We are officially back on the north island and getting closer and closer to our departure from New Zealand. Our last night on the South Island was spent in Picton, a very cute little town on the water surrounded by small mountains and sparkling ocean. We went for an awesome trail run right along the water, and though it was super hilly, we loved every minute of it.

The trail, called “Snout Track” which Taylor mistakenly called “snack trout” at least 5 times:

Then of course, we had to celebrate with some beers downtown. Mountains, palm trees, a cute harbor, friendly people, cold beer? Check. Check. Check. Check. Check.

Tristan’s inner monologue: “How is Taylor so cool? How can I be more like her?”

But before we left the South Island for good, we had to check out a winery (for good measure). We came across Johanneshof Cellars, a small winery in Blenheim. We had a private wine tasting with one of the amazing owners, Edil, who is originally from Germany. The vineyard is just entering its 29th year, and is one of the oldest in the country.

The patio area of Johanneshof Cellars:

The five wines we tried, all were delicious:

Awards covered all four walls of the tasting room, clearly they know how to make great wine:

The next day, we took the 3 hour ferry across the Cook Strait, to Wellington, then did a 5 hour drive up to Lake Taupo.. quite the day of travel. Today we are taking it easy and only spending a couple hours in the car before we head to Hobbiton! Yes, the set of The Hobbit. We aren’t huge fans of the movie, but who could pass up a visit to the Shire? Not us.

Before we conclude this post, we wanted to give an honorable mention to the playgrounds of New Zealand. Maybe we don’t pay enough attention to playgrounds in the states… but New Zealand is next level. The below pictures are from ONE playground, in a super random super tiny town (it also had a skate park AND and rollerblade track). America needs to step its game up.

Please excuse the fact that Tristan felt the need to video tape everything in fast motion:

Clearly, we had an awful time at the playground. Until next time… love and hugs from New Zealand!

-T&T