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Boat cruise on Wairau Sound © Destination Marlborough
GREAT RIDE • QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK
hugging the shoreline for the last few kilometres – handy if you’re keeping an eye out for your boat. If you have time, linger a while at Davies/ Umungata Bay just shy of the end of the trail. Then again, the ice cream stall at Anakiwa may well be open, and you’ll certainly have earned yourself a refreshing treat. In the past, most riders have finished their ride with the boat trip back to Picton, but the creation of the Link Pathway between Picton and Havelock means it’s also now possible to bike back to Picton via the picturesque Queen Charlotte Drive and Link Pathway which, once completed in 2020, will ‘link’ the Queen Charlotte Track with Picton and Havelock.
The Marlborough Sounds are a maze of mirror-calm channels, deep coves and secluded bays with songbird-filled forest that dives down to the water’s edge.
Marlborough Sounds
Blenheim
after Duke of Marlborough’s victory at Blenheim • 310km N of Christchurch on SH 1
Hiding in plain sight. Discover our award winning range of beautifully handcrafted wines. Relax and take in breath-taking views while enjoying local produce platters al fresco or in our stylish tasting room.
Tasting Room and Winery 37 Lake Timara Road, Waihopai Valley 03 572 6207 // spyvalleywine.co.nz Family owned // Sustainably crafted // For wine lovers // #seekspy
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his is an awe-inspiring feast for the eyes, a playground of abundant wilderness and home to over 50 nature reserves and several wildlife sanctuaries. Made up of four main waterways – Queen Charlotte, Pelorus, Kenepuru and Mahau sounds, together they total one-fifth of New Zealand’s total coastline – which gives some indication of how much there is to explore here. The opportunities for maritime pursuits here are many, from sea kayaking and sailing to fishing, diving and marine life watching.
You can opt for a cruise to one of the mussel or salmon farms and see how they’re grown, then dine on fresh seafood straight from ocean to plate.
Picton: home base Sitting in a horseshoe curve along a pretty harbour, Picton is radiant as a base for exploring the Sounds. Take a cruise, learn the history, check out the arts and crafts or relax with a glass of locally produced wine.