UPDATEIMAGESPDRIVE MARLBOROUGH, PICTON & NELSON

Top Of The South Island And Top Of The Sunshine Stakes

Secluded bays, excellent fishing and boating, fertile soils and plenty of sunshine, combined with numerous wine plus arts and crafts trails, make this a very popular region for Kiwis and international visitors.

DRIVING DISTANCES:

PICTON TO: Nelson 144 kms, 2 hrs

Blenheim 30 kms, 25 mins

Kaikōura 160 kms, 2 hrs 15 mins

Christchurch 342 kms, 5 hrs

NELSON TO:

Collingwood 135 kms, 2 hr 20 mins

Kaiteriteri 65 kms, 1 hr 15 mins

Greymouth 290 kms, 4 hrs 10 minss

SPECIAL EVENTS:

11 Feb 2022 – Marlborough Wine & Food Festival

04 Mar 2023 – MarchFest (Beer Festival)

Oct 2023– Nelson Arts Festival

Oct 2023 – Abel Tasman Coastal Classic

TOP NATURAL ATTRACTIONS: a

» Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s only coastal national park.

» The 51 km 3-4 day Abel Tasman guided walk is very popular.

» Nelson Lakes National Park is an alpine experience.

» Kahurangi National Park (New Zealand’s 2nd largest) is predominantly a wilderness experience and home to the Heaphy Track.

» Pupu Springs, near Golden Bay are reputed to be the world’s clearest springs.

» With 1,500 kms of coastline the Marlborough Sounds is a boaties paradise with lots of hidden inlets and sheltered bays, perfect for kayaking and cruising.

» The 71 km Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds takes 3-5 days and offers stunning ridgeline views.

» Fresh seafood, in particular blue cod, snapper, salmon, terakihi, scallops and greenshell mussels.

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS Punga Cove Resort

Set within Queen Charlotte Sound’s natural beauty, Punga Cove Resort offers a range of accommodation options, with sundecks giving privacy and superb views across Endeavour Inlet. Take a resort kayak or mountain bike the Queen Charlotte Track, lounge by the pool, explore the walking tracks, relax at the jetty cafe or indulge in the restaurant’s superb menu and wine list.

PICTON Picton Yacht Club

Christchurch

Hotel

With spectacular vistas over the Marlborough Sound, the Picton Yacht Club Hotel is an ideal destination for both leisure and business travellers alike. 48 comfortable spacious rooms and contemporary apartments to choose from we have options to suit every travellers preference. The onsite restaurant, outdoor bar, conference centre and swimming pool compliment the property perfectly. Close proximity to the Picton Ferry terminal and Marlborough winery’s.

Per Room From Oct 22 –Mar 23 Apr –Sep 23 Oct 23 –Mar 24

Standard Guest Room $256 $135 $268

Deluxe Room $283 $140 $288

Superior King Oceanview $381 $153 $381

BLENHEIM Commodore Court Motel

Located 5-minute drive to the wineries, airport, train station and city centre and 5 minute walk to the supermarket, café, hotel and restaurant. 30 minutes to Picton and ferry terminal. All units are located on the ground floor.

Unlimited free WIFI, swimming pool, BBQ, kids’ playground, laundry and off-street parking. Late check-in available.

BLENHEIM Scenic Marlborough

Located in the heart of sunny Marlborough, with some of New Zealand’s finest wine and food virtually on the doorstep, just minutes’ walk from the town centre. The hotel offers the ultimate in modern comfort and service. Facilities include a restaurant and bar, 24-hour reception and room service, spa, sauna, free WiFi, free car parking, and guest laundry.

Marlborough

Furneaux Lodge

Located in splendid isolation in stunning Endeavour Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound, is Furneaux Lodge. Surrounded by 800 hectares of virgin native forest, the lodge offers a range of accommodation options, and award-winning cuisine. Go kayaking or swimming, explore the Queen Charlotte Track on foot or by mountain bike. Or simply enjoy the views and pure relaxation.

