Best day ever - wine, pinnacles, sea lions, Cape Palliser and sunset

We had a reservation at Poppies Winery for lunch. We were the first there and had the winery and tasting room all to ourselves. All the wines here tasted really delicious and fruity. There was a delicious mixed platter for us with ciabatta. And then some people actually landed by helicopter in the middle of the vines - what an appearance. There are wineries lined up here, we felt like we were in the Palatinate. Just beautiful.

Then we drove on to Cape Palliser and walked to the Putangirua Pinnacles aka the road to Dimholt (Lord of the Rings III) on the way. It was really hot and the sun was baking as we walked along the dry river bank. The rocks are really cool even for non-fans.

Back at the camper we refreshed ourselves with apricots and lemonade (a cross between orange and lemon).

A short distance further we are to Cape Palliser Lighthouse. This is how I always imagined a lighthouse: red and white. On the way there we actually saw sea lions lying on the rocks, really cool. The path to the lighthouse went up steep, steep steps. But the view: MEGA.

Then we went back a bit to the campsite we had seen. The sun is still burning and we are standing right by the sea. You could also see the peaks of the South Island. I expect a lot from the sunset this evening.

For dinner we had the one wine that smells so good and fruity - living the good life.

The day and our time on the North Island couldn't have ended better. The sunset was the best. Finally - I only waited three weeks. Sooooo beautiful over the sea. I particularly remember that moment. I only took a hundred pictures or so ;)

And the lower the sun, the more mountains you can see from the South Island.

Now we sleep to the sound of the sea.