From Purple Haze to Tui HQ

Last time we stayed in this area we did a tour through Tui Breweries at Mangatainoka.  Our men folk still had a few left over “free beer” tickets burning a hole in their pockets, so a trip to redeem them was mooted.  But first, we stopped for lunch at the delightful  Purple Haze lavender shop and country cafe.  Most of our group ordered the mixed grill (would be called an all day breakfast in some cafes), very good value at $12 and came with two sausages, two eggs, bacon, hash browns, tomatoes and a big plate of hot toast.  My battered fish was was tender and moist inside a nice crispy batter, just the way I like it. 

Lavender bushes growing at Purple Haze

From here it was just a short trip to Tui HQ.  Across the road was quite a sight to behold as we spotted several peafowl perched on a fence.  One bird after another jumped up to join them and they calmly looked over at all the comings and goings at Tui Breweries.  We could just imagine what a racket all these birds would make when they started getting vocal.

The neighbouring peafowl

Peter and Robin outside Tui HQ

Robin was quite keen to taste some of the different varieties that he hadn’t last time, and there were a couple of brews which were only available through this facility.  The bar stools were certainly different.  Robin is sitting on a timber beer crate with a padded top.

Sitting on a beer crate

Coffee (not beer) is my drink of choice, so I ordered a latte from the  bright orange coffee machine standing on the edge of the bar.  This was served in a matching orange Tui branded coffee mugs.

It’s coffee for me

Tucked away up the stairs is a small museum featuring all sorts of interesting Tui Brewery memorabilia.  Lots of old beer bottles on display and awards that the brewery has collected over the years.

Upstairs in the museum

Tui Brewery sponsor rugby in New Zealand and the Hurricanes (Wellington Regional Team) always play the first game of the season at the local rugby ground.  There was quite a collection of signed rugby jerseys displayed in the museum too.

Signed rugby jerseys in the museum

This way to the dunnies!  The wooden door features cut outs for various items to be passed through, if required, including a bottle of Tui beer.

This way to the dunnies

We spent a very pleasant afternoon sitting and chatting around the roaring log fire.  And the blokes were happy to announce that they still had a couple of free beer tickets left so we will be coming back again some time in the future, I am sure.

Elaine, Peter and Jenny on the Tui branded couch

Peter’s Lucky “Yeah Right”!