Craggy Range Winery – travelwithgma

A Pictorial Journey

Close to Hastings and Napier, Waimarama Beach has a lot to offer. Fishing, swimming, surfing, walking, beach sailing and beachcombing.

I have been visiting family at Waimarama for more years than I care to remember. Memorable feasts of crayfish, mussels and freshly caught fish. Sitting on the deck looking out over the ocean and Bare Island sipping on a NZ sauvignon blanc watching the island changing colour with the time of day. Walks along the beach watching the surfers, the numerous birds and beach sailing. Fossicking in the rock pools on the rocky outcrop, and if in luck, discovering paua shells. These are a few of my favourite things.

Several generations have happy memories of fun at the beach. The younger ones enjoyed playing in the stream at the northern end of the beach, but the surf always beckoned.

Building a bonfire on the beach was always greeted with great joy. I wonder if fires are allowed on the beach these days. Watching the moon rise over the sea, is always special.

The drive from Havelock North to Waimarama provides magnificent views of Te Mata Peak on the left, and the Tuki Tuki River with hills rising up behind it on the right. Apart from the breathtaking scenery, Craggy Range Winery, which was established in 1998 on premium grape growing land makes for a wonderful stopping off point for lunch or dinner at the restaurant, or to visit the cellar door. The restaurant is the recipient of 2 Hats, and was awarded the title “Winery Restaurant of the Year” in the Cuisine Good Food Award. Dining there is a very special experience, and although my preference for white wine is generally a Sauvignon Blanc, I had a Craggy Range Chardonnay with my lunch – it was superb. Looking up at Te Mata Peak from the restaurant added a very special touch.