New Zealand (en zed) 2

The three of us headed up the northeast coast to the Marlborough Region and took a couple of day hikes along the rocky coast and another into Sawcut Gorge. This hike followed a streambed up a valley and finally ending up at a deep and thin gorge cut into the craggy limestone.

Wine and cheese tasting with an amazing view!

Sawcut gorge.

The girls at Sawcut Gorge.

Then we began the extravagant portion of the trip. Taking advantage of being in the most renowned area of New Zealand for its Sauvingnon blancs, we took a wine tour of local vineyards. It was the most fun we had on the entire trip! There was a lot of merriment going on that day with wonderful friends and fantastic wines. It was fun to learn about the growing process of the grapes, various attributes of vineyards and how to discern a lemon marmalade Riesling and a savory, earthy Pinot noir. At the Grove Mill vineyard, we were able to taste the various wines then go out to the field and taste the associated grapes.

The beginning of the wine tasting day.

Villa Maria.

Garry (our driver) is in the background.

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I think the favorite vineyard for all three of us was the organic and biodynamic winery called Seresins. Before the wine tasting we had a lovely picnic on the property overlooking the rolling hills of the vineyard of fine cheeses from a local cheese factory. Then we went inside and sampled the amazing wine. If it is possible, and I believe it is, we all fell in love with the ‘Rachael Pinot noir’; deeply and madly in love.

Picnicking.

Juli in the groves of Grove Mill.

The end of the wine tasting day.

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The final vineyard we toured that day was called Mahi. Juli bonded with the owner when Juli told the owner about her aspiration of owning a vineyard and the owner explained that it was not all fun tastings as we were imagining. Bummer dude. It was a fun time and we were able to get some freshly cut rosemary at Mahi for our dinner on the barbie of lamb steaks.

That night at the campground, we followed the stadium lights and found a regional rugby match being played. I felt that my travels in New Zealand would not have been complete without seeing at least one rugby match. We sat close enough to hear bones crush!

Early the next morning, we drove up to Picton where we caught the ferry ride to hike the Queen Charlotte Trek. We were a bit quiet on the ferry considering the previous day’s fun, but had a nice cruise seeing salmon farms, seals and tiny blue penguins. When we got dropped off to begin the trek we were ready to rumble and hiked along the crest of the hills along the Marlbourgh Sounds for the next two days.

Jody hiking the Queen Charlotte Trek.

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For Jody’s last night, we went out to the fun town of Nelson.

After dropping Jody off at the airport, Juli and I headed up to the Abel Tasmen National Park to go sea kayaking. Juli and I reserved a two-person sea kayak for a three-day adventure. It was great fun to brave the ocean waves and the Mad Mile. While out on the boat we were able to spot starfish, penguins and seals. We were happy to relieve the blisters on our feet and, in turn, got more on our hands from the paddles.

Star fish.

Juli paddling the Mad Mile.

Our camp spot.

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The final hike was around the Fairwell Spit. The tide was very low and we saw amazing wind features on the marvelous golden sand. It was a great reverie to reflect on the awesome trip that we were lucky enough to take! Juli and I got along splendidly the entire trip. Considering we hadn’t really spent more than a week together in 10 years, then spent 24/7 for six weeks together, it was fabulous that we didn’t even have a tiff over who should do dishes. Thanks Juli for such an amazing time in New Zealand!

Back in Christchurch, we spent a couple of days visiting downtown before I was to fly out. On Saturday, we were able to go to the farmer’s market where I bought a furry sheep rug for Braden for his birthday. Then, Juli, Gareth, and I went to the Jazz Festival and we were able to meet some of their friends and hang out to great music!

Oddy and Kitty.

The last day, Juli organized a climbing day for me up in the port hills above Christchurch with her friends Scott and Carla. It was fun to hang out with them and to get some climbing in before heading home. Cheerio New Zealand!

Scott climbing the Port Hills above Christchurch.

Juli and Carla were the spectators.

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En route back to the States, I had an overnight layover in Sydney and Las Angeles. In Sydney, I was able to meet up with a good friend that Braden and I met in Nepal, Mollie Hill. It was fun to hang out with Mollie and see the breathtaking city. In Las Angeles, I was lucky enough to have my dear friend Kristen Stevens pick me up for breakfast and meet her adorable three-month old son, Joseph! He is very handsome!

The Sydney Opera House.

Kristen and Joey.