Waiheke Island Wineries
We got up early, ready to check out the tower for breakfast and walk the rim and then the plans changed... We decided to take a ferry to a nearby island for a full day wine tour. Absolutely superb! The scenery makes you catch your breath. The vinyards were down to earth without an ounce of snotty. And not a spit bucket in sight. They poured half glasses of each wine and usually shared at least 4-5 different grapes.
Between vineyards we also visited an olive farm and learned the process -all done by hand. That said, they may have to automate soon enough as they expect to finally be able to afford the mechanical rake (vs using backpacker day labor during the harvest season). I bought some olive oil to bring back. We stopped at another vineyard for lunch and they sold dipping sauces so of course I purchased a few jars of every favor (and you know I need no excuse to eat yummy bread)! For some reason, I was drawn to the non wine purchases. I even purchased the cutest little winebook that showcased vineyard dogs. I found my buddy Hanson from the lunchtime vineyard in there. Hanson is this sweet black lab that sat under my chair begging for anything and accepting ear rubs instead of food (his collar read: don't feed me no matter how much I beg). The last vineyard of the day had the most extensive tour in terms of explaining processing, techniques, history of island, etc. The tour is a must do if you only have 24hrs in Auckland.
After the tour, we headed back to the mainland. I had an aweful craving for sushi and couldn't wait to find a restaurant so stopped in a stripmall sushi spot. I knew it was a bad idea as soon as I walked in. There was no light on the fish ...which were wraped in tissue instead of plastic. (Hmmm side eye...what don't you want me to see?) But, too late to turn back, I was already on autopilot. Plus I was staaarrrrving! I had one roll and several pieces. Trash I tell ya! So on we go in search of real sushi. Why sushi? Because there are soooo many Asians up in this piece that they have to have good Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Indian (my tummy theory).
Finally, we happened upon this spot that was booked and could only give us a reservation for the next day. When I saw they had a room full of Japanese touristas I begged for a bar seat and said I'd wait to see if a spot opened up...my theory " somebody get those two greedy Americans out of our lobby they are scaring away the customers". Good idea cuz 5min later they sat us at the bar and we watched the chefs prepare the most amazing platters. Best sushi ever...outside of Japan of course.
