Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Waiheke Island is a little slice of heaven


Waiheke Island, New Zealand - I could live here.  Seriously.

at Rangihoua
Imagine living on a gorgeous island just off a major city.  A quick ferry ride to work or to indulge in a bit of city life, only to know where you will be returning to at the end of the day!!!!


We only did a day trip and visited two spots on Waiheke but I am hooked.


Rangihoua has the best olive oil I have ever tasted.  Apparently Martina Navratilova orders hers from here - so if it is good enough for Martina, it is good enough for me.  They also make a delectable herb spread.  Yum, yum, yum!


Then it was on to lunch at the Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant.

whitewashed beams with fairy lights
Here I died and went to heaven.

love what they have done to the hydrangeas here
 Mudbrick is perched up high with breathtaking views out to the water.........

Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant
Seriously the best meal I have EVER had in my life.  The flavours were amazing.  Their veges come straight out of their garden.  If you ever visit Waiheke you MUST go here!

I also want their garden.

look at this exquisite garden - filled with edible goodies
As soon as I got home I double balled my potted lilly pillys.  They were in triangles before.

Love this and the wine barrel it is in
As you know I love gardening, and this style of garden is my ideal.

I want my vege garden to look like this
I couldn't go home without some souvenirs.

tea towels
What a clever thing to sell at the cellar door!!  Can you make out what it says?

eye chart

Sunday, July 15, 2012

A quick visit to Auckland



I love New Zealand.  We had a mini break there recently sans kids.  If you have ever considered going there maybe I can tempt you.  Here is a snapshot of Auckland from the harbour.

look at the colour of the water!!
I highly recommend staying at the Hilton located at Princes Wharf - we loved it.  Great location as you can just walk into the city.

Hilton Auckland Hotel - Hilton Auckland Front View Over Water
The Hilton
It kind of looks like a cruise ship which makes a lot of sense considering where it is!  Very clever idea.
our view

There are wonderful restaurants dotted along the waterline, which are worth discovering. 

liquid lunch sweetie




enjoying Euro