South Island magic - Christchurch - Alexandra - Christchurch

April 2009

Explore a small part of the South Island and experience Hinton Estate’s vineyard and winery in the full magic of Alexandra’s autumn colours – including a ‘vines to barrel’ winemaking tour. Travel in Orlova South’s exclusive luxury coach providing fabulous comfort and space. Get cooking tips from Hinton’s head chef as he prepares your food throughout the trip. Visit Fleur’s place in Moeraki for a Sunday lunch by the sea.

Tour entries from passengers

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"Raewyn and Richard
Have attached guest survey for our wonderful trip. Thank you again for one of the best experiences I have ever had, great service, luxury travel & a well planned out trip that I would recommend to anyone.
Good luck to both of you on your future enterprises. Best regards, Dick"

This morning we boarded Orlova South's luxury coach and departed from Hinton's Restaurant, Tasting room, heading south to Alexandra. The route took us across the patchwork quilt Canterbury Plains, via Geraldine and Fairlie through the windswept plateau of rolling tussock country to Lake Tekapo, a turquoise glacial lake. A brief stop was made at the lake's edge to look at the simple stone Church of the Good Shepherd built back in the 1935's, and nearby stood the bronze sheep dog.

Back on board we nestled into our super comfortable armchairs, lifted our leg lifters and settled back to watch the view travelling a short distance to the Mt Cook Salmon farm, with Mt Cook as our dramatic backdrop we partook in a self guided tour of the salmon farm with plenty of huge fish to feed what more could we ask for (hmm fine weather - yip it was perfect). We dined at The Wrinkly ram after viewing the 7 minute video of the mustering of the sheep right through to the manufacturing of the wool/garments through to the catwalk presentation.

A scrumptious dessert was served on board made good use of the individual tray tables before travelling onto to Alexandra. The evening was topped off by Rabbit shooting and 4wd driving with the Hinton family men.

"We couldn't resist the invite for spotlight shooting on the Hinton Estate. What a beautiful night, the dancing stars, the smell of thyme and the other contrasting but intoxicating odours of fruit on the ground.  A rabbit and a hare were the only victims of the evening shoot. Clay bird shooting by spotlight was a real challenge and we are both so glad we went." Jackie & Jim

Day 2 – Saturday - Alexandra

"We woke to a beautiful sky, breakfast delivered to our rooms and then off to the vineyard. The Autumn colours provided a spectacular backdrop as we made our way around the estate by 4WD.  We had wonderful opportunities for photo's of the amazing operation and the  Hinton family discussed the operation, and the hard work hat has gone on over 4 generations to get the orchard and vineyard to its current viable working state. Picnic Lunch amongst the grapes was fantastic and provided yet another amazing part of the estate to be shown off and discussed, learning about fruit packing and wine making at Hinton Estate was an incredible learning experience. Since we asked so many questions and took up all the spare time we opted to miss the walk or ride along the Otago Central rail trail or picturesque Clutha River, but got see this on the way to the pack house and wine tasting room. The late afternoon and evening was taken up with a winery tour and hands-on winemaking experience with Howie. Followed by an intimate gourmet BBQ dinner with the Hinton family in their newly opened tasting room. "This has been a trip to remember, fantastic hosts all round, a wonderful idea. Thank you” Kerryn & Mike.

Day 3 – Sunday - Coastal drive - Alexandra - Christchurch

"What a rare privilege to see a multi generational family like the Hinton's running such a successful fruit, vineyard and processing operation. The generations involved and the in laws all seemed to operate as such a well-balanced team and were so generous in sharing information, time and produce. The day at Hinton’s estate was an occasion of gastric gluttony and scenic seduction.  With great company what tourist wants for more”

On the return journey to Christchurch we stopped at Fleur’s Place in Moeraki for delicious seafood chowder and fishy delights. The beach provide the wind swept sand gathering wander to view the Moeraki boulders, some of which have now split apart and other still proudly holding court to the waves and the visitors.

A brief stop was made to purchase some locally produced cheese at the Whitestone Cheese factory in Oamaru before returning to Hinton’s in Christchurch.