The new year saw the Old Pharts board a plane at Hamilton Airport, destined for Nelson via Wellington. Unfortunately the flight was delayed, with a later than planned Nelson arrival.
The purpose of this five day trip was to celebrate the wedding of Ritchie Stevens and Lucy Ryan in Blenheim. Travelling with the Pharts were friends Tony and Michaela Giles. As the latter were unfamiliar with the top of the South Island, it seemed opportune to have an explore.
Our accommodation at the Palazzo Motor Lodge was comfortable and centrally located.
Due to our late arrival, we were hungry, so wandered into town and found Harry’s Hawker House and Bar. Very nice.
That evening the group were dining with old friends of Blair and Sue .. Cameron and Maria, who are long time residents of Tasman Village, near Motueka.
We all met at the Free House Inn for a drink, then across the road to the Indian Cafe for dinner. Nice food and a good catch up.
The next morning it was back in to town and Morrisons for breakfast, before loading up the car and driving to Mapua wharf, and on to Cameron and Maria’s for coffee in their wonderful garden.
From Tasman Village, we decided to drive over to Upper Moutere. A visit to Neudorf Winery for tasting and purchasing, then on to Moutere Inn, the oldest pub in New Zealand. The Inn was established in 1850, and has been nicely restored.
Time to hit the road in the Mazda CX-5 rental car, and the two hour drive to Blenheim.
Our accommodation was in a recently refurbished 3 bedroom house, adjacent to Lawson Dry Hills winery, and set amongst the grape vines.
Fellow Hamiltonians Pam and Malcolm Harding flew in the next day, and we prepared for the wedding.
With time on our side, we had lunch at Alan Scott Winery on Jackson Road. A nice outdoor setting with a reasonably priced menu.
The wedding went extremely well. Great venue .. the Marlborough Vinters Hotel .. great food etc.
The following day the festivities continued, with a barbecue lunch and fun cricket match at Lucy’s brothers property near Seddon.
With the Harding’s delivered to the airport the next morning, the Gilesys and Old Pharts planned their day. A coffee in town was followed by wine tasting at Cloudy Bay. On then to Wairau River restaurant, and a long, leisurely lunch. Top quality.
We had time to pass before our flight home, so we decided to check out the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre. This features Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of WW1 aircraft and artefacts. There is also a WW2 collection of warbirds. Well worth checking out.
Back home to the Tron after a really enjoyable five days. The Old Pharts look forward to returning to the South Island in February.