We
boarded a steam boat for our destination… A gorgeous home now used as an event
area. We arrived about 05:30 after a
smooth trip on the water. No sooner that
the plank went down, we headed to the
home (building) you see down further.
Had a great meal, lots of salads, grilled entrees, and the best zerts! As the meal wound down, we headed out for a
sheep shearing demo and to watch real sheep dogs work! It was really fascinating. If they flip the sheep on it’s back so none
of the legs are touching the ground, it’s like he’s just paralyzed. It makes shearing them pretty easy. Also learned, if a pregnant sheep falls over
on its side/back and its feet aren’t touching the ground anywhere, it can’t get
up and human intervention has to help. It happens to pregnant ewes also. A human must help get her on her feet! The steamboat came and picked us up and
delivered us back to Queenstown Dock and we had a refreshing walk back to the
hotel.
Next
day, we were up and at ‘em early and boarded our private charter plane for
Auckland. Boy, I’m gonna miss that mode
of travel! Got to the city and we were
whisked away to the Sky Tower for a lunch in the revolving restaurant. Reminded me of the Space Needle! Just so happened another air show was going
on and we got to see the planes from the 52nd floor where the
restaurant is. They also have jumps from the building... similar to bungee jumps but different; you are tied to guide wires for the trip down... scary looking!
After
lunch, we headed to the museum and a private showing about the Maori people
here in New Zealand was going to take place after we explored the place. Was quite fun and very much showed us that
this country is indeed founded on the Polynesian culture (before the white settlers
came). We could see the similarities to
our own state of Hawaii! When it was
over, we went out looking for a geocache that was on the grounds. Was extra fun cuz we brought Pam, Jim and
Jill along who had never geocached before.
The
next day, Saturday, we boarded a ferry for Waiheke Island, also known as the
wine island. Ferry ride was 45 minutes
and then we toured the island a bit by the coach. Reminded me quite a bit of Bainbridge
Island. Our first stop was at an olive tree farm and we were educated on how olive oil is made, the different qualities, etc. Very interesting... Met a rooster and hen on the grounds while we were there!
Mudbrick
Winery… Beautiful grounds and decent wine.
For nondrinkers, though, this place is known to be THE place to have
your wedding. They are booked out two
years in advance! They had a wine
tasting set up for us and a talk about each wine, the winery and its start, and
grapes. Check out the pic down further,
was pretty neat how the table was set.
After the tasting we were supplied with a delicious meal and
dessert. Man, this tour is almost like a
cruise ship where we seem to be eating all the time! Anyway, enjoyed the meal and then headed back
to the ferry for the ride home. I’ve
been on Benadryl, so I pretty much snoozed all the way home after the pills and
the wine!
That
outing was to be our last with the new group of friends we have met. Tomorrow, we are cut loose from out Tauck
umbilical cord! No one making all the
arrangements and getting us where we need to be at the right time. Reality hits!
This young man showed us how the sheep dogs work and do their job so efficiently! One of these dogs ran up the hillside and gathered a small herd of sheep and brought them down to where we were!
The lamb just lays there... like in a stupor with his eyes open
This 2 year old dog is still learning and is doing very well!
The elevator in the Sky Tower had a glass floor... we could watch as we flew up to the 52nd floor!
Olives, Olives, Olives!
The gardens at the winery
Each place setting had wines to taste in front of them!
Zert,,,, delicious!
The Sky Tower from the water...
What a crazy bus with the shark disguise!
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