WINE TOUR
Any opportunity to pack a small picnic and drive to one of the many wineries that offer tasting I cannot resist. Taz had arrived from Japan to join the Christmas and New Year which obviously included drives in the MACH SR7. Matua Valley Winery was our destination, a nice drive into the Waimaiku district allowing that nice country side driving. Auckland City is really a driving nightmare, every return visit I am amazed how a small population can absolutely create such traffic chaos!
The wine was delightful and as usual the curious MACH SR7 viewers soon gathered with a lovely couple from Europe asking for photographs which of course I was delighted to help out with. These outings are what I had envisaged, making the most of the New Zealand countryside and the marvelous array of wineries dotted around the country.
I willingly share the MACH SR7 with friends, they are quick to accept the offer for a drive and this really enhances the reputation of these remarkable little cars. The slightly roomier cockpit and seating of the McGregor design allows all sizes access, no need to pull seats out and sit on the belly pan! Several have commented that the previous 7’s that they had driven were cramped and unless you had size 8 feet gear changing, braking and accelerating were tasks for a contortionist. In New Zealand I have yet to see a female driving a 7, this is ironic as the largest selling sports car in the world; the Miata has a huge female ownership.
Month: December 2009
Monday 21 December 2009
DRIVING TO WAINUI BEACH
Escaping the winter of Japan and the first snow falls to the summer in New Zealand is an annual event. This year it was different, as while Christmas was important, my family and friends were not fooled. Within an hour of landing in Auckland I was in my MACH SR7 for a quick flick around the neighborhood. I was equally amazed matching the first drive several months before.
Monday morning the plan was to leave Auckland at 5am with my daughter Kahli as the co-driver. A dark chilly morning with misty rain soon opened to stunning weather as we zipped over the Kaimai Ranges. Kahli was soon behind the wheel enjoying the world of open car motoring. I have become an absolute fan of WILD BEAN CAFÉ for gasoline for several reasons. The café has seating in the window allowing you to enjoy a short break while your car is highly visible. The MACH SR7, like all open cars, becomes a spectator sport. I am sure that 99% are harmlessly curious but that 1% who looks at such cars have an urgent need to add a pinstripe with a coin or any other destructive object. This is a sad aspect of our society, as I do not know many 7 owners who are not willing to share the stories of their cars.
It was great to arrive back in Gisborne and it was not until I parked the car at my holiday bach that I realized how the colors matched…um! Kahli was quick to share the car with willing passengers, smiles were abundant and the MACH SR7 quickly became a local talking point.
