EC-Rider Travels

Today we were back on the road and heading south again towards Wellington. We were to be staying with Philippa Petrie the mother of Teresa Dinan and Gabby Rance who in typical New Zealand style had insisted we should stay with her. Poor Philippa, I am not sure she was given much choice. Anyway kinder, than kind she suggested that we should meet about an hour north of Wellington in Martinborough, in the heart of the wine country. Here she had booked lunch in a lovely vineyard/winery called Moy Hall where we were joined by two of her sons John and Alastair and Alastair’s girlfriend Rebecca. We had the most delicious lunch and of course wine. John’s son Monty is getting married next week so there is much excitement and things to do! Despite this he kindly invited us to go and see his beautiful home set on the top of a hill above Fetherston with the most stunning gardens and lake below – it will be a wonderful setting.

We then headed to Wellington, following Philippa winding up and over the amazingly beautiful but steep Rimutaka hills and down into Wellington. Philippa lives in an apartment above the amazingly quirky QT Museum Hotel. It is right in the centre of town, overlooking the harbour which is full of little boats coming and going, I am so looking forward to exploring this sea-side capital city.