Marlborough
Boating,
Wineries
& Walks
On the north-eastern tip of the South Island you’ll find the Marlborough Sounds, one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in New Zealand. There are some wonderful walks through coastal bush, along the Queen Charlotte Walkway and, with around 1500 kms of waterways, inlets and coves, the area is a haven for sailing, sea kayaking, fishing and diving.
At the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound, nestled between the mountains and the sea is Picton, a charming seaside township which accommodates the region’s port, extensive marina facilities, visiting cruise ships and the ferry link with the North Island via the Marlborough Sounds and Cook Strait.
Thirty minutes’ drive from Picton lies Blenheim, the ‘Sunshine Capital’ of New Zealand and centre of the Marlborough wine region, one of the world’s finest wine producing areas, particularly for the Sauvignon Blanc variety. There are some 37 wineries within 15 minutes’ drive of the town, many providing delightful settings in which to enjoy lunch or dinner.
Boating, Wineries & Walks
On the north-eastern tip of the South Island you’ll find the Marlborough Sounds, one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in New Zealand. There are some wonderful walks through coastal bush, along the Queen Charlotte Walkway and, with around 1500 kms of waterways, inlets and coves, the area is a haven for sailing, sea kayaking, fishing and diving.
At the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound, nestled between the mountains and the sea is Picton, a charming seaside township which accommodates the region’s port, extensive marina facilities, visiting cruise ships and the ferry link with the North Island via the Marlborough Sounds and Cook Strait.
Thirty minutes’ drive from Picton lies Blenheim, the ‘Sunshine Capital’ of New Zealand and centre of the Marlborough wine region, one of the world’s finest wine producing areas, particularly for the Sauvignon Blanc variety. There are some 37 wineries within 15 minutes’ drive of the town, many providing delightful settings in which to enjoy lunch or dinner.
Experience Marlborough
- Take a Dolphin Watch Ecotour to see dolphins, penguins, seals and a variety of bird life
- Cruise on the crystal clear waterways of the Sounds
- Enjoy the numerous short bush walks to hidden beaches and lookouts
- Walk the Queen Charlotte Track
- Eat freshly steamed green-lipped mussels matched with a regional vintage
- Tour the vineyards and wineries and enjoy dining alfresco amongst the vines
- Explore Blenheim’s parks and gardens
- Visit the regional galleries and craft studios
Here is a small selection of the accommodation available in the Marlborough Region, but we have many alternative Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs, Motels and Lodges to suit all tastes and budgets
Bay of Many Coves Resort, Marlborough Sounds
This exclusive retreat, reached by water transport from Picton in just 30 minutes, gives you the chance to relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the bay and native bush clad hills from the private balcony of your luxurious, architecturally designed, hillside apartment. Enjoy fine dining at The Foredeck Restaurant, swim in the all-season fresh water pool or soak in the cedar hot tub, fish from a dinghy, enjoy a short bush or coastal walk with the Queen Charlotte Track on your doorstep, or read the newspapers over coffee at either The Quarterdeck Wine Bar and Guest Lounge or Kumatage Guest Lounge.
One, Two- and Three-Bedroom Apartments
These have been thoughtfully designed to create a private sanctuary with warm wooden interiors mirroring the stunning native setting and a superb indoor-outdoor flow. Enjoy luxurious home comforts with beautiful linens, down pillows and luxurious King beds. The bathrooms are beautifully appointed and amenities are naturally sourced NZ botanicals.
Kereru Suite
Perfectly secluded, surrounded by native bush and with panoramic views of the bay, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite is designed for the discerning guest looking for peace, tranquillity and a connection with the natural environment. The rooms connect to a contemporary lounge with a fireplace and exquisite furnishings to enhance your experience. Alongside the wide balcony is a significant furnished deck together with your own private spa pool.
McCormick House, Picton
Set amidst a private half-acre native garden, this gracious, welcoming home is ideally located just five minutes’ drive from the Picton Interisland ferry and train station or 25 minutes’ drive from Blenheim. It was architecturally designed in 1914 for one of Picton’s earliest colonial settlers and has been extensively and sympathetically restored, retaining its beautiful, original native rimu timber panelling, staircase and fireplaces. Enjoy outdoor seating areas, a full size pétanque court and guest dining and lounge areas.
Boat Shed Room
This has a Pacific theme, with a luxurious Queen bed, cane lounge chairs, ceiling-fan and a sunny bay-window overlooking the garden. The en-suite bathroom has locally made natural soaps and toiletries and a double-size shower.
Captain’s/Karaka Room
Capturing a romantic formal elegance, this room enjoys extensive bush views. It has a luxurious Super King bed (which can be made up as twins if preferred), an en-suite with a double size shower and locally-made soaps and toiletries plus an antique claw foot bath.
