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.
 

A SELECTION OF ACTIVITIES IN THIS REGION

Blenheim / Wairau Plains  , Havelock, Marlborough Sounds and Picton

Blenheim / Wairau Plains

Marlborough Travel - Three Icons Tour
Blenheim Marlborough wine tasting tour and much, much, more. The Three Icons of Marlborough – Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc -, the Marlborough Sounds and Marlborough Green shell Mussells. Experience all three in a single day.
Website: CLICK HERE

Wilderness Guides 1 day wine walk
Wilderness Guides' unique wine walk is an exploration of taste where you can stroll from cellar door to cellar door, learning the intricacies of the wine making process as you go - from plantings in the vineyard to processes in the winery.
Website: CLICK HERE

Marlborough Travel - Marlborough Wine Tours
Join Marlborough Wine Tours on an afternoon trip to experience the magic of Marlborough with a visit to Marlborough's world famous wineries. Sample the wines, the olive oils, and the gourmet foods that have put this region on the map as the gourmet province.
Website: CLICK HERE
 

 Havelock, Marlborough Sounds and Picton.

Wilderness Guides Queen Charlotte Track Guided 1 - 5 day walks
Wilderness Guides offer the best guided walking and independent hiking packages to experience the Queen Charlotte Track
Website: CLICK HERE

Wilderness Guides sea kayaking, biking and hiking
With 1500km of coastline to explore, stretching from just north of Kaikoura to the tip of d'Urville Island, the Marlborough Sounds is a truly remarkable sea kayaking destination.
Website: CLICK HERE

Walks:

Queen Charlotte Walkway
The track runs from Anakiwa at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove at the mouth of the sound. Water Taxi Services operate from Picton to drop off and pick up walkers. If doing part of the track, this can be accessed either by sea or in places from the Kenepuru Road. The first section of track from Anakiwa to Umungata Bay makes a good half day return walk. The track gives spectacular views of the sound, and its many magical bays.
Track totals 67 kms 3-5 days (or part thereof).

Cullensville Walk 3hrs return to the chimneys, this track follows the Cullen Creek and starts about 3km south of Linkwater. Leads to an old mining site and some stone chimneys where miner’s huts once stood.

Tennyson Inlet. Several walks leave from here. Nydia Track to Duncan Bay 8 hours one way. Opouri Saddle, and Deep Bay 1/2 day

Pelorous Bridge, approx 18km west of Havelock, a bridge crosses the scenic Pelorous River with its rocky river gorge. Walk down stream beside the river.

Other Activities:

Dolphin Watch Ecotours
Owned and operated by highly-qualified marine biologists, Dolphin Watch Ecotours provides scenic wildlife cruises to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, Historic Ship Cove and the Queen Charlotte Track in New Zealand’s stunning Marlborough Sounds.
Dolphin Watch Ecotours - Picton Foreshore, Picton, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 573 8040
e-mail: info@naturetours.co.nz
Website: www.naturetours.co.nz 

Waka Whenua Tours, Picton, flexible wine tours, pick up service at noon. Also available sightseeing/historical/cultural tours
Phone:+64 (03) 573 7877
Fax + 64 (03) 573 7877
e-mail: wakawhenuatours@clear.net.nz

Walks

Wither Hills, Blenheim. 6km (2 1/2 hours) a circular route, 4km south of Blenheim Post Office, off Taylor Pass Road.

The Wairau Lagoons. 3-4 hours circular track. &kms from Blenheim of Hardings Road. Visit the wreck of the 'Waverley"

Guided Fly Fishing:
Windhawk River Guides offer professional fly fishing guiding to northern South Island rivers including wilderness fishing trips with access by four wheel drive vehicle, helicopter or on horseback. Based in Blenheim, specialises in heli-fishing trips, drop offs/pick ups and transfers.
Phone: +64 3 572 9132
Fax +64 3 572 9139
Phone Mobile: 021 223 5362
e-mail: fly@windhawkhelicopters.com
Website: www.windhawkhelicopters.com

 

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