It’s been a month since I came back to Real Life after holidaying in New Zealand, would you believe it? It’s only February, but the year’s already flown by. And so to end my recount of my time in New Zealand, two days after we arrived in Auckland, here are some photos from Villa Maria Vineyard –
Villa Maria Estate is a New Zealand wine company with vineyards across New Zealand, with one of their major production sites quite close to Auckland airport. So just two days after arriving in Auckland, we drove the 40 minute drive back. I’ve been to countless farms, but never a vineyard – not being much of a wine drinker means the Hunter Valley in New South Wales has never been too compelling as a roadtrip destination.
But I do certainly appreciate the picturesque quality of grape vines.
The grapes look plump and juicy.
And the foliage is beautifully verdant, as is the rest of the the New Zealand.
So what was a non-wine-drinker doing at a vineyard? We were there to have lunch with D’s uncle at the restaurant. 
Outside the restaurant are some wine barrels.
I very much enjoyed my BBQ Pork Belly. Who can resist roast pork belly?
The crackling skin was cooked separately so it was delightfully crsipy, while the meat itself was almost melt-in-your mouth tender. It was served on a bed of kumara (or sweet potato) purée and chilli caramel sauce. Yum!
Villa Maria Estate is at 118 Montgomerie Rd, Manukau 2153, New Zealand.