Today was a great day for a food and drink tour on the Mountain. It doesn't rain often in Queensland, but when it does it pours. I can't think of a better way to spend a dreary Saturday than with a friend tasting wines, coffee, liquors and cheeses. My coworker found a coupon on Scoupon (Aussie's version of Groupon) and away we went on the trolley to the Mt. Tamborine Distillery. The friendly and eccentric Michael was present to show off his internationally award winning liquors, schnapps and vodkas ranging in flavors from a rich, buttery caramel to a rose infused turkish delight. These libations can easily make your coffee or adult milkshake EXTRA special.
Here are a few of my favorite pics from our day trip to Waiheke Island or New Zealand's "Island of Wine." This beautiful spot is a 45 minute ferry ride from Auckland and filled with award-winning wineries and olive oil estates.
Our first stop was Stonyridge Vineyard.
Olive trees
The roses are planted because they indicate disease before the vines.
Next stop, Rangihoua Estate to taste gold medal winning extra virgin olive oils. I was in heaven. All the oil is organic because there are no pests to spray for on this island. Keep your eye out for this brand on the west coast. They are considering bringing this olive oil to the US soon. Lucky us! I did let them know I would be happy to be one of their west coast olive oil representatives .... career change maybe?
Olive oil stops snoring? Can this be true?
On to Wild on Waiheke for some Topknot Hill wines, craft beers, and rum. This Wild Days Rum is made from the natural rainwater of Waiheke Island by a pirate from the Virgin Islands. It is tasty in ginger beer.
Wild on Waiheke is also unique since they have archery and laser claybird shooting onsite for some adult fun. If you just want to sit and enjoy the view, pull up a bean bag chair.
Our last stop was Mudbrick Vineyard. Mudbrick had amazing sea views, French gardens, and blankets to keep you warm while drinking bottles outside on their patio.
Learning about the grapes
Complimentary blankets to keep us cozy
Beautiful beaches of Waiheke
The small part of New Zealand I saw was spectacular. I hope to see more of the North and South Island someday. If you ever considered New Zealand as a place to visit, I would say GO, GO, GO! On a side note, Australia was very interested in our election, so I saw plenty of coverage today. Proud to be an American and to support our President for 4 more years.
Auckland, New Zealand. It was my first time out of Australia since arriving in May, and I was very excited to see a new country - or at least a small part of it. Auckland was lively and charming. Maybe I could call it the Seattle of New Zealand? Complete with a Skytower, heaps of seafood, and a misty rain.
View from Bobo's apartment
Chatting it up with the local Kiwi's
Piha Beach outside of Auckland
Black Sand Beach - Piha
Bobo, Stace, Pam
Bobo exploring
Gorgeous KiteKite Falls
Then it was off to see Mumford and Sons. Wow - that was such a spectacular show. I wasn't sure how I was feeling about Babel, but seeing Mumford live completely changed my opinion on the album. Their energy was so contagious and we were happily foot stomping all night. If you have the chance to see them, it is well worth the money! A little part of the show for you to check out...
Auckland also has a great wharf area and fish market. There's a cozy outdoor space where the hold their own Sunday Funday complete with BBQ's and live music. Check out the size of those mussels!
Coming soon: Stay tuned for some pics from our winery tour day on Waiheke Island...
