Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand

Lunch stop at Lake Rotoiti

After clocking hundreds of kilometers up the West Coast and through Greymouth, we continued to follow the deep forested roads along the base of the Southern Alps. It was a foggy afternoon so we couldn't see much other than the road in front of us. However eventually, after passing over the mountain ridges, we found the other side was painted a vibrant blue.

As per our plan we made a lunch stop at Lake Rotoiti. 

A large ice-blue lake surrounded by dense beech forest. Although, it has since been found that the lake was formed by glacial erosion the lake is fabled in a fascinating ancient story. 

Crystal clarity at Lake Rotoiti

Looking along the stony shore front

Maori legend tells that there was a powerful chief and sorcerer named Rakaihaitu. Long long ago, before the great migration of the canoes, he came to New Zealand in his canoe, and journeyed around the South Island. But when he landed near Nelson, at the top of the South Island Rakaihaitu decided to find a way overland through the rugged heart of the country.

He, along with his followers, set off across the flat plains and reached the beautiful wild country of the Buller region. The chief took his great Ko, his digging stick and began to dig enormous holes in the ground. He worked long and hard, and eventually the hole filled with water, and became the known as Lake Rotoiti. Rakaihaitu then continued his journey South digging and naming all the great lakes of the South Island. (Adapted from an online version).

Following the glacial rivers into Marlborough 

Although in Maori mythology, the Nelson Lakes were built by Maori, they were never settled by the Maori people. Rather, the lakes and rivers of the area were popular fishing grounds, rich with eels, fresh water mussels and were stopover points for parties travelling en route from Tasman Bay to Canterbury or the West Coast to gather Greenstone. Just like what we were doing, except for the hunting part, because we came prepared bringing our lunch with us! 

We frolicked around a little, throwing stones into the water and watching birds dive for fish. The water was too cold to go for a swim so we just dabbled our toes in a little.

Enter wine district 

Too soon we were on the road again and on our way to Blenheim, the beating heart of the Marlborough wine country.

Synonymous for its grape growing, Marlborough is now New Zealand's largest wine producing region, receiving worldwide recognition for its sav blanc and pinot wines. With one of New Zealand's sunniest climates, it's somewhat sheltered in a flat valley and bordered by mountains. 

Clos Henri Cellar door chapel

Mountains behind the vines

True to its reputation, there are approximately 60 wineries in a 14x7km radius making it a wine lover's paradise! There's certainly no shortage of wine for the amateur connoisseur.

Marlborough landscape

So, puttering our way forth, we made a short stop at French wine specialist Clos Henri and the neighbouring Fromm Winery in order to keep ourselves fresh and hydrated before arriving into Blenheim. 

Both vineyards were marvellous, offering a selection of their wines for tasting. 

They were extremely accommodating, even when Kara tripped on the door step on her way in! Clos Henri offered their tastings in a quaint old chapel that overlooked their vineyards, so we sat inside the little church staring out amongst the lush vines.

Blenheim certainly went all out for us! The sun was shining and the sky was blue. With rounds of tasting before us we were determined to keep ourselves very busy! 

We stayed overnight in Blenheim's top ten campground but we didn't spend much time within Blenheim township itself, flittering ourselves out to the local vineyards. 

Kara at Wairau River winery

Tasting at Forrest winery

We visited some of the big names and smaller humble family-run cellars such as Wairau river, Hunters, Hans Herzog, Forrest and Georges Michel.

Flight tasting in the early morning!

Some of the Wairau River range

Each vineyard was unique but they all had equally delicious wine. 

We really enjoyed the wine flights and food matches that were offered at the cellar doors but most of all the enthusiasm and pride the door staff had in their produce. 

We had a wonderful day sipping sav and spent our day away tasting the local wine. The weather held out and it was warm and sunny. 

Goodies at Georges Michel winery

Heading back to Picton later in the evening we stopped for one further tasting plate at Johanneshof cellars then, wrapping up our South Island tiki tour, we drove onto the boat that took us over the cook straight.

As with all wrap-ups a tinge of sadnesses rocked us as we came to terms with leaving. Tomorrow we will depart New Zealand and with such an open itinerary we're not sure when we will be back. Until then, we will always be "blowing on the pie". 

Tot siens,

John and Kara