Along the North Coast of South Island, New Zealand

From Picton, we cut over to the north coast along the Tasman Sea. The closer we get to the coast, the cloudier the skies become.

Strange UFO clouds above

Starting though the coastal hills

Yes - snowy mountains ahead

Arrrgh! Without warning a single lane with blind corner

We reach our next stop mid afternoon at Punakaiki Beach Camp, which is one of the few independent Holiday Parks not part of one of the chains, like Kiwi or Top 10 Holiday Parks. We manage to get campsites right next to the beach. However, our beach walk is short due to cold and stormy weather.

Looking out from our campsite at Punakaiki Beach

Punakaiki Beach where Peter is pointing to Pancake Rocks for tomorrow The surfer looking dude who checks us in at the office, recommends the hiking up the Pororari River Track, which is right across the highway.

Sign at trail head

Giant ferns

Jill and Mark lead up the trail

This looks like Jurassic Park

Rain drops start

Prehistoric landscape minus velociraptors

Footprints from people walking into the river here

The next morning we are up relatively early (for us) and make the short drive south to Pancake Rocks in Paparoa National Park.

Entrance

Walkway through New Zealand flax

leads to the rugged coastline

with broken stacks of rocks

where the sea

constantly intrudes further into the rocks

Pancake Rocks have an other-worldly presence

Tasman Sea surges under rocks into a pool

and eats away channels

Pancake Rocks used as a bench by trail head

The view northward back towards last night's camp

After coffee and snacks at a nearby cafe and gift shop, we saddle up and head south to Hokitika, famous as a good place to buy NZ jade.

Driving south along the Tasman Sea

Looks like the town we're looking for

This town must be a popular with visitors as tourist buses and vans are parked up and down the main streets.  Undaunted we find parking places and explore on foot.  We've seen stops before selling merino wool and possum fur clothing and wondered about it. Turns out the New Zealand possum is noting like the opossums we are know back in the States. NZ possums were introduced from Australia to help establish a fur industry. Like many introduced species, they quickly made themselves at home and multiplied, so much so, they are now considered to be pests edging out other native species.  BUT oh, their fur is sooo soft and does combine wonderfully with merino wool.

NZ possum fur pelts

Possum portrait outside a store

Peter models a possum fur hat (no he didn't buy it)

Despite the many other visitors, we do enjoy walking around Hokitika.  However, we did take a pass on paying $20 NZ each to see a live kiwi at the National Kiwi Centre.

Last look at Hokitika's main street as we head south out of town

Marlborough Wine Country, New Zealand

At the Picton Top 10 Holiday Park, we are able to get a decent WiFi connection and along with it a look at the weather forecasts.  We were planning to visit Abel Tasman National Park next, but heavy rains are predicted there for the next several days, so we decide to try Abel Tasman on our way back north instead. A friend has recommended our checking out the Marlborough wine region. Since none of us are up to being the designated driver on touring wineries, we opt for a tour with Highlight Wine Tours.  Colleen is our tour guide and driver for the day.  Both she and Dave have recently returned from visiting wineries in California, not far from our home. We all hit it off right away.

Green hills separating Picton from the Marlborough region

This looks just like parts of California without many people

Our first stop is at the Wither Hills vineyard and winery. It's one of the larger wineries we'll visit today. This area is particularly known for their white wines, such as, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonney, and Pinot Gris.

Wither Hills

Entrance to the cellar

After scrambling out of the van, we walk through a beautiful garden surrounded by a arbor of Wisteria and with bean bag chairs dotted on the lawns. Too bad the wisteria isn't in bloom yet. It must be stunning when these vines are in bloom. We enter through a patio door into the tasting room

Garden at Wither Hills

Peter's first tasting

Mark and Jill belly up to the bar

Wither Hill's award for their 2015 Pino Gris

Colleen even helps us with our haul

Mark - you should quit your day job and market wines

After the tasting we have some time to explore the grounds and just hang out in the sunshine.

Wither Hills vineyards

Next is lunch at the Wairau River Wines Cellar Door Restaurant. The food is excellent - well worth the stop.

Wairau River Wines garden sculptures

Jill's having fun

Prawn pizza & salad - yum

After lunch while the others are tasting their wines, I take pictures.

Young man practicing his rugby moves

Recycled Metal Fish

Children playing on the grounds

The next stop is Bladen Hand-crafted Wines, a small family run winery started by a couple trying to escape city life.  It's been difficult at times, but they've managed to hang on and now produce some wonderful boutique wines.  Of all the wineries we visit on this tour, this was our favorite. The people are really nice, plus their organic wines have a clean crisp taste unlike the larger wineries.  I especially like their Pinot Rosé.

Bladen entrance sign

family friend is pouring

Peonies are in bloom

Our last stop is Fromm Winery. By mid afternoon, the winds have come up down the valley so we are happy to take refuge in their large courtyard with high enclosed walls.

Peter at the entrance

Fountain at center of courtyard

Flowers by tasting room

Ohhh after so much wine, I'm starting to feel a little tipsy.

By the end of the tour, we are happy Colleen is driving us back to Picton and not one of us have take the wheel.

Cows & sheep grazing

Late afternoon sun on the hills

Downtown Picton

Before dropping us back to the Holiday Park, Colleen takes us by the local supermarket to stock up on New Zealand smoked mussels, cheeses, rice crackers, and McVitie's Ginger Nuts. It's amazing how fast we've become addicted to these NZ treats. Since there's time left in the day to better explore Picton, we head out on foot.

Peter's found his spot

right in front of the "Drinking Consultants" pub

while Jill shops

I make my way down to the waterfront to snap shots.

Picton Harbor

WWI Memorial

Ferry at the docks

Picton marina

The evening is spent enjoying New Zealand wine and food while swapping funny stories. Life doesn't get much better.