Weekend Destinations – Marlborough

Discover Marlborough, your welcome to the South Island. The townships of Blenheim, Picton, Awatere, Havelock and Kaikoura are all close to each other so take a road trip for a taste of the region.

Begin with the little seaside town of Picton. Exhilarating activities here include sky diving for a panoramic view of Marlborough from 15,000 feet above, or sea kayaking to take in the scenery.

Explore Blenheim’s art-and-craft trails and wineries, tee off at some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses and browse the main street full of boutiques.

Just kilometres away is Awatere and its picturesque Pacific coastline. Catch a glimpse of its ruggedness on a four-wheel-drive tour or venture out to the Awatere Valley to visit vineyards and formal gardens.

Dust off your hiking boots and experience the wildlife in the fishing village of Havelock and the surrounding Sounds. Trek the Queen Charlotte track or stop by Canvastown, an historic gold-mining township.

Beneath the slopes of the Southern Alps lies the seaside township of Kaikoura where you can scuba dive, encounter an albatross or whale watch either from the air or by boat.

Where to stay

• The Bell Tower Boutique Lodge on Dog Point Vineyard: An intimate lodge, surrounded by vineyards. www.thebelltower.co.nz
• Millstream Cottage: A luxurious self-contained cottage situated in a large garden in lower Omaka Valley, surrounded by vines and an olive grove. www.millstreamcottage.co.nz
• Escape to Picton: Located in the hub of Picton, this offers grand accommodation that includes a restaurant and wine bar.
  www.escapetopicton.com

Where to eat

• Gibbs Vineyard Restaurant: Charming vineyard dining. www.gibbs-restaurant.co.nz
• Wairau River Restaurant: Enjoy a casual lunch on the lawns and verandas in summer or beside an open fire in winter. www.wairauriverwines.com/cellardoor-restaurant.html
• Raupo Café: Unwind in soothing surroundings with freshly made delicacies seven days a week. (03) 577 8822

What to do

• Dive Picton: The Marlborough Sounds are known for world-class diving. There are kelp forests, heaps of marine life in the Long Island Marine Reserve and many wrecks to explore. www.scubadive.co.nz
• High Country Horse Trekking Trip: Explore the back country before returning to the river to walk and swim the horses home.  www.truenz.co.nz/horsetrekking/listings/marlborough.html
• Odyssea Cruise Charters: Cruise the tranquil waterways of the Marlborough Sounds in a cruise to suit you. Choose the Greenshell Mussel Cruise, the Wine and Food cruise or a personalized charter cruise. www.marlboroughtravel.co.nz
• Wither Hills Farm Park: A number of walking/biking tracks are on offer with views over the Wairau Plains and across Cloudy Bay towards Cook Strait. www.marlborough.co.nz/tracks.asp
• The Great Marlborough Treasure Hunt: Held over Queen’s Birthday weekend in June, the hunt takes you through the Marlborough region, solving clues to win the hidden treasure. www.marlborough.co.nz/selectDiary.asp?Month=Jun
• Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: Home to the world’s largest collection of World War I aircraft as well as a series of theatrical dioramas in which film director Peter Jackson had a hand. http://www.omaka.org.nz
• Queen Charlotte Track: The walk leads through lush coastal forest, around historic bays and along skyline ridges with magnificent views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. www.qctrack.co.nz

More information at www.marlborough.co.nz