The rain came down today and it was miserable and grey and much cooler again. After breakfast we headed out in the car and drove over to Cape Kidnapper's. We understand that the world's largest mainland gannet colony is there, but we somehow didn't feel in the mood to go traipsing through the mud in the driving rain to catch a glimpse of them!

We took a leisurely drive around the small towns of the area including Hastings and Havelock north. We stopped at a couple more wineries, looking for coffee this time believe it or not! The first placed was shocked by such a request but we were eventually able to get one at Te Awa (after just a very small tasting!)

Having heard some very good reports we decided to go to Mission Estate winery for a late lunch. It's not difficult to find but we still managed to go the pretty way round and it took quite a while for us to get there. It was certainly well worth it. It is a beautiful old place dating back to 1851. As well as tasting some wine we loved the imposing building and delightful gardens. Lunch was fantastic. We chose a light meal but there was a wonderful menu and it would have been a great place to linger all day in the sunshine with friends and a couple of bottles of wine. (Note that for next visit!)

Back at McHardy Lodge we had a couple of hours catching up on emails etc, waiting to hear from our friends Mike and Fetu who flew in from Hong Kong this morning and were due to arrive in Hawke's Bay early evening. They arrived at about 6.30 pm and whisked us off to Mike's mother's place in nearby Hastings. We had a lovely impromptu get together feasting on huge helpings of take away fish and chips and delicious cheese cake made by Mike's Mum, all washed down with copious amounts of Sauvignon Blanc. We had a wonderful evening and special thanks to Mike's Mum for having us and to everyone for allowing us to join your family reunion!