out from Picton (South Island) on 2nd cruise! Friday was spent driving the last 335 km south to Wellington, the impressive capital of N and way friendlier than Auckland. Lunch on the waterfront and then visited…