We left Tongariro National Park on Friday morning and started our drive down to the bottom of the north island. As we drove out of the park, we had some wonderful last views of Mount Ruapehu.
Tongariro National Park was the first National Park in the world to be gifted by a country's indigenous people . In 1887 Te Heuheu Tukino IV, then the chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa, gifted the sacred peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and part of Ruapehu, to the people of New Zealand. Our shuttle driver told us that Tongariro National Park was the 4th National Park created in the world (Yellowstone was the first National Park).
The drive down south took most of the day, but we enjoyed beautiful scenery along the way.
There are sheep on every hillside - New Zealand is know for its fine wool products.
We arrived at Martinbourgh at about 4 pm where we are staying on a vineyard. This area of New Zealand is one of the many wine regions of New Zealand. In particular, the Martinbourgh area is known for Pinot Noir wine.
Our "cabin" is right in the vineyard - it has beautiful views off a porch in the back.
We walked into town for dinner and the enjoyed the walk back as the sun set on the grapes.
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