Week 4: Napier. Home of Vineyards and Art Deco.

Napier, in the heart of Hawkes Bay, is our next stop and we have the pleasure of staying with friends at their home, a vineyard, that they own and run. John and Jane, and their two boys (Phil’s Godsons) - Daniel (Age 7) and Sammy (Age 5) – the two dogs (Max and Bobby) and not forgetting the cat (Sulley).

Having never been to New Zealand, they upped sticks from Yorkshire four years ago, and having never worked in the wine trade before are now running a successful vineyard – living the dream.

This may sound very glamorous but do not underestimate the effort and stress involved. It is definitely a 365-day a year job and alongside the usual stresses of running your own business you have to deal with the unpredictable weather, which so far this year has not gone quite according to plan.

However, they still manage to take plenty of time out to show us the area and in keeping with our ‘celebration day wherever we go luck’ we arrive just in time for Napier’s Art Deco Weekend.

The Navy Band has followed us down from Waitangi and is this time supported by an aerobatic display, old cars and plenty of people dressed up in their 1920s costumes. It’s a great day out and we’re amazed by the effort everyone has gone to.

...Always one to be prepared! And Phil thought Jemima was mad when she included her flapper girl outfit in her packing...!

We have a great time with the guys, soaking up their New Zealand lifestyle, taking the boys to the park, playing with the dogs, eating lots of yummy food, drinking lots of very locally produced wine and generally hanging out and having fun.

Thanks Jane, John, Sammy and Daniel for looking after us and look forward to seeing you again soon! xxx

Taking a quick 'peak' at the Craggy Range Winery in Hawkes Bay.