The Road through Shire leads us to Wine Country

“Haere Mai” and “Welcome”

I am on the lookout for Bilbo Baggins and Gandolph as my imagination takes hold. I can see the Hobbits  tramping across the green fields and rolling hills in their quest of the ring. Then there is the beauty of Haka Falls and it’s captivating hues of blues and bubbling foam, and you can see why this region was chosen as a backdrop for The Hobbit. Arriving at Lake Taupo I can see in the distance, across the lake, the dramatic scene of three active volcanoes, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. To my amazement there is actually steam rising from Ruapehu. Much of Sam and Frodo’s journey in The Lord of the Rings was filmed here. It is a reality that any one of these mountain tops could blow again and from time to time, hiking through the region is banned due to the poisonous gases emanating from the depths of the earth. However the locals take it in stride as a price to pay for living in such a magnificent setting and it is difficult to argue that point.

Lunch at the world famous Mission Winery seemed appropriate and a cold bottle of Reisling at $29.50 (approx. $27.00 CDN) tax and service included was an investment well worthwhile. Service was impeccable and my Chicken Caesar Salad with poached egg was delicious. MMMmmmm. That evening we stayed in the town of Napier which was devastated by an earthquake in 1931. Reconstruction was done in an orderly fashion with Art Deco being the theme an now tourists from all over, flock to see what I would describe as a Hollywood set design for any 1930s feature movie. The “Wine Route” continued on towards Martinborough where wine boutiques and winery’s were in abundance. Our accommodation that night was an exceptional cottage in a grouping of cottages located in a vineyard. This morning we happened in on a local fair/market which was exceptional. We were told that there were anywhere between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors who would attend this one day event. The food stands were unique as were most of the handicraft displays.

We have arrived in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand for our 3 hour ferry ride to the south island tomorrow morning. A beautiful sunny day once again and the sail boats with full spinnakers opened, crowd Lampton Harbour, the gateway to the Cook Straight. We can see the inter island ferries approaching the harbour from our unique Museum Hotel room. Buildings of eight stories seem to be the maximum due to the constant ever threat of earthquakes. We are on the sixth floor but a good bottle of Pinot tonight will help me wipe clean the concern for inevitable disaster. This afternoon we drive the Marine Scenic drive to view the capital from the opposite side of the harbour and I am once again completely in awe as to the active and good living lifestyle the Kiwi’s seem to embrace everywhere.