Days 40/41: Flying Sheep, Vineyards, and Food Fare.
Although we spent a majority of our time indoors, we also got the most out of EVERY MINUTE we spent outdoors in Auckland.
A helicopter ride allowed us to get an accelerated sense of the island and all it’s beauty. Waterfalls, coastlines, volcanoes, and sheep! Sheep, sheep everywhere.
New Zealand is cutting edge. They do it right here. Like, they just get it. Their commitment to the environment, clean food, tourism, safety, sustainability, is unmatched. There’s a buzz in the air of goodness.
We ferried over to Waiheke, the Napa of New Zealand, for a day of wines and cheeses. We chose one of the 25 vineyards on the island, Mudbrick to soak in the view and culture as we sipped our pinto gris.
Definitely a spot where the beautiful people go; it was packed with them.
We met some new friends from Oregon and spent the day chatting, walking, and getting to know them as we explored a little of the island. Amy, the daughter lives here now and was a wealth of knowledge on all things NZ. Connections like this fill my cup. I’m certain we will be life long friends.
They suggested we go to one of their favorite’s, Amano, for dinner.
The moment we walked through the front doors, we knew it would be fabulous. The architecture and vibe is upbeat and trendy.
All the food is locally sourced and seasonally available.
A melody of flavors danced in my mouth. Truly out of this world delish.
On our way out we stopped to compliment the manager and share our blissful experience.
He offered us a tour of the bakery next door where they mill their own flower and make their own bread to supply all the restaurants of Hip Group.
The baker had just started her graveyard shift which goes from 10 pm to 4 am. We seem to always bump into the right people. Flow.
If you love success stories you will love theirs.
In 12 years, a husband/wife team grew from one small cafe, to 14 locations with 400 employees. You can taste their passion and pride in every bite.
It was SO DELECTABLE we went twice!
For anyone who knows me, you know I’ve never worn a suit. I’m not sure what came over me but New Zealand has officially changed that as I spent an afternoon with Adrienne Winkelmann in her shop getting fitted for my very first.
I must admit I felt a bit “pretty womanish” as she and her team fussed over me. If you’re in need of any personalized styles, you must visit her shop.
Our final meal in New Zealand was the cherry on top to a fabulous, overflowingly full, four days. We landed at Orolana where we started up a conversation with Dimitri and Georgia, 2 young, energetic souls that currently crew for a large yacht. They have been working on the boat for two years, traveling the world and experiencing life in a way many never will know. It was fun to hear their stories of adventure over another mouth watering meal.
Suffice it to say, we’re gonna need a major “FIT” regiment after these 50 days. I had no idea how incredible the cuisine would be in New Zealand. I’d always heard it was lamb, lamb, and more lamb. Definitely not the case.
As we near the final days of our travel time, I begin to wonder WHICH ONE of you will be coming to see us in Australia. Now that you have a better sense of how we roll, are you still hoping to be awarded the Golden Ticket?
Let me know and keep reading as I will begin to share some details on what’s needed to be in the running!
Cheers to being Fifty, Fit, and Fabulous!
