We have a whole day of wine tasting to do in line with our itinerary, and who am I to argue. Dad has a saying “plan the dive, dive the plan”. In this case I have a new saying “plan to drink, drink”

As we made up driving time yesterday we only had an hour this morning so that was good news. Heading straight to Waipara which turns out to be more of an area rather than a town. A short lunch of “battered steak!” and a couple of tips on the best place to stay and we’re off to the vineyards with Li in her element

Disappointing start with the first two shut but then things get better with 3 open tasting sessions. Around 25 tastings later, 6 bottles off wine on board and we’re back on the road to Hanmer Springs. A diversion from our plan but we’ve got the time and its meant to be good

Arriving at Hanmer Springs it turns out its a thermal spa town. So that’s now on the plan for tomorrow I’m told! 😉

Evening meal out tonight in Saints bar. Pizza and a hot stone meal with lamb. Good food but rubbish service so ended up getting billed reduced. It’s our anniversary today, Li got a heart pendant and earrings, I got a nice email from the currency exchange company agreeing they had ripped me off and would refund £125 to my bank! Happy days!

Tony