Well, we survived our very "out there" (for us!) adventure of staying overnight in a carpark! Lol a tad noisy at times but otherwise, thankfully, uneventful. We were awake early and off walking around the harbour dodging early morning joggers and cyclists as Wellington city's business day was coming to life. After brekkie our Tom Tom directed us back out of the city enroute north via Lower Hutt, stopping for coffee at Upper Hutt.
Yet again, with every turn in the road the scenery was amazing. This time it was the Rimutaka mountains. We slowly weaved our way up one side with breathtaking views then made the descent to the other side. This plateau area was the commencement of
The Wairarapa region and the Classic New Zealand wine trail. Our first stop and highlight was the gorgeous wine village of Martinborough (unfortunately we missed the famous cheese shop in Featherston the way!) with its various wine merchants in town and cellar doors in close proximity. After strolling through the town in light drizzly rain,we took the advice from the Information Centre and drove the sort distance to Margrain Vineyard where we tasted a few wines then had a delightful lunch.
Another notable in this Wairarapa region was Greytown with its hanging flower baskets along shopfronts and the well known Schoc chocolate shop - delicious choccies and yummo hot chocolate! Also Carterton, Masterton ....Mount Bruce with its native animal park and the quirky looking town of Eketahuna. Just before Woodville was Mangatainoka whose claim to fame is the Tui brewery (local NZ beer). Our stop for tonight is Dannervirke one of two towns (Norsewood is other) who supposedly had original Scandinavian settlers. Only remnants in Dannervirke besides a couple of signs depicting Vikings is a windmill in the central shopping area. Great little campsite on a nature reserve area. Had our best meal so far at a local Indian restaurant- fabulous!