23 –Apr 24

Endeavour Suite $375 $308 $375

Cook’s Cottage $471 $404 $471

Tobias Junior Suite $356 $288 $356

One way water taxi $58 $64 $64

PICTON Picton Beachcomber Inn

Relax and enjoy comfort, peace, and affordability on the waterfront, only a two-minute walk from the town centre and 800m from the ferry terminal. Accessible rooms and spa bath rooms available. Licensed bar and restaurant on site, and an outdoor swimming pool. Other amenities include WiFi access, guest laundry facilities, and free car parking.

BLENHEIM 14th Lane Urban Hotel

Hotel

In the heart of Blenheim CBD, and central to our laid-back community of bars, cafes, retailers and town amenities. Just step outside the door to discover Blenheim and the Marlborough Region, the perfect place for work or play. Luxury accommodations, each room is uniquely stylish and spacious. There are 8 elegant rooms in total, five first floor rooms with stair access only, and three ground floor easy access rooms.

Per Room From Oct 22 – Apr 24

Laneway King Room $374

Laneway King Studio $446

Luxe King Studio $503

BLENHEIM Chateau Marlborough

Chateau Marlborough is the only 5 star hotel in the top of the South Island. A boutique property with 80 well-appointed suites and apartments offering guests luxury accommodation to provide the highest level of comfort along with modern amenities including our award winning restaurant & bar, fully equipped conference facilities, fitness centre, day spa, electric car charging station, complimentary parking & WIFI.

Bella Vista Nelson is the perfect base to explore the local wine regions and stunning Abel Tasman National Park. The motel is easy to find on Tahunanui Drive, a short stroll to Tahuna Beach, shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. We are an easy 10 minute drive from Nelson City.

Enjoy relaxing and affordable accommodation located in central Nelson, only a seven-minute walk from the city centre and famous Saturday market, and a 10 minute drive from the airport. Facilities include fully air conditioned rooms, Flames on Forty Restaurant Bar, complimentary WiFi, heated swimming pool complex with BBQ area, two guest laundries and free car parking.

Centrally located – Rutherford Hotel Nelson ~ A Heritage Hotel – is Nelson’s only 24-hour-fullyserviced hotel. A short stroll from the best sides Nelson has to offer, historic South Street and the beautiful cathedral. 3min walk to the city centre, 10min drive from the airport. Offering 113 luxurious rooms and suites with all modern facilities. Facilities: Two onsite restaurants, Mini Bar, Air-conditioning, Sauna, Health Centre, Outdoor Pool (operates Oct – Mar), Free unlimited Wifi internet, Sky TV, concierge service, On-site parking.

A luxury retreat offering boutique accommodation at the water’s edge in a village setting with beautiful grounds. With a choice of hotel rooms, garden and laneway suites and 2 bedroom Terrace Houses, the resort meets the needs of all guests and offers outstanding service. Amenities include a restaurant, beauty and hair salon, craft jeweller, swimming pool, gym, free Wifi and free car parking.

Just 400 metres from the famed Abel Tasman National Park, restaurants, cafes, water taxis, and kayaking. The Lodge provides the perfect accommodation base from which to explore the area. With 15 spacious private chalets set in beautiful native grounds in Marahau (‘Abel Tasman Village'), the Lodge is a tranquil haven to unwind, relax and enjoy. Soak in our hot tub, relax in our native gardens or enjoy the outdoor games we have.

GOLDEN BAY Ratanui Lodge

Situated amidst stunning natural beauty, this luxury lodge offers an exceptional wilderness experience in an isolated location. Rooms and suites are furnished for comfort and relaxation, and feature panoramic views. Enjoy fine dining with an emphasis in fresh seafood and local produce. On-site spa, sauna, massage, reflexology, and indoor heated swimming pool.

