Day Eleven - Rimutaku and beyond

Up, breakfast and hair wash (no hair brush disasters today thank goodness) as we were being taken out for the day by Jackie's friend Jo and her partner Ivan.  It was a really blue sky morning and I have spent the whole day wearing shades and a no sleeve summer top.  Bliss.

We had such a lovely day going over the Rimutaku hills and the views were

absolutely stunning.  We stopped off at a look out point and the views were breathtakingly beautiful.  As I have said before if I had to sum New Zealand up in one word it would be beautiful.  We then went on to a town called Featherstone which was so cute.  We had to purchase some cheese in the lovely cheese shop and I treated myself to some blue cheese.  I then went to the shop next door which was called Mr Feather's Den, it was fabulous full of wonderful

curious.  I treated myself to some fabulous sunglasses which my friend Hannah would be envious of.  The woman in the shop was wonderful too, and I just love my funky new glasses.

We then went to Greytown which was yet another beautiful little town. We had a look around the museum which showed how the town was in the 1800's.  To be honest, apart from not having any horses tied up outside, it had not changed much.  I particularly liked the school room, it amused me.  We then went to have something to eat at an artisan bakery at Clearville.  It was very lovely, not too much choice for me (as a

vegetarian) but I had some vegetable frittata and some salad.  We then went to Stonehenge Aotearon which was sold to me as New Zealand's Stonehenge. Needless to say I was intrigued.  I had to stop myself from having a fit of the giggles as both Jackie and I thought it would be old.  It was not.  It was constructed in concrete around 13 years ago. Now don't get me wrong, it was interesting but not what we expected but then the country is a new country so I guess if I had thought about it, but it was interesting none the less.
However, it was a funny moment.  We then got back in the car.  By now it was lovely and warm and I could not believe

(again) that it was November and there was me in my sandals and top. Bliss, just bliss.  I am going to put in a business plan when I get back to work to suggest I work three - six months a year in the southern

hemisphere.  I could do this as I work from home, I could Skype in for meetings, do my work via my laptop like I do anyway from my flat. I can't see it being a problem.  I will mention it in my annual appraisal which is coming up!

We then went to Martinborough another beautiful town with some rather upmarket shops.  There was plenty to spend my money on but chose not too.  I am quite happy with my funky glasses.  We had a good look around and then went to a store selling the local wine.  I went to the gin and could not believe the price of some of it.  OK I was in an upmarket shop in an upmarket town but even so, really expensive.  We had a quick drink and then made our way back to Wellington.  It had been a really lovely day and so good to see yet another part of this beautiful country.

I thanked Jo and Ivan for their kindness and time and promised to reply them the favour if they ever come to London, albeit via an Oyster card and not a lovely car.  We had a lovely day.  Once again, I shall leave you with some more photos of the day. Enjoy!

As always, with my love x

Far too expensive!

My kind of gin!

Modern day Stonehenge!

Beautiful views