Summer in NZ ?

The two weeks of holidays that most Kiwi's had was a mixed bag of weather. There were a few beautiful days but also really bad weather with lots of wind and rain. Unfortunately, that was exactly around the time the grapevines flower and the fruits need to be fertilized. The fruitset has been very disappointing this year and probably the harvest will be late and short - so, a little challenging at least!
I was able to pick a few days with nice weather in the forecast to pack my camping gear and go to Hanmer Springs <a href="http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand/Hanmer-Springs/">http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand/Hanmer-Springs/</a>. Before getting there I stopped on the way to Kaikoura to go to see baby seals with two friends who travelled to Kaikoura as well. Unfortunately, we were here in the wrong season - have to get back after vintage. But it is still a nice spot

Along the coast there were still the mature seals hanging around.

Hanmer Springs is set amongst the mountains and forests which makes it a great holiday destination, not the least for the springs. But during the holiday season it is far too crowded in the springs for me, so I just walked and enjoyed the scenery that is so different from Blenheim.

Apart from the scenery I enjoyed a lot of good food and wine in Hanmer Springs, since I found that nice restaurant there: Chantellinis http://www.chantellinis.com/gallery.html that I can recommend to anyone who plans to travel that way. I felt treated like a queen - only disadavantage was that I had to pay myself.

On my way back I made a nice trip around via Murchison, Motueka and Nelson

 and then the weather started to deteriorate again - and I was back in time from my camping trip.

At the end of January I have been to Auckland for a few days to catch up with some 'old' and new friends. Apart from eating and drinking and chatting hours away I went for one day to Waiheke to do some winetasting. This island that is just 45 minutes from Auckland by ferry is very arty and produces some Bordeaux blends of reasonable quality. One day was clearly not enough to enjoy all of the island but I managed to visit all the wineries that I had been recommended by a friend. I also enjoyed the hospitality of friends in and around Auckland - thank you so much!!!!  I hope to be able to have you around at my place some time.

Back in good old Blenheim it was time to look after the house and garden again. Actually, the garden is a bit too big for me to maintain very well, but it still looks pretty well, apart from the veggie patches - but next year most of those will be gone and the backyard changed in more of an entertaining area - at least that is the plan at the moment.

So now the holidays are over for me this year and work will take up alot of my time - at least until the end of June when my contract ends (again) and after that ........... probably a new challenge? who knows?

Hugs and kisses,
Anita