Of A Road Trip - part one

I had accrued many weeks holiday at work so I really needed to take some time off. Now I’d usually jump on a plane and fly to somewhere interesting, but for a while I have had the  interest in exploring my own backyard.I love the countryside of New Zealand, and I have developed quite the fondness for its bounty - food, and especially wine.I decided to do a road trip. Not just a short distance hop from Auckland, but a real one.South Island baby. I’m going to explore food, wine, scenery and the best NZ has to offer down.Prior to departure I acquired a tent, sleeping bag and a few other essentials for the trip. (yes, I AM going to make an effort to retain my man-card which I have had a somewhat tenuous grasp of these last couple of years). My broad plan is to spend at least 4 nights in the tent over the trip. We’ll see how I go. I organised a house-sitter - thanks Helen - so my vast apartment-based vege garden may survive! I was all good to go.Day one.Auckland to Taupo. My start was delayed by having to collect my amplifier post-Santana from the Backline company, and then I had a call from work needing attention - but that always happens.It was such a nice feeling to be getting on the road. There were a few examples of horrendous driving - I’m looking at you lady driving the van - but all in all, an easy drive.Got to Taupo in good time. Stayed at the Great Lake motel. Visited the Scenic Cellars - fantastic wine vendor with an amazing multi-levelled underground cellar and tasting room.Day Two.Taupo to Wellington.I loved this trip. It was overcast and drizzly. The desert road was a joy and I paused in Waiouru for the obligatory tank photo.Heading south from Waiouru. These were roads that I hadn’t driven for many years, but the familiarity was surreal. I loved the low cloud I drove through and the absolute stillness of the atmosphere. The leaves on the trees by the roadside were starting to turn to their Autumn shades. Just spectacular.I decided to drop in to Palmerston North on the way through - it’s my hometown - and it was very strange. More on that later.And then the sprint to Wellington. I got a room at the Downtown Backpackers and then caught up with one Auckland friend who’s now becoming rapidly Wellingtonian. And remarkably got to catch up with a friend I’d not seen for something like eight years. He now lives in Australia and just happened to be in Wellington that night. Fantastic.Day Three.Cruising on the Interislander. Not as much fun as the advert would suggest, but not bad. A little swelly today but not rough. By the time we got through the Queen Charlotte Sound and arrived at Picton the weather had cleared and was quite pleasant.I indulged in the obligatory lunch of Green-Lipped Mussels with an accompaniment of Sauvignon Blanc. Then had a quick round of Kiwi Mini Golf, as you do, then headed to Blenheim.I found myself a camping ground and as the weather is nice, decided to take the plunge.I successfully went from this:to this:Man-Card Retained.Then out to explore. Went South to Mount Riley wines and enjoyed a tasting. The first of many I am QUITE sure.After Mount Riley I decided to go check out the Waihopai Base. Just because I could.Yes, I AM after all, a complete geek!- Simon