Palm Room
This special room has a luxurious King, four poster bed and a private sun gallery, where you can enjoy the garden views on the relaxing sun-loungers or while soaking in the double-spa bath. The Italian marble en-suite has a multi-jet double shower, double basins and locally-made soaps and toiletries.
Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim
This locally-owned-and-operated five-star hotel is the perfect base for exploring this region. It has a great location overlooking Seymour Square Gardens, and it’s an easy two-minute walk to the centre of town. Choose from a range of boutique hotel accommodation options, including a luxurious two-bedroom Grande Penthouse, one bedroom Grande Apartments, Grande Studios, Executive Suites, Superior Studios and Chateau Studios, all of which are self-contained. Facilities include Quench restaurant and bar, swimming-pool, gym and day spa.
Chateau Superior Studio
These comfortable studios come with a Super King bed, comfortable chairs, air-conditioning, kitchenette (some rooms with hot plates) and new luxury bathroom.
Executive Suite
These spacious and well-appointed suites overlook Seymour Square. They have a seating alcove, Super King bed, kitchenette with dining table and chairs, air-conditioning and the en-suite has a shower with luxury amenities by May Chang.
Grand Studio Suite
Thought has been given to every detail in these chic and contemporary studios. They have a Super King bed, kitchenette with microwave, toaster, mini-bar, complimentary tea and locally roasted plunger coffee, air-conditioning and a bathroom with wet floor and walk in shower, bathrobes, slippers and luxury locally-made amenities.
Hans Herzog Estate, Blenheim
Hans Herzog’s famous single-estate vineyard is situated in the heart of Marlborough’s spectacular wine region. This traditional yet high-tech winery is regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest world- class wine and dine experiences and is undoubtedly a true highlight for food and wine lovers. The beautiful colonial-style buildings are surrounded by stunning Mediterranean gardens, providing a relaxed and tranquil setting. The estate also offers hands-on cooking master classes, a casual lunchtime bistro and stylish, award-winning cellar door.
Vineyard Cottage
Intimate and highly individual, this romantic vineyard cottage is tucked away among the vines. A worker’s cottage in bygone days has been lovingly restored by the owners, Hans and Therese. It reflects their sense for genuine charm and high quality and is filled with antiques and art to create your ‘home away from home’.
Rest on the supreme King bed with luxurious cotton linen, relax on comfy settees or work at the antique writing desk with WiFi provided. The large verandah encourages outside living and proves the perfect spot to take in the panoramic views of the Richmond Ranges. Nice touches include fresh fruit, jars filled with sweet and savoury treats, flowers, soft bathrobes, slippers, and exclusive toiletries. In addition, there are books, magazines and DVDs plus a Nespresso machine for coffee aficionados and a well-stocked beverage fridge for wine lovers.
As a guest, you are invited to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the cellar door and may also join one of their public vineyard and winery tours which run daily. You are also welcome to make use of the two bicycles which are provided at no extra cost.
Some of the experiences available in the Marlborough Region are outlined below, but there are many, many more, so please ask for details of any other activity you would like to include during your stay.
Half Day Wine Tour, Blenheim and Picton
Enjoy an afternoon among the vines. You will be collected and taken on a tour through the Marlborough wine region visiting three or four hand-picked wineries to taste the best of the best – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and more. Flexibility is the key, and your guide can usually accommodate any requests.
Duration: 4 hours
Deluxe Private Guided Biking Wine Tour, Blenheim
This is a great way to experience local wine and Marlborough’s stunning scenery. You will bike to five or six of Marlborough’s premium wineries with a lunch stop (not included) and a wine tasting at the delicious Wairau River winery restaurant. Ride along country roads, river stop-banks and through vineyards. The tour guide provides a commentary throughout the tour on the wines and wineries and the history and geography of New Zealand’s largest wine region.
Duration: 6.5 Hours
Day in the Sounds – Punga Cove and Cruise, Picton
Sit back and relax as you cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound while enjoying your skipper’s commentary on the surrounds, residents and local wildlife. You will have the opportunity to spend 30 minutes ashore at historic Ship Cove, a favourite anchorage of Captain Cook in the 1770’s before being dropped off at Punga Cove Resort, the perfect spot for lunch. Here, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and breath-taking views across the Endeavour Inlet from The Boat Shed Bar. You also have use of the resort’s swimming pool, spa and kayaks (charges apply). Later in the afternoon you will board the Mail Boat for the return journey to Picton.
Duration: 8.5 hours
Moutara Island Bird Watchers Cruise, Picton
Your tour today attracts bird lovers from around the world. Motuara Island is a predator-free haven for some of New Zealand’s most iconic and critically endangered native birds including the South Island Saddleback, the very rare King Shag, the Little Blue Penguin and, of course, the Kiwi to name just a few. You will spend an hour onshore before cruising back to Picton after a stop at Ship Cove and a visit to Endeavour Inlet.
Duration: 4.5 hours
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