GOLDEN BAY Awaroa Lodge

Golden Bay’s Ratanui Lodge features 10 uniquely appointed guest rooms all with en-suite. The Lodge combines boutique hotel accommodation with an intimate restaurant, serving memorable dinners nightly. Facilities of our Golden Bay accommodation include a salt water swimming pool, spa pool, free wifi and a complimentary continental breakfast. During your stay at our accommodation, enjoy customised Farewell Spit Ecotour and Abel Tasman sea kayak trips, and a flair for unexpected delights that will make your visit to Golden Bay unforgettable. Ratanui Lodge welcomes children over age 12 only.

Located in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park offering peace and tranquility, our Lodge is accessible only by water or air. Accommodation is carefully crafted to complement the environment while placing you amongst it. The restaurant, bar and outdoor pizzeria opens daily and welcomes track walkers as well as in-house guests.

Wilsons Abel Tasman Guided Walk

New Zealand’s finest coastal trail is found in Abel Tasman National Park. The well-formed track weaves through lush native forest, and along golden beaches fringed with azure waters and sculpted granite headlands. Stay at Beachfront Lodges. Optional walking each day so this trip is ideal for groups of different ages, abilities and interests. Available all year.

Includes:

Knowledgeable host guides, meals

Twin/double share accommodation (ensuite)

• Launch cruise

Use of kayaks/canoes, day pack

Coach transfers to and from Motueka or Nelson

Day 1: Coach from Nelson or Motueka. Briefing and luggage storage in Motueka. Cruise the granite coast Kaiteriteri to Totaranui. Walk approx 3 hours (7 kms) to Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa.

Day 2: Relax or explore Awaroa Inlet by kayak or foot. Up to 4 hrs, 8kms.

Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay Lodge, you choose how much walking you would like up to 22 kms, divided into 3 sections; or take the boat. From Awaroa, walk to the long golden beach at Onetahuti. Then, walk over a forested saddle and around the waterfall track at Bark Bay. After lunch, walk through native forest and across the swing bridge over Falls River.

Day 4: Choose bush and beach walk options, canoeing around Torrent Bay inlet or relaxing. Maximum 5 hours walking (10 kms).

Day 5: Walk the easiest section of the track, weaving through native forest and golden beaches, 4 hours (13 kms). At Marahau your coach awaits to transfer to Motueka (4.30pm) or Nelson (5.30pm).

Note: Kayak and Walk Combo: on day 3, kayak from Onetahuti, through Tonga Island Marine Reserve to Torrent Bay. On day 5, kayak from Torrent Bay to Marahau/Kaiteriteri.

Sat and Sun (subject to availability)

3-Day Itinerary: excludes days 2 and 4. May be reversed on some departures. Please ask for a copy of their comprehensive brochure.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK - GUIDED OR INDEPENDENT WALK OPTIONS

Located at the top of the South Island in the majestic Marlborough Sounds. This 71km 4 day/3 night walk requires a moderate level of fitness. Highlights include panoramic coastal views, lush native forest, eco-tour and resort accommodation.

Day 1: Departs Picton, starting with an eco-tour experience then on to Ship Cove to commence the first 15 kms of the track. Overnight Furneaux Lodge.

Day 2: 11.7 kms of easy walking to Punga Cove in Endeavour Inlet.

Day 3: The most challenging with 23.6 kms of undulating walking (walkers have the option of taking the water taxi). Overnight: The Portage.

Day 4: 20 kms completes the walk to Anakiwa. Boat transfer back to Picton.

Guided Walk - Scheduled departures Oct - April. Includes mature knowledgeable guides, eco-tour experience, 3 nights twin share accommodation, water transport to and from the track, boat transfers of luggage each day, all meals (excluding breakfast on Day 1) and snacks and use of a light day pack.

Independent Walk - Available all year. Includes pre-trip information, track notes, 3 nights twin share accomm, packed lunch each day (other meals to be purchased from resorts), water transfer to the track and luggage transfer each day plus back to Picton. Please ask for a copy of the full itinerary.

