Sidney Kuhn reporting from NZ...

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Christchurch to Waipara Valley

After a filling lunch at Graham and Sue’s, the group headed north to the Waipara Valley and wine country. Our first stop: Sherwood Estate Winery, owned and operated by Dayne Sherwood and his family for 25 years. The winery has 120 acres of vineyards in the Waipara Valley and 100 acres of vineyards in the Marlborough region. The grapes are grown on a standard NZ block trellis, mainly Pinot Noir and Riesling with some Sauvignon Blanc. 90% of the 50,000 to 60,000 cases of wine produced a year (and bottled on site) are exported to 24 countries, namely the US United Kingdom, and Australia. The group was impressed by the winery’s commitment to sustainability, including using biological controls, composting the grape skins for fertilizer, recycling the greywater from wine production to water gardens, with future plans to collect rainwater from the winery’s roof. Thanks to Dayne for the delectable wine tasting and taking the time for visiting with our group on your day off!

http://www.sherwood.co.nz/

Waipara Valley to Kaikoura

After leaving the Waipara Valley, we headed north through the hills and hairpin turns in a van with a trailer hitched, going around hair-pin turns (Keepin’ it real!) to Kaikoura. As we descended the last hill we broke through a fog to catch our first view of the Pacific Ocean coast. White foamy waves rose up to bash against the jagged rock formations that looked like so many beached whales along the coast. The largest strings of kelp I have ever seen beat their yellow-green tentacles against the rocks. On to our first overnight stay in a Holiday Park in Kaikoura, and a fish and chips dinner (a true Kiwi meal). And finally, the slumber that we had all kept at bay throughout the afternoon and evening overcame us.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Kaikoura

Up early for our “Dolphin Encounter”. Headed out about 20 minutes from shore in a small boat clad in our wetsuits, flippers and snorkels and jumped into a thrilling adventure swimming with Dusky Dolphins. After becoming accustomed to the snorkel (many of us were first-timers), we sang to and swam circles with our new gray flippered friends. Wenk had the ultimate experience when he caught a glimpse of some “belly on belly” action! Only a few casualties were conquered by the sea sickness. After enjoying a photo shoot of a hundred or so dolphins, who demonstrated their characteristic somersault tricks, we headed back to shore. A quick picnic lunch reenergized the group. We also had a laugh at the expense of one strange blue-headed seagull who was ostracized by his peers.

Kaikoura to Blenheim

Heading north from Kaikoura we made a side trip to Lavendyl Farm, a vineyard and lavender farm operation. We enjoyed learning about the different types of lavender, how owner Mike Morris retrofitted a Japanese tea picker to help mechanize the lavender harvest, and the process of distilling the lavender into oil and water.

Other side trips included a hike to a stunning waterfall against a moss-covered cliff surrounded by giant tree ferns and watching baby fur seals frolic among the rocks and tidal pools. After a fabulous dinner (including stunning Chris Reid specialty salads) and equally fabulous conversation, we prepared for the adventures awaiting our next day in New Zealand.