I had a bit of a sleep in this morning, still feeling a bit stiff and sore from my escapades on the ski-fields. Once up and about, I cooked up the customary New Zealand breakfast – a mixed omelette. Then we were on our way again as we headed in the Queenstown direction for the last time on this trip. We were running ahead of time, so we stopped at the Goldfields Mining Centre. This was an area known as Gee’s Flat next to the Kawarau Gorge.
It was an interesting look at the mining techniques, mainly sluicing which is fairly poor environmental practice. The ground is hosed away and all the gold could be found in the resultant mud.
After the local miner had retrieved enough of the gold the Chinese immigrants were then given the opportunity to have a go and see what they could get out of it. The built stone huts that they lived in during the harsh winters.
From there we drove to the Gibbston Valley winery and had a nice lunch of cheese and cold cured meats as will as sampling a variety of their wines. Gibbston Valley is particularly renowned for its Pinot Noir … as you will see from the samples I tasted.
We then headed to Arrowtown, which is another old gold mining town. It has some wonderful old buildings. The tree lined streets would be spectacular in the Autumn months, but for us it has been cold and rainy. The shops along the main street are pretty tacky and touristy, but nonetheless a pretty town.
Not far out of Arrowtown is the Millbrook Resort, which is rated the best golf resort in all of New Zealand. The accommodation is well appointed, although the under floor heating is a bit more efficient than necessary, making the room quite hot. During the afternoon, it was possible that we may get some snow tonight, but it probably hasn’t been cold enough (still hovering around zero degrees).
and mountain views as well…
One of the highlights of Millbrook is ‘The Mill House’ restaurant. For my recent significant birthday my work colleagues pooled resources and dinner at this restaurant is what I decided to spend the present money on. The venue and the meal were amazing, but the ambient entertainment was even better. There were only 5 tables occupied, but we couldn’t eat at 7 … so we took the 6:45 slot.
The table closest to us had an english family featuring two teenage boys (need I say more). The 2 tables behind me had decided to strike up a conversation, one couple being from the Bay of Islands (not the Bay of Plenty) and the other couple who were asking all the questions… well initially I thought they were from Sydney and then I thought maybe from Melbourne. They seemed to be quite oblivious to any other part of the world than where they lived. So, it turned out they were Aucklanders … surprised? (Jafas)
Anyway the food was wonderful. I had a Pork Belly entree and Venison for main and a yummy raspberry and chocolate dessert.
The service was excellent and I cannot let the blog end without acknowledging our fantastic server Lauren … direct from Connecticut in the USA. An excellent night was had!
Until tommorow
Rob's "Beats Working" Blog 