Marlborough Sounds Itinerary
The
Marlborough Sounds just beg to be explored and the ferry trip through the Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound is the first tantalising introduction. The ferry lands at the picturesque town of
Picton, which offers cruising, sailing, fishing and kayaking options for those tempted to explore further afield on the water.
The Queen Charlotte Drive to
Havelock and
Nelson provides superb views over the Sounds, while hikers can walk the 69km Queen Charlotte Track. Stretching from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa, the track passes through lush coastal forest and offers panoramic views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. There are plenty of entry and exit points and some tour operators provide water transport or pack transfer between those points.
Heading south from Picton,
Blenheim is an ideal base from which to explore the region's award-winning vineyards, which are famous for their floral sauvignon blancs. Most of the wineries are along State Highway 6 to
Renwick, with a couple on SH1 between
Blenheim and Picton (including the internationally famous Cloudy Bay winery). All vineyards offer tastings and cellar door sales, while some have gardens and restaurants to relax in. Wine tours call at the numerous wineries, and for a timeless taste of the region's vintage, there is a horse and gig wineries tour. Art studios, olive groves, a cheese factory, distilleries and breweries can also be visited en route.
History buffs can call at Blenheim's Riverlands Cob Cottage, the Brayshaw Museum Park and the pioneer cottage at Carluke, near the Rai Valley.
Blenheim’s Aero Club provides sightseeing options.
For those who can't resist exploring the
St Arnaud Range in the distance, the mountains offer excellent hiking during the summer, while in winter, skiers are drawn to the
Rainbow Skifield. Boating, fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting are among the other activities.
