Sights & Activities
Unforgettable Sights
Gazing on green vines nestled between golden hills while sipping a glass of wine. Tranquil coves nestled amongst native bush in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.
Adrenaline-rush
Mountain biking the Queen Charlotte Track – one of the best rides and the longest continuous stretch of singletrack in the country, with stunning views to boot! (
www.qctrack.co.nz). Dive the Mikhail Lermontov – qualified divers can go inside the sunken cruise ship, while beginners can explore outside (
www.godive.co.nz).
Relax & Indulge
Wining and dining – relax as you savour a vineyard lunch with a glass of crisp Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Go cruising in the Marlborough Sounds – from mussel farms in Kenepuru Sound to a twilight cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound.
Top Picks
Culture
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, Blenheim – be captivated by the spirit of the skyward adventure and find out why visitors call this the best museum in the world (
www.omaka.org.nz).
Road Trip
Queen Charlotte Drive – enjoy magical views as you wind past numerous bays in the Marlborough Sounds (
www.picton.co.nz/qcd).
Luxury
Charter a private yacht – sail in the Marlborough Sounds, anchoring at a luxury lodge for dinner (
www.compass-charters.co.nz).
Inexpensive or free
Wine tasting – visit some of the 45 cellar doors in the Marlborough region.
Culinary experience
Take a wine tour – sample local wines with Marlborough Wine Tours (
www.mwtwine.co.nz).
Great for Groups
Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound – charter a boat for a private cruise.
Exclusive Dining
Herzog Winery & Luxury Restaurant, Blenheim – delicious market fresh cuisine served in a most decadent environment, with service that’s second to none (
www.herzog.co.nz).
Casual dining
Highfield Estate Winery, Blenheim – specialises in matching delicious fresh local produce with Highfield wines (
www.highfield.co.nz).
Café
CPR Espresso, Blenheim – winner of 2006 regional café award (
www.cprcoffee.co.nz).
Swishy Bar
Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar, Blenheim – stylish new bar and national Hospitality Award finalist (t. +64 3 577 7555).
Cosy Pub
Seumus’s Irish Bar, Picton – have one of the best pints of Guinness in the southern hemisphere in this traditional pub run by a man from County Derry in Ireland (t. +64 3 573 8994).
Shop or gallery
Oriel Gallery, Picton – contemporary paintings and sculptures as well as a range of mini art ideal for travellers as mementoes or gifts (
www.orielgallery.co.nz).
