Mudbrick Vineyards on Waiheke Island is always a favourite on Ontrack’s New Zealand Horse and Wine Tour and judges from a prestigious competition agree.
The Ontrack tour spends a day on the beautiful Waiheke Island during its five day New Zealand odyssey and it’s always a highlight. “The Friday on Waiheke is a magic day and lunch at the spectacular Mudbrick Vineyard is a very special experience,” said Ontrack Tours Managing Director Grant Morgan. “It comes as no surprise to learn that Mudbrick and their talented Head Chef Logan Coath have been named ‘Best Regional Restaurant’ in New Zealand at the Silver Fern Farms Restaurant Awards. “Sixty chefs entered an original dish which were assessed by an expert panel and 12 finalists were selected and Mudbrick’s slow cooked lamb shoulder was the winner. “Waiheke Island is only half an hour by boat from Auckland city and the Ontrack tour guests are amazed that this beautiful spot is so close to a major city. “As well as the Mudbrick experience, we do a tour of the island and enjoy a wine or beer tasting at the impressive Tantalus Vineyard. “It sets up the tour and people are astounded by the place,” said Grant Morgan. The Ontrack New Zealand tour also takes in a race day at Ellerslie or Counties as well as taking in the magnificent thoroughbred studs that have produced so many great racehorses over the years. Ontrack’s New Zealand Horse and Wine Tour ended this week and the trip over the ditch proved an eye opener for everyone on the tour. The six day tour takes in some of the best scenery and thoroughbred studs that New Zealand has to offer. Ontrack’s Grant Morgan is used to watch tour members bedazzled by what New Zealand puts on show, but this year it was his turn to be amazed. “This year was the first time in 13 years we went to the famous Cambridge Stud without Sir Patrick Hogan in charge. “To be honest we were not sure what to expect, but the experience was truly jaw dropping. “Our very good friend Henry Plumptre is now managing Cambridge Stud and, as always, Henry was a fantastic host but the new owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay proved to be amazing hosts. “Brendan and Jo are in the middle of a mind boggling programme to reinvigorate Cambridge Stud “They were able to find time in a busy schedule to host our party and their graciousness and sheer passion for the industry had everyone on the tour amazed. “They also extended an invitation to visit a racing stable they have established at Karaka south of Auckland and that visit was simply breath takings. “Brendan and Jo have turned a greenfield site into an absolutely incredible setup and with their private trainer Lance Noble they look poised to have a major impact on the racing and breeding industry in New Zealand and Australia. “To be honest, heading to New Zealand we were wondering what the future looked like with the changing of the guard at Cambridge Stud. “After spending time with Jo and Brendan and their team there’s no doubt that Cambridge Stud couldn’t be in better hands,” said Grant Morgan. Cambridge Stud, the epicentre of New Zealand’s legendary horse breeding industry, enjoyed another fabulous weekend with major race successes in New Zealand and Hong Kong. Tavistock, Cambridge Stud’s headline stallion was represented by Gobstopper in the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton on Saturday while the next day his full-brother Werther won the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup at Sha Tin. Participants on Ontrack Racing’s New Zealand Horse and Wine Tour know Cambridge Stud well and it will come as no surprise that Tavistock is leaving stakes winner after stakes winner. Cambridge Stud supremo Sir Patrick Hogan is a great ambassador for our racing tours and Tavistock is yet another champion stallion for his stud. Cambridge is home to New Zealand’s leading thoroughbred studs including Cambridge Stud, Windsor Park Stud, The Oaks and Trelawney – all of them on the Ontrack New Zealand tour and guests also get the chance to explore the beautiful town during a lunch stop. Ontrack runs horse racing tours in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and England. Cambridge is home to New Zealand’s leading thoroughbred studs including Cambridge Stud, Windsor Park Stud, The Oaks and Trelawney – all of them on the Ontrack New Zealand tour and guests also get the chance to explore the beautiful town during a lunch stop. The New Zealand horse racing tour leaves on Thursday while last Ontrack tour for 2017 is in December for the Longines Hong Kong International Races while in 2018 it runs horse racing tours in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. |
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