Operated by Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company Adult Twin Share

Guided Walk $2,103

Independent Walk $918

Marlborough Tour Company

Marlborough Wine Iconic Tour: Marlborough has become world famous for two iconic areas, the Marlborough wine region and the Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy the perfect combo tour through both areas on the Marlborough Icons Tour. This tour starts in the heart of the Marlborough wine region with two fine wine experiences before heading through for lunch (own cost) on the waterfront in the Marlborough Sounds. Then in the afternoon enjoy a totally unique Seafood Cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Learn about seafood farming, take in some stunning scenery and enjoy fresh local seafood with a glass of award winning Marlborough wine.

Taste Marlborough: This tour has been created for visitors who love great wine and those who want to learn more about the region, the wineries, the wines and the people who create them. Taste Marlborough is a full day wine tour through a selection of boutique and iconic wineries, a group selected for their history, fabulous service and stunning range of wines. Enjoy a tour through a vineyard and through a winery, special wine tastings, and lunch (own cost) at a leading winery. These two great tours are brought to you by the Marlborough Tour Company, a company with a 20-year history in fabulous wine and food experiences.

Sounds Connection Fishing Tours

Sounds Connection operate MV “Seabud” and “MV Tory” both of which are ideal for a day of fishing. The main fish caught in the Queen Charlotte Sound is Terakihi, but there are plenty of other species to keep your day interesting. The calm, sheltered waters of the inner sounds and abundant local wildlife including dolphins, seals, shags and little blue penguins combined with the views of isolated homes tucked away amongst the dense bush, makes for an enjoyable day. Tackle, bait etc is provided with the fish filleted ready for the pan. Tea, coffee and cookies are also included - along with a highly knowledgeable skipper! Maximum 8 Passengers. Transfers are available from your accommodation by prior arrangement.

4 Hr Fishing Inner Queen Charlotte Sound (up to 6 people) $1,276

8 Hr Fishing Extreme Outer Sounds (up to 6 people) $2,429

Per person extra (up to 8 people)

Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company

This award winning company is proud to share their knowledge of this stunningly beautiful region. With a temperate climate and 1500 kms of sheltered waterways to explore, the Marlborough Sounds provide great year-round paddling for all tastes, from the nervous novice to the experienced expeditioner. All equipment provided.

One Day Guided Kayak - A fun and easy introduction to sea kayaking and the Marlborough Sounds. Experience the beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound and learn about the wildlife and history of the area. Delicious morning tea and lunch are provided. Departs Picton daily at 8.30am and returns to Picton by 4pm.

Note: Dec - Mar, there is also a half day option available (no lunch provided). Min. age 16yrs.

Sounds Connection Wine Tours

The best way to indulge in some of the fine wines of the Marlborough wine country with no worries of driving. With itineraries that change daily, these small group tours often include a range of smaller and larger Marlborough wineries. Includes transfers from central Picton or Blenheim accommodation and the services of an expert guide.

Full Day Wine Tour - Visit approximately 6-7 venues, includes wine tasting. Lunch own expense. Departs: daily 10.30am returns 4.30pm – 5pm.

Full Day Gourmet Wine Experience - Departs: Nov - Apr

10.30am returns 5pm, (set itinerary) includes lunch.

Half Day Wine Tour - Departs: daily 1.30pm. Returns 5.30pm. Note: Scenic touring options also available, details on request.

Cougar Line

3 Hour Sounds Delivery Cruise - Enjoy the comfort of our luxury catamarans as we cover up to 120 kilometres of sheltered waterways and bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound. See a variety of marine life and share in the fun of delivering passengers and freight to the Sound’s resorts, holiday homes and permanent residences. Departs: Summer (Oct - Apr) 10am and 1.30pm; Winter (May - Sep) 9am and 1.30pm.

