Napier Day 3

This morning we started slowly and, mid-morning, went out for a coffee with Nicole. Afterwards, we went up Ta Mata Peak, which gives views over Hawkes Bay and the remainder of the area (being the highest point for some distance). As it was a sunny day, we got good views over the surrounding area. The hill is steeped in Maori legend. It is said that Maori chief Te Mata O Rongokako fell in love with the daughter of his rival, the Heretaunga chief. To prove his worthiness and win the beautiful Maori maiden’s love, Rongokako accepted a series of near-impossible challenges. He choked and died attempting his final task, which was to eat his way through this rocky range. It is said that Te Mata Peak depicts the outline of his body and is called the Sleeping Giant by locals.

From the peak we could see a vineyard in the next valley which would give a view of the crags we were standing on.  We, therefore, visited the Craggy Range winery and tried their reds - they do two Pinot Noirs (one from Martinborough on the north island and one from central Otago in the south) and it was very interesting to compare them side by side.  After our visit it was time to go back to Liz's so we could get a lift into Napier from Nicole and meet Liz at her office.  We had been invited out to the Linden Estate with Liz and some of her work colleagues for a tasting.  We were the only people at the winery and were able to sit outside, enjoy some wine and a cheeseboard having tasted the four wines they offered (a sauvignon blanc which was quite nice, a chardonnay which was not, a blended red which was a bit thin and a shiraz which was very drinkable and the wine we alighted on to go with the cheese).  Altogether a very nice evening on the best day weather-wise that we have had for some time.