It has been a hectic week since we last posted........
We have to tell you a little bit more about Taupo before we continue.
On the 19th we went to a real life beehive - Fascinating! But even more interesting was that we learnt about `mead` a medieval wine derived from honey and consumed by knights. Andrew bought a bottle, although Shivani ensured it was only a 1/2 bottle - remember that budget?!
Best bit of our travel so far was on 20th, when we went to see `Shaun` the Prawn at a prawn farm. We toured the farm, hand fed baby prawns then thouroughly enjoyed eating the adult ones, with a touch of garlic, in the on-site restaurant. We then went fishing for them, but had no luck - we think all the Chinese that were there had caught them all!
*STOP PRESS*
21st Shivani drove for the 1st time and did a pretty good job, only a couple of people hooted her!
We got to Wellington in one piece - phew!
Stayed on Cuba Street, which is full of trendy bars and cafes, had the best fish n` chips in town for $3.4０（1.30English pounds）. Did the touristy thing by visiting the local free museum; Te Papa, which was great value for money.
22nd we crossed over from Wellington to Picton on the ferry, we were blessed with good weather, as the crossing is notoriously known for being rough, even on calm days, as apparently 2 tides meet. We based ourselves in Blenheim and headed off for wine tasting to our favourite vineyard; Villa Maria. We tried a number of wines, including a Research & Development one, not yet for sale, purely for research you understand! After the wine we headed off to a chocolate factory, which we had passed on the way. We stayed just long enough to try some free samples and not wanting to end up like oompa loompas, we left.
On 23rd we drove to Kaikoura, stopping on the way at a recommended Cafe called `The Store`, which served excellent cappuccino and homemade carrot cake, it was truly awesome! Once at Kaikoura we stopped in one of the many scenic lookouts, which are signposted along the road. However, this one had seals sun-bathing on the rocks and in the area for cars parking. You could not pay to get this close!
We checked in at a lovely B&B called `The Old Covent` and stayed in The Priest Room. It was an amazing old building with wood floors, panelling and friendly owners, who kept a pet sheep in the back yard. As you will see from the photo Andrew had his usual effect on Females. We had a dramatic walk along the peninsula and stopped off only to have fresh lobster and scallops at an open air barbeque stand on the beach.
We are currently in Christchurch, about to head to Twizel, but we will update you in our next post.
Thanks for listening
Andrew & Shivani
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