Early Bird Eco Cruise - Seals, dolphins, penguins, gannets and shearwaters abound on this 55 minute cruise to Motuara Island where early morning bird song greets you as you step ashore. Motuara Island is a bird sanctuary and safe haven for many rare species, including the South Island saddleback and bush robin. Little blue penguins nest alongside a well formed track which gradually climbs to a spectacular vantage point built above the forest canopy. You will have approximately 2 hours to explore the island. Includes a flora and fauna identification sheet and map. Departs: Daily (Oct-Apr) 8am, returns to Picton: 1pm or 4.30pm.

Full Day Cruise and Queen Charlotte Walk - Designed for those who wish to spend time on the famous Queen Charlotte Track with walks ranging from 1 to 5 hours catering to all levels of fitness. The most popular is the 5-hour walk from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge. Ideal for all ages, these unguided walks take you through lush beech forests, nikau palms and native bush. There is time to grab a bite to eat and a drink at Furneaux Lodge before boarding the boat for the return journey. Duration 9 hours including 6 hours on shore. Departs: Oct-Apr 8am and 10am; Winter May-Sep 9am.

Golden Bay Air

Golden Bay Air is family run air transport service that has been operating 14 years from beautiful Golden Bay in North-West Nelson. As well as spectacular scenic flights from Takaka and Nelson, we offer daily scheduled flights between Wellington, Takaka, Nelson and Karamea, plus shuttles and rental cars from Golden Bay and Heaphy and Abel Tasman Track transport.

Fly Golden Bay and Cruise Abel Tasman Experience - Full Day Tour 9.30am to 5.30pm

Get off the beaten track to discover both spectacular Golden Bay and the idyllic Abel Tasman National Park by air, land and sea in a single day without retracing your steps. Starting in Nelson, your day includes: an incredible 30 minute scenic flight to Golden Bay over the stunning Abel Tasman golden beaches and azure seas; an easy 30 minute bush walk to the clearest water in the world at Te Waikoropupu Springs; a scenic shuttle tour along Golden Bay’s limestone coastlines to the northern entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park; and a stunning cruise along the Abel Tasman beaches with a two hour stop for lunch at either Totaranui Beach (in winter) or Awaroa Beach (summer). Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals! At the end of your cruise catch a shuttle transfer back to Nelson. Lunch is not included but Awaroa Lodge is open Oct-April, or a picnic lunch can be arranged in advance. Multi day or reverse options from both Wellington and Nelson also available.

Adult Child

Fly Golden Bay and Cruise Abel Tasman Experience $512 $512

Cable Bay Adventure Park

The Cable Bay Adventure Park—Nelson’s Adventure Destination. Less than 15 minutes from central Nelson with a range of activities to suit everyone

The Skywire - The worlds longest flying fox, the Skywire is a touch of adrenaline mixed with an amazing scenic ride. Soar 1.6 kilometres in each direction in the custom designed 4 person chair, high above the stunning forest canopy with no sound but the wind in your ears and the chorus of native bird song. Allow 1 hour.

4x4 Quad Bike Tours - The Bayview circuit is our most popular ride. Explore over 14km of tracks through native bush and up to the spectacular Bayview lookout. Professional instruction, Insightful commentary, and Light refreshments included. Allow 2.5 hours. Children must be 16 years + to self drive.

Horse Treks - Guided horse treks from 1 - 2.5 hours to suit all abilities. Our treks include river crossings, hill trails and stunning views of the mountains and sea.

Skywire

4x4 Quad Bike Tour

2.5 hr Horse Trek (Per Person)

Adult Child (under 16yrs)

$108 $77

$190 $62

$169 $169

Nelson Classic Cars Museum

160 immaculate cars from more than 100 years of motoring - Nelson Classic Car Museum is one of the finest private collections in New Zealand. From the little 1908 Renault AX, to classics of the 1950s including Vauxhalls, Triumphs and Cadillacs, through to the exquisite mastery of Jaguar and Ferrari, the Museum is the place to marvel and admire an incredible collection of iconic cars.

