New Zealand - Napier

Napier - As the Kiwi's might say 'Awesome'.

On the other hand, we did once again find that Kiwi Friday nights are somewhat rowdy - even in a remote motel whooping and hollering can be heard until silly o'clock. At least everyone was enjoying themselves!

Lovely day, sun was shining, the sky was blue and we found a parking spot on the sea front no problem. Trust me though, it's no Scarborough. Beautiful landscaped gardens in bloom, fountains and an enormous gravel beach with meandering pathway which is populated by cyclists and runners. All of this moments from the city centre and the fantastic buildings - it was all too much for us so we did our usual and sat in apavement cafe savouring a cooked breakfast and taking in the views. Everone knew each other, it's Saturday but no shops open till ten, and it's peaceful. Lovely breakfast followed by a brief shopping excursion - there is a fabulous bead shop where Alice made a purchase or two! Napier as a town is beautiful. Destroyed partially in 1930's with an earthquake (7.6 Richter) it was largely rebuilt in an art-deco style. Buidlings are amazing, streets are wide and airy, nothings over a handful of floors high. Even the bollards and street lamps are decorative and art deco in design. Would recomment it too anyone!

After that it was back to the sea front for a fairly challenging 18-holes. We called it a draw but actually struggled to finish some holes - it was treachorous and hilly with plenty of hazards and out of bounds. That was supposed to be the fun family course as well. The accompanying photo shows the sheer delight of Alice after somehow securing our only hole in one.


When we arrived back at the motel. Alice (always been a sickly child) wasn't feeling so great and we had to deliberate about whether we should or shouldn't do the wine tour. A few pills later and it was on - we sat outside and awaited Vince Picone. We were the first in the bus so had the pick of the seats and a good chance to chat. Vince it seems, knows the whole of Napier and in particular those associated with the wine tours. To be expected. He's been doing them 18-years.



We started with Askerne (named after the Yorkshire home town of the owner's wife). At this point, and to confirm Yorkshire at the sentre of the world, it's worth pointing out that the other six people on board the bus were a pair of young women from Utrecht in Holland, an American couple now living in Harrogate and a couple from Sessay who moved to New Zealand four years since. So, in one way or another 75% were from Yorkshire! We were also really lucky it was a Saturday. It's the only day of the week that Gideon works - if you need to know anything about wine he's your man. He guided us through Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewurtzaminer (I need to check the spelling...), Rose, Merlot, Merlot/Cabernet/Malbec blend, Pinot Noir, Syrah and a couple of special wines including a dessert wine. (Gideon's number plate was K Syrah which we found amusing). Naturally it wasn't a full glass of each but it was a good start. We also acted as support group to a Lady Hedonist who'd tragically lost her husband (through illness) so had come to see Gideon for company. That must tell you something! We walked away with dessert wine - I never drink it normally.


So we continued on our merry way, through beautiful counbtryside, populated with wineries, vineyards, orchards and the odd small town. Havelock North looked very exclusive - we will need to go back. We visited Salvare second (the picture of me which Alice thinks is hilarious is actually there but only the second glass at the second tasting - it was going to be a long day!). Recently the cellar man had won a national competition so it was unusually busy. We had cracking wines, breads and olive oils! Naturally we purchased vinegarette!

Third was Nganakawe (or something like that). Again, will check when we find the notes! Frank our host gave us similar wines and also told us of some work to halt the appearance of aging he's involved with - the women in the group were suddenly very attentive! Strangely - and it's strange because we normally don't like it - we walked (swayed a little) away with a Chardonnay.


The final one's name currently escapes me (Moana Park) but we were welcomed by two friendly boxers and the owner Kayleigh. Lovely boutique winery. This time it was an ice wine. Something to do with a fungus on the grapes which makes them very sweet and almost raisin like on the vine. They're not frequent therefore it's a limited production every year. It happened to be in a small bottle like a dessert wine as a result so we kind of had to buy it. We're currently working out what we don't need to bring home to stick to our luggage allowance or, considering whether wearing all our clothes on the plane is just silly!


We felt the need for a quiet night after all that - short walk into West Quay's night spot area and a well deserved tea! Long drive to the south tip of North Island awaits us tomorrow so early to bed.