No gin required after all!

I am pleased to report that I found the solution to all my troubles – a weekend away with the girls is the cure to all problems!

Especially when the weekend is in Hawkes Bay, the home of some of New Zealand’s very best food and wine (what more can 3 girls ask for?). 

Our original plan to hire bikes and cycle around idyllically in the sunshine tasting the wines at all the local vineyards was quickly abandoned after we found a very lovely tapas bar by the quayside on the first night and drunk multiple bottles of very nice wine....

....leading to my first hangover in years and an absolute desire NOT to be riding a bike around. Or to be tasting any more wine.

Instead we got in the spa.

Walked along the beach.

Went for coffees.

Went up a hill to admire the view. 

Wandered around town looking at art deco buildings. 

Watched  beautiful sunsets and sunrises from our deck. 

Ate fresh strawberry ice cream at a farm. 

Watched a live band playing down by the ocean (who were completely brilliant, I must give them a plug here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN2I9VHid60&noredirect=1 ) ) 

And when we felt a bit better we went to some vineyards and tasted some wine!