Monday 31 WW2 tunnels and wine tasting

Waiheke island looking east

Exploring WW2 defence tunnels in the morning and wine tasting in the afternoon is possible if you're staying at Man O' War Bay on the east side of Waiheke Island. Man O'War was named by our old friend and expedition leader Capt. James Cook. From the Caribbean, through the northern coast of S America and across the Pacific we've come across 'Cpt JC woz 'ere signs, albeit almost 250 years ago. He named the bay after the kauri trees on the island which were perfect for masts for his Man O'War ships.

Today the kauri have all disappeared to the logging industry and have been replaced by neat farmlands and acres and acres of vineyards dotted all over. We took a 3 mile walk along to the furthest eastern part which overlooks the Hauraki Gulf and the entrance to Auckland. It was here that a series of tunnels linking 3 gun placements were dug to protect the city from enemy attack. Auckland was never attacked and the guns never fired. Today it is a self guided tourist attraction. Where else can you walk through a mile of unlit tunnels following arrows and numbers on a wall? The local farmer's wife sells the tickets, maintains the museum and keeps her pet sheep from wandering into the museum for a sleep. We met one trying to come in while we were on our way out. She most disgruntled to be chased off.

The tunnels were mildly interesting and very dark when you switched off the torch. , lots of steps, an old compressor imported from Ipswich and hand written info boards. 

Vines protected from birds

The walk back was past the vineyards.  This year's crop will be harvested in March and need to be protected from birds helping themselves.  Early predictions are for a bumper harvest which will lower quality and prices. 

Of far greater interest was the wine tasting back at the beach. The label is Man O'War. The duty manager at the shop Bryony from Cumberland whose Dad went to the same secondary school as David. Sometimes it's a very small world. Bryony made us welcome on a slow Monday afternoon and persuaded us to try all 10 wines they had for sale and honey and olive oil. We giggled our way back to the dinghy and had a nap before dinner.