After yesterday, we were exhausted. We headed down the east coast to Napier. We had the day to do whatever we wanted, and of course, all we passed by was wineries, so that’s what we did all day.
I didn’t think it was very much fun. They serve you wine begrudgingly, and we were even buying some. Whatever. All I had to show for that afternoon was a headache. My wine preferences have always been a) not tasting like dirt, b) not too oaky, and c) good but cheap. They do make unoaked chardonnays in NZ and that’s what I liked the most. But I pretty much only judge wine and a, b, and c and don’t need to really talk about it. That’s all you do at a winery. Oh that and pay $37 for a plate of bread, dip and a bit of cheese.
We found a local pub that was probably the best meal yet, then drove to Bluff’s Point and the Botanical Gardens. I forgot to mention to you that it doesn’t get dark there until about 9:30pm, which really threw us off at first. And continually, as we never remembered to bring a watch or pay attention to the time.
Cat Killfoil 
Mmm I’ve read about the wineries… they’ve become ingrained on the tourist trail. Unfortunately, most tourist groups want to sample the wine, but very rarely buy a bottle. The financial strain is adding up. Especially because tour buses are adding them in as stops.
Some places, I think, are gonna start charging a $5 pp tasting fee for tourists, while leaving it free for locals, just to try and recoup some of their losses.
I bought a ton. They should have loved me 😉