Marlborough.
This
region is an area of great diversity, from the bush fringed
inlets of the Sounds to the relatively dry flats of the Wairau
Plains.
The
outer Sounds are sparsely populated with only a few goods
roads. Houses are scattered around the peninsulas, many are
holiday homes, some have water access only.
Commercial accommodations are few and those that do
exist are usually in the resort or retreat category because of
their isolation.
The
area is popular with fishermen and boaties because of its
unspoilt resources and interesting coastline. Mussel farming
in the area is quite a major industry and you will probably
notice the rafts of black buoys which make up the farms. The
main channel of the Queen Charlotte Sound provides access to
the port of Picton and is used by the inter-island ferries.
The
port is a passenger and vehicle terminus, also a loading point
for freight trains and trucks, which disappear into the
bellies of the ferries and re-emerge in Wellington. This is
not a container terminal so you wont see lots of cranes and
container ships. Far from it the town of Picton is a peaceful
and picturesque place with all commercial services.
The
road from Picton to Havelock is known as the Queen
Charlotte Drive, which continues on to Nelson. The road to
Havelock is winding and narrow in places but there are some
lovely views to stop and admire.
South
from Picton is the next major town of Blenheim, heart of the Marlborough
wine growing region. Following the road inland up the
Wairau River Valley takes you to many vineyards and there is a
marked wine trail you can follow. Blenheim has an airport and
all commercial facilities.
Visit the
Wine Region Map
and click on the Marlborough Region for a list of wineries to
visit.
Forest,
Maritime & National Parks
Mount
Richmond Forest Park, has riverside picnic areas ideal for
fishing and swimming. The unusual geology of the area is
caused by an alpine fault which form the southern boundary of
the park.
Marlborough
Sounds Maritime Park
The
many waterways were caused by the sinking and flooding of
ancient river valleys, resulting in an intricate system of
peninsulas and islands.
Queen
Charlotte Walkway
covers 67kms of coastal track from Anakiwa to Ship Cove, with
breathtaking views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sound.
You
can do as much or as little of the track as you wish with the
full length being a four day trip. The track is open to both
freedom and guided walkers both of which can have the option
of having their packs transferred to overnight stops. The walk
can be done in either direction with transfers available to
and from each end.
Other
items of interest.
Anakiwa
is the home of "Outward Bound" and personal
development program based on challenging activities in the
great outdoors. Many young people are sponsored by
corporations, companies and community groups each year to
participate in a program designed to increase personal esteem.
Sea kayaking trips also depart from Anakiwa.
Boating,
fishing sailing and Dolphin Watch
trips operate from Picton.
The
remains of the Edwin Fox a teak ship built in 1853, can
be seen at its graveyard dock in Picton. It was built for the
East India Company and carried, tea, troops, meat and coal
during its active service
She is the only surviving sailing ship to have carried
troops during the Crimean War, convicts to Australia and
immigrants to New Zealand.
The
mail boat run from Havelock is a great way to see the
sounds, carrying passengers on it's delivery run of mail and
supplies to the isolated properties around the sounds.
The
Salt Works at Grassmere 32 km south of Blenheim,
produce salt for industrial and table use, by the evaporation
of sea water. You will notice the large mounds of salt and the
evaporation ponds which are often a vivid pink.
The
Inland and and Seaward Kaikoura Ranges are
spectacularly rugged, caused by the rising and tilting of the
land They are bisected by the Clarence River Valley and the
mouth of the Clarence River is crossed as you travel
the coastal section of Highway 1 between Blenheim and
Kaikoura.