Scenes From the Weekend: Hamilton Road Trip

I had a brilliant and exciting day trip to Hamilton this weekend. I love having such a quirky, colourful and vibrant city near by. Hamliton gardens are, by far, the nicest gardens I have seen in the North Island and I can never resist a trip to the outstanding Zealong tea estate.

 

We rode up to Hamilton to the wonderful sounds of Ed Sheeran, singing at the top of our lungs. When we got there we had a picnic in the gardens and had fun wandering through their amazing international gardens.

 

Afterward I decided to check out a different part of the gardens from usual and was immensely rewarded with the discovery of a gorgeous Victorian style greenhouse. Inside was the cutest collection of cacti and a vibrant tropical garden. I'd live there if I could!

By far, my favourite part of the trip was our tea tour at Zealong. I loved discovering more about the process behind oolong tea and traditional versus modern methods. Its also very exciting to hear about such a quality organic tea brand.

 

 Part of the tour involved a traditional Taiwanese oolong tea ceremony. This was my first experience of a Taiwanese tea ceremony and it was so sensory and celebratory. The ceremony involves 'awakening' the oolong leaves and smelling them using a gorgeous aroma cup. I have decided to get a ceremony tea set for this winter to warm up the chilly mornings.

I love the quality of Zealong's high tea. They offer exceptional gluten and dairy free treats that are inspired by tea and complement it so well. Its so generous its like an entire feast for afternoon tea, I have decided to make this a regular part of my life.