We found this a bit of a shock after several days of low-key activities. We were obviously back on the tourist route now. The winery and restaurant are in an impressive complex adjacent to the main road – you cannot miss it. We took the hourly winery tour, which took around 35 minutes. Maybe we were unlucky that harvest was occuring but we went nowhere near the winery. We were taken to the edge of a field of grapes and shown what a vine looked like. Then it was into the wine cave and a tasting of three wines. Frankly we had done more on free tours elsewhere. The wine cave is interesting but probably not NZ$9.50 worth. Then again, maybe we are not tourists who like to be herded into the mainstream.

The restaurant has a good reputation. There is a delightful outdoor eating area for when the weather is good. We were lucky. The winter menu was available when we were there and we understand that the summer menu is perhaps somewhat lighter. Don’t know about the prices though. My wife had the breast of chicken (NZ$21) which came dusted with spices on a chorizo, potato and basil frittata with roasted vegetables and a cider pesto dressing. It comes with a wine recommendation of Greenston or Sauvignon Blanc. I chose the Grapepickers platter (NZ$18.50). This is soup with tomato and basil brie, huminus, apricot chutney, pickles and grilled bread. We decided on the cheapest bottle of wine available – the 2000 Sauvignon Blanc (NZ$20).

We enjoyed the meal. The atmosphere was delightful, the food above average and the wine quite appropriate. We had doubts, however, about the value, particularly for lunch. We certainly had to economise that evening. We had chosen a couple of the cheaper dishes on the menu – the venison was NZ$23 for instance – so if you go, plan to spend an appropriate time to enjoy it all.

Close by is the Kawarau Bridge, which was the world’s first bungy jumping site. You can still experience 43 metres of free fall courtesy of A J Hakett Bungy.