I don’t know why but I didn’t get the best sleep last night and it took me longer than usual to get to sleep. Today is Tuesday now and today is the last day that we have a scheduled activity which is a Waipara Wine Tour with Lunch. Oddly enough I didn’t realize it until this morning but I told my mom we’re pretty much going out how we came in. Our 1st activity when we arrived in New Zealand was a wine festival and here our last scheduled activity is a wine tour (at 3 different vineyards). I’ve been waiting to visit a vineyard since we’ve arrived seeing as though New Zealand is known for having some good wine.

We didn’t have to meet in the city center until noon so luckily we got a chance to sleep in a bit. Our small breakfast half of a braised steak pie, apples and orange juice proved to be enough of a filler for us until our lunch came on the trip. The weather was looking partly cloudy today and the wind was blowing so we dressed accordingly. We didn’t know how many or if anyone else would show for the tour but we ended up having a total of 7 people.

Jude was our driver and she had us all introduce ourselves as an ice breaker method so that we could get familiar with each other. Aside from my mom and I Kate was also from the U.S. (Portland), there was a couple from Canada and a couple from the north island who had never been to the south island before (and she was 60!). I found out today that there are many people that live on the north island that have never been to the south island and vice versa. if you think that’s something I also found out from the couple that lives in the south island that it’s easier for them to order something from the U.S. or Australia because they would receive it before ordering something from Auckland (which is crazy).

Because the country is broken up with north and south Auckland via plane is only about an hour and a half.We enjoyed talking and getting to know each other on our way to each vineyard and while we were there. Kate had a friend back at home who’s waiting to give birth to her 1st child at 41 or 42 years old and we all became invested on her status throughout the day. Our 1st stop was at Waipara Springs and by the time we arrived the sun was out and the weather felt more like spring. There we tasted a Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Blended, Rosé and Pinot Noir (My favorite there was th Sauvignon Blanc-my mom liked the Blended).

Once we were done with our tasting a nice platter of different foods was brought out to each of us individually. The platter had a rib, grapes, cheese, crackers, a fig type jam, a pork salami, a pork patty, salmon patty, salad, peppers, an oyster and bread. Let me tell you the ribs and the steak I’ve had in New Zealand have been absolutely delicious. I ate everything except the pork salami and oyster but demolished the rest. They also specialize in a dry gin so I had a gin cocktail that included lemonade and tonic water and it was well worth it.

When we were done there it was just a quick drive over to the next one called Georges Road Wines which was situated with the most beautiful background-the vineyard and the hills. Looking around one would think you’re in Italy because it just gave off that vibe/feeling. This location had a furry dog friend named Pepper who eventually came out to greet everyone and get some rubs. They also had a bean bag toss game that I indulged in while there because why not. Here we tried a Rosé, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and a Syrah (my favorite was the Pinto Gris and my mom liked the Riesling.)

Our last and final stop once we were left there was Torlesse Wines. Although we had already had our lunch at the 1st stop by now I was hungry again and ended up ordering a charcuterie tray (because it was so big and so much I shared it with everyone at the table because I wouldn’t have been able to eat all of it). The wine here seemed like it wouldn’t stop coming as glass after glass kept getting refilled with something new and at times we had a choice of what we wanted to try. I ended up liking one wine called the Albarino (it’s a white wine) and though the mix escapes me it left enough of an impression for me to buy a bottle.

By now I think we all were starting to feel the wine a little bit with how chatty and funny everyone was becoming. I can honestly say I had a good time with the group today and that we vibed well together. I’m not much of a drinker at home except occasionally at social events so experiencing this is always like a treat to myself and to do it in such a beautiful place as New Zealand is top tier. This was definitely a great last activity to have in Christchurch.

On the ride back to the city center I was beginning to dose off at one point as it began to get a bit chilly again (with it now being later the temperature had dropped and it felt like it did intially this morning). The north island couple got dropped off on the way as we were going to pass their stay anyway. My mom and I had hoped to go to a store once back in town but were told it would be closed as shops in New Zealand close early (around 6pm). In the center we managed to get a group photo and everyone parted ways saying their goodbyes.

My mom and I did manage to stop by an open store and get a few things and then grabbed an Uber to the Airbnb. Tomorrow is our last day in Christchurch as we are on an early flight Thursday morning to Auckland and then hopping on Delta to head back to the U.S. at LAX. Our plan as we have enough food in the house to last us until we leave is to chill. At the very most we’lll walk back down to the Tannery and have a breakfast (and my mom wants to go back to the Apotherapy store) and then come back and wash clothes and pack. Sleep will be very important for us tomorrow as we will be spending all day of Thanksgiving Thursday either in an airport but mostly on a plane. There will be no other write-up posted on this site for this trip but I will briefly put something on my Facebook page to wrap-up our stay on our last day tomorrow. Cheers to another one!