Tui Brewery

What a stunning day!  It didn't look like much at all early on - cloudy, grey and altogether rather uninspiring.  As is so often the case though, the sun burnt off the greyness and blue shone through.  Fabulous!

Had a lovely chat with my camping 'neighbour' during the morning whilst I waited for the brewery tour time to roll around.  For those who don't know (which will be all but the Kiwis here I imagine) the Tui brand is an icon of Kiwi Culture.  From the Tui Tower (extras) built in 1889 to the Mangatainoka location to the Yeah Right adverts to the Tui Catch-A-Million promotion to the Tui girls..........it reflects a culture that has been historical, controversial, humorous, sexist and challenging.  It was interesting to see that the sexism still exists to some degree (extras) and to hear that "things are changing".  That may have something to do with the brewery now being owned by DB who are themselves owned by Heineken.  Maybe the Dutch owners don't share the same humour?  Though it was mentioned on the tour that even the iconic orange logo colour might change - but isn't orange the Dutch national colour?

Anyway, it was interesting to have a look around and sample some of their brews.  And as you do after a beer tasting, I spent the next few hours back at the van, drinking tea and relaxing in the super sunshine before hitting the road in search of tonight's stopping spot............

Again, Kiwi's may have a giggle, but in keeping with the trip so far which seems to have found itself centred around unlikely places to stay, tonight's stopping spot is in Eketahuna.  Yes.....really!  It's a fabulous wee campsite - just $10 for a powered site, lovely modern, spacious shower, free washing facilities and gas BBQ use.  It's an almost park-like boutique campground, small, homely and it even has a few chooks running free!  It certainly gets my vote as a great place to stay.