Our host explained that they have 7 acres of walnut trees - we took some away with us to eat later.
She also told us that in some of the vineyards in the area the vines are prone to frost damage. To prevent this they need some mechanism to prevent the frosty air from settling on the grapes, they either hire helicopters (@ $2000/hr) to fly back and fore and disturb the air (!), they also may have giant air blowers that look like jet engines, or they use wind turbines.
You may just see the wind turbines in this pic.
First stop on our journey today was at the Yealands vineyard - this had been recommended by the landlady - and being the wine connoisseurs we are (aka teetotallers) we thought this was an essential visit.
Through the cellar door (a bit like through the keyhole?) we watched a short introductory film about this particular vineyard. It was started by a farmer (Peter Yealand) in 1998 after he had seen and experienced lots of other farming related jobs, including producing grapes under contract to others. The whole site used to be turned over to sheep farming. They didn't harvest their first commercial crop here until 2008, but the vineyard is managed in such a way as to be completely sustainable. They are now the 7th largest producer in NZ and the largest completely privately owned winery. There were tastings but we didn't partake. We even copped out on having a coffee and cake in the cafe as breakfast was late and filling. The lady in the wine tasting area told us about another method for stopping the frost - they spray water over them so that it freezes - and this apparently stops the frost from damaging them. How does this work?!
The scale of the vineyards is awesome.
You are able to drive along the White Road (above), which runs around the edge of the vineyard to survey the scene. To keep down the grass between the vines they use both 'Baby Doll' sheep and also some Pitt Island sheep; as well as pigs and chooks. The Baby Doll sheep have to be sheared but the others do not. They also play music to the vines
- classical works best apparently, and also benefits the chooks
As they are bigger when left in a paddock with music playing (they have done a semi- or pseudo-scientific study).
The Baby Doll ones are small and so are not able to reach the grapes, but apparently the pigs have now learnt how to do so! We didn't see the pigs or the Pitt Island sheep as they were off having babies.
They also make their own compost from the vine cuttings, plus some seaweed and a few other ingredients. The sheer scale of the vineyard is amazing. They do 95% of the harvesting by machine; only the grapes used for the Reserve wine is cut by hand. They bring in labour for the pruning and leaf picking. For all this area they seem to only have one viticulturist and one wine maker.
The highest mountain outside the Southern Alps, Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku hoves into view as you round the bend on the White Road. There's still lots of snow on it.
This brings us to a lookout point that is pretty amazing ...
especially with the classical music sounding out in the background. The skylarks seemed to be there in abundance as well, so perhaps they enjoy the music too. The parked up car in front of the snow capped mountain looked like something from a TV advert.
We actually manage to photograph the common, but elusive to our camera, Harrier at last. Nothing to show as still having technical issues with downloading from camera!
Driving on from here we head down the Pacific Coast Highway to Kaikoura, running alongside the famous Pacific Coast Railway line, stopping to goggle at views of turquoise blue seas, beaches, rocks and NZ Fur Seals. We stopped at a suitably scenic picnic spot for a quick nibble and a drink.
The picnic spot.
Eric is particularly impressed with the relaxed seals on the rocks. That looks to be a better lifestyle than for most dogs.
Turn the corner and come up close and personal with the mountain range behind Kaikoura.
Check into B&B.
And get shown up to our room for the next three days.
Eric being a bit picky nowadays, starts to complain about the power line blocking his view. We decide he must still be jealous of the cushy life the seals have!
Check out the town and confirm our whale watch trip for later in the week as well as booking an Albatross Encounter boat tour.
Dinner at the Green Dolphin restaurant - meat eater drools at lamb dinner - both shank and fillet on a bed of seasonal vegetables. A shared Feijoa and Apple crumble later and it was time to try and spot some of those shy Blue Penguins.
Unsuccessful on this front once again we return to the house for a cup of tea and our bed.