Little Engine Eatery - Their freshly re-styled café has an irresistible range of wholesome, tasty, made-onthe-premises munchable goodness for brunch, lunch, and general all-day snacks.

Museum Store Take a moment to pursue the selection of funky ceramics, eye-catching jewellery, beautiful prints, fascinating books, mementos and collectables, all made in New Zealand. This is your one-stop shop for gifts, as well as those all-important self-rewards!

Adult Child (5-14yrs)

General Entry $19 $8

Wilsons Abel Tasman

Kayak, Seals and Walk (Guided kayak, Unguided walk) - Do it all in one day! Start Kaiteriteri 9 am with our “Split Apple Paddle” guided sea kayak, exploring the sheltered Kaiteriteri coastline to iconic Split Apple Rock formation. Return to Kaiteriteri around noon where you farewell your guide. Have lunch at a local café or order a picnic to enjoy on board the Vista Cruise, departing 1pm for a scenic boat ride along the coast into the heart of the national park. Pause to view the antics of seals on Tonga Island before landing at historic Tonga Quarry Beach 2pm. Walk through native forest, around the Bark Bay falls track and on to idyllic Medlands Cove for your boat pick up at 5.05pm to cruise back to Kaiteriteri at 6.00pm. Includes: 2 hrs guided sea kayaking, 2 ¼ hrs self guided walk (less/no walking option available). Itinerary will vary during low season (19 April - 19 October)

Abel Tasman Seals and Beach Walk - For a walk to experience everything in the Park: wildlife, history, native forest and long, golden beaches this trip is for you. Departs Kaiteriteri 9.20 am, 10.30am and 1pm. Cruise to the Tonga Island seal colony off the golden sands of Onetahuti Beach. Land at picturesque Tonga Bay where an abandoned granite quarry site still holds evidence of this failed venture. Walk through native forest around the waterfall trail to Bark Bay then on to idyllic Medlands Cove for your pick up to cruise back to Kaiteriteri 4.10pm or 6.00pm. Walking time approx 2¼ hrs. Transfers available ex Motueka. A packed lunch can be ordered (extra cost).

Kayak, Seals and Walk - ex Kaiteriteri (Child 10-14yrs)

Kayak, Seals and Walk - ex Nelson (Child 10-14yrs)

Adult Child

$171 $100

$225 $127

Abel Tasman Seals and Beach Walk - ex Kaiteriteri (Child 5-14yrs) $93 $47

Abel Tasman Seals and Beach Walk - ex Nelson (Child 5-14yrs) $147 $74

Farewell Spit Tours

This is your chance to visit one of New Zealand’s undiscovered gems. At 35 kms long and more protected than a National Park, public access to Farewell Spit is usually restricted to the first 4 kms, however this tour travels the full length of the spit aboard a robust 4WD vehicle.

Farewell Spit Eco Tour - Highlights includes Cape Farewell, the South Island’s most northerly point and home to seals and their pups. Fossil Point, where old fossils expose themselves among the rocks and sea life abounds in rock pools nearby. 30 km along the ocean beach is the lighthouse reserve, where we pause for 45 minutes or so to climb the lighthouse, check out the view, learn some of the Māori legends about the spit, have refreshments in our lighthouse Keeper's cottage and soak up some history. Returning from the lighthouse, we climb a sandhill for panoramic views of the ocean beach, the parade of dunes along the centre of the spit and the inter-tidal plain where the migrant waders from the arctic circle feed during our spring, summer and autumn. Farewell Spit truly is a nature-lover’s paradise. Departing from Collingwood, tour duration is 6.5 hours. As you travel along the beach, actual departure times are dependent on the tides and will be advised on confirmation of booking.

Note: As it is 2.5 hours drive from Nelson to Collingwood, we recommend over-nighting in Takaka pre or post this tour. Other tour options available on request.

Adult Child (under 16yrs)

Farewell Spit Eco Tour

$174 $67