The last few days, we've been hanging out in Nelson, "The Craft Beer Capital of New Zealand," at least according to the brochures at the i-site help center. We've also heard that Wellington holds that honor. We'll keep you posted on our assessment.
We arrived in Nelson on Monday after a night at the Pelorus Bridge Department of Conservation (DOC) Campground. The Pelorus river was recently used in The Hobbit for the scene when Bilbo and Dwarves escape in oak barrels. It was so dark and quiet at the campground. We could see so many stars and, the only sounds came from the rushing river and wildlife. On Tuesday morning we went on a short hike before heading to Nelson.
Our time in Nelson consisted of a bit of education, beer samplers, catching up on post cards/blogging, and ultimate frisbee.
On Tuesday afternoon, shortly after our arrival in Nelson, we went to the Founder's Park area, which featured some old restored buildings, including various shops, and even an old cargo plane. Within the park was a brewery that's been around for a few generations of the same family. We tried a few of their brews, but weren't all that impressed.
Wednesday was a day to satisfy the longings of both Gracyn and Alan. We began our day with a leisurely morning of coffee and reading. Many of the holiday parks where we're staying have nice kitchen/lounge areas where one can enjoy a cup of coffee, charge one's devices, and read a bit. Around mid-morning, we set out for the McCashin's Brewery, which makes a brand of beer called Stoke. The brewpub/cafe is simple and charming, and the bartender was extremely helpful. We told her what we like, and she put together a sample platter of five brews. We shared a chicken breast/plum sandwich, and tried the following (pictured from right to left):
Kiwi Pale Ale: A great take on a Pale Ale. Alan loved it, Gracyn wasn't all that impressed. Alan fears she's becoming an IPA Hop Snob.
Smoky Ale: This is an amber colored beer to be enjoyed with Pulled Pork, or any other BBQ item. You might not want more than one, but that one would be tasty.
Biscuit: This was Alan's favorite. It was light in color and body, and yet full of flavor. It was kind of like drinking one of those Biscotti cookies they serve on Delta Airlines.
Oatmeal Stout: Just your typical stout. Not amazing. Not bad. Probably wouldn't order it unless it was the only dark beer on tap.
Amber: I tried the tap version of this while the bartender was figuring out my tastes, but we ended up with a full sampler of the hand pulled/beer engine version. It was tasty, and one could drink a few in a night, but I'm not sure it holds up to Fat Tire.
After McCashin's, we set out for Moutere Inn, the oldest pub in New Zealand. It was a bit of a drive out in the country, but as we've come to expect, the scenery was beautiful, and there were plenty of sheep to observe. We purchased a four-beer sampler and a plate of nachos. The atmosphere was great, but the beers brewed there on-site left a lot to be desired. The only bright spot was the 8 Wire Semi-Conductor IPA (see, Gracyn loves the IPAs).
After a stop in the town centre, including a walk through of the local cathedral, we went pack to the holiday park to grab a snack and get suited up for frisbee. Yes, there is a pickup game in Nelson on Wednesday nights, and we figured it would be a good way to get some exercise and meet some new people (and, "Ultimate is Awesome!" one of us might say). There were 25 or so folks, and we split up into four teams and played three games. It was a great night to be out running around. Alan's team went 0-3, although they picked it up a good bit in the final game. It may have been a team of marathoners in an otherwise sprinter's game. Gracyn's team went 2-1, with a close game for the loss in the final game. As usual, Gracyn impressed everyone with her mad frisbee skills. After frisbee, we joined our fellow players for a pint (and burgers for us) at the Sprig and Fern, another local brewery, across the street. We thoroughly enjoyed the food, fellowship, and beer.
We're currently on the ferry to Wellington, and will spend the next month or more on the north island. Upcoming adventures include some 3-4 day hiking treks, Hobbiton, and horse-back riding.
We arrived in Nelson on Monday after a night at the Pelorus Bridge Department of Conservation (DOC) Campground. The Pelorus river was recently used in The Hobbit for the scene when Bilbo and Dwarves escape in oak barrels. It was so dark and quiet at the campground. We could see so many stars and, the only sounds came from the rushing river and wildlife. On Tuesday morning we went on a short hike before heading to Nelson.
Our time in Nelson consisted of a bit of education, beer samplers, catching up on post cards/blogging, and ultimate frisbee.
On Tuesday afternoon, shortly after our arrival in Nelson, we went to the Founder's Park area, which featured some old restored buildings, including various shops, and even an old cargo plane. Within the park was a brewery that's been around for a few generations of the same family. We tried a few of their brews, but weren't all that impressed.
Wednesday was a day to satisfy the longings of both Gracyn and Alan. We began our day with a leisurely morning of coffee and reading. Many of the holiday parks where we're staying have nice kitchen/lounge areas where one can enjoy a cup of coffee, charge one's devices, and read a bit. Around mid-morning, we set out for the McCashin's Brewery, which makes a brand of beer called Stoke. The brewpub/cafe is simple and charming, and the bartender was extremely helpful. We told her what we like, and she put together a sample platter of five brews. We shared a chicken breast/plum sandwich, and tried the following (pictured from right to left):
Kiwi Pale Ale: A great take on a Pale Ale. Alan loved it, Gracyn wasn't all that impressed. Alan fears she's becoming an IPA Hop Snob.
Smoky Ale: This is an amber colored beer to be enjoyed with Pulled Pork, or any other BBQ item. You might not want more than one, but that one would be tasty.
Biscuit: This was Alan's favorite. It was light in color and body, and yet full of flavor. It was kind of like drinking one of those Biscotti cookies they serve on Delta Airlines.
Oatmeal Stout: Just your typical stout. Not amazing. Not bad. Probably wouldn't order it unless it was the only dark beer on tap.
Amber: I tried the tap version of this while the bartender was figuring out my tastes, but we ended up with a full sampler of the hand pulled/beer engine version. It was tasty, and one could drink a few in a night, but I'm not sure it holds up to Fat Tire.
After McCashin's, we set out for Moutere Inn, the oldest pub in New Zealand. It was a bit of a drive out in the country, but as we've come to expect, the scenery was beautiful, and there were plenty of sheep to observe. We purchased a four-beer sampler and a plate of nachos. The atmosphere was great, but the beers brewed there on-site left a lot to be desired. The only bright spot was the 8 Wire Semi-Conductor IPA (see, Gracyn loves the IPAs).
After a stop in the town centre, including a walk through of the local cathedral, we went pack to the holiday park to grab a snack and get suited up for frisbee. Yes, there is a pickup game in Nelson on Wednesday nights, and we figured it would be a good way to get some exercise and meet some new people (and, "Ultimate is Awesome!" one of us might say). There were 25 or so folks, and we split up into four teams and played three games. It was a great night to be out running around. Alan's team went 0-3, although they picked it up a good bit in the final game. It may have been a team of marathoners in an otherwise sprinter's game. Gracyn's team went 2-1, with a close game for the loss in the final game. As usual, Gracyn impressed everyone with her mad frisbee skills. After frisbee, we joined our fellow players for a pint (and burgers for us) at the Sprig and Fern, another local brewery, across the street. We thoroughly enjoyed the food, fellowship, and beer.
We're currently on the ferry to Wellington, and will spend the next month or more on the north island. Upcoming adventures include some 3-4 day hiking treks, Hobbiton, and horse-back riding.
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