Untethered

Greetings from Aotearoa! We've survived another 3 week lock down in Auckland.  Although this one was fairly hassle free other than mandatory mask wearing on public transportation or in stores, we couldn't rent a car to leave the city.  Thankfully, we are again free to roam New Zealand as the country has contained all covid-19 cases successfully yet another time.  Hooray for the Kiwis!!   For the next month we are covering new ground on the lower half on the North Island.  Our first stop took us to Hamilton to see this small town's famous garden.  Originally, the land was a trash dump but in the 60's work began to landscape the area into the beautiful spot it is today.  This garden specializes in showcasing the various gardening styles used throughout the world over the ages.  Funded through donations and grants, this garden is already impressive and has plans for continuous expansion over the next decade. Driving rain forced us to leave early...

Greetings from the land of islands! Living here in New Zealand for more than 6 months, we've enjoyed many wonderful vistas created by the islands sprinkled off the coast.  The territory of NZ includes more than 600 out islands scattered across the Pacific and Tasman Sea a few of which are inhabited.  Waiheke Island is a 40 minute ferry ride away from Auckland and hosts more than a million visitors every year.  The big draw to this island are its 22 boutique vineyards/wine cellars and beautiful white sandy beaches.  A beautiful red Shiraz makes up 25% of the volume produced on the island, but there are another 8 red varietals and 5 white varietals also produced.  Mudbrick Vineyard was our favorite. With its award winning wines, fabulous restaurant, beautifully kept gardens and spectacular sea views, it is easy to understand why this vineyard does a brisk business in hosting weddings and other celebrations.   Mudbrick Vineyard Terrace view One of the man...