Anti bugs. I was bitten. Twice.
Firstly in the hotel.
Bug off in new Zealand.
This is for prevention in New Zealand. Not popular to spray on this aroma during an outdoor wine tasting
If you are already bitten, S
tingose
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Monday, February 17, 2025
Marsden winery New Zealand
New owner from the UK, Mike Endean, a long time NZ holidaymaker, has his own mini winery in his back garden, then bought this Marsden Estate to save it from being redeveloped into housing, got permission in Feb 2025, and has renamed it Marsden winery.
I loved the sparkling and rose.
I met sera (sera Keraka), who is restaurant manager who explained Maori Tattoos which show your family history.
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Friday, February 14, 2025
Wikeke Island Resort
The Adventure Climbing To the Pool
I did not see towels by the pool. Fortunately I had taken the precaution of taking with me a bedroom face flannel.
I wan't carrying anything up all those wooden steps, about twenty from our chalet front to the road at the back, another twenty up the second row of chalets to the hotel, plus one wrong turn at the Y junction down from the pool, and another wrong turn into the wrong chalet. (All wooden wrong way straight ahead stairs and decks, anticipating guests getting lost, marked with a small sign saying the chalet number and the warning, no exit.)
The pool had steps in the shallow end which was good. The best, practical pool stairs of any pool I'd tried, though the weather was not over warm in February.
I could not get any pump action from the outdoor spa. But it was uncovered and easy to get into.
I had managed to get in through the lift up pole fastening, which seems to be the latest thing, at least in New Zealand, which seemed to be the latest style, which I had learned from my previous hotels in January-Feb 2025. This was a challenge getting out, but another taller guest pulled it up and pulled the gate to let me out.
Hotel Facilities
Their room guide said they had mini golf. Not crazy golf but mini golf.
Chalet Bedrooms
Our room was one of many in separate chalets. A large number of steps down and parking on a slope. Not ideal for those who don't like steps. An interesting challenge. Our room chalet 41, had a tranquil view of trees, and birdsong. Pay more for sea views. Another guest thought all the rooms had sea views. We had come all the way from the UK and got no sea view. I was not happy.
We had a moth in the bedroom. And a cockroach in the shower room. So shake your shoes.
The breakfast buffet was for a group. Not us.
The food in the room all cost extra. The first hotel of the six we stayed us which gave us no water or free biscuits or nibbles on arrival.
We checked out early, at the required 10 am and breakfasted elsewhere.
Vino Vino Restaurant
We spent a delightful evening in Vino Vino Italian restaurant which is in what seems to be the sole hight street in the isalnd, on the west side near the ferry, where you find a large wine and whatnots shop, a second hand dress shop and a few others. Plus the Oyster hotel, whose restaurant was fully booked on a February New Zealand summer) evening. Vino means wine in Italian.
OUr main courses were oysters, and chicken with mashed potato. Such a change to get a proper main dish, without being pressed to pay may for sides which should, in my opinion, be part of the main dish.
Our dessert was pavlova, the meringue dish, which was huge, enough for two. Both Australia and New Zealand claim it as their national dish, named after ballet dancer Nelly Melba who toured with her troupe of dancers, down under to both countries. It seems to me that both coutnries could make a different distinctive version. We had one featuring green kiwi fruit, (as well as a couple of red fruit) which seems a suitable New Zealand theme.
The restaurant has a wonderful view of the sea far below. You can see that from most tables in the restaurant, early in the evening whilst it is still light. They stayed open later than most New Zealand restaurants.
I regretted not ordering Prosecco, which is Italian. Instead I opted for a Gewurtztraminer which was not sweet enough for my taste.
However, I liked the sweet dessert wine. And the limoncello. Service was smiling and enthusiastic, though rather erratic.
The Ferry To Waiheke Island
From Auckland you can take a ferry to Waiheke Island. This lovely island has sandy beaches, forested switchback roads, palm trees and several wineries offering wine tastings.
We took a car ferry.
Cars, motorbikes and lorries back in so they can drive off forwards. Above the level for cars, motorbikes and lorries is an indoor area serving snacks. Upstairs you can sit in the fresh air and get a better view of the sea.
Alternatively, you could take the pedestrin ferry. Hire a car on the island. Or take taxis. Or take a tour on a coach.
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