Hafen
Picton

OVERVIEW

Enjoy tastings at three premier wineries in New Zealand’s largest wine region and come away with a great appreciation for their unique terroirs and commitment to sustainability. The wineries are located south of Picton around Blenheim, the most populated town in the Marlborough region. The exact wines for the samplings will vary but you can be sure that they will include at least one Sauvignon Blanc. Although this green-skinned grape variety originated in the Bordeaux region of France, it flourishes in the Wairau Valley surrounding Blenheim, which lies in the heart of Marlborough. Ninety percent of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc is produced in this region. As the tastings will reveal, these Sauvignon Blancs are crisp well-balanced varietals with heady citrus aromas. And what better complement to wine than chocolate? While pausing at the chocolatier Makana, you will be offered samplings of its confections, all hand-made in small batches to ensure their quality.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample a selection of inspiring wines at three wineries in the fertile Marlborough region.
• Taste the region’s iconic Sauvignon Blanc, by far the most popular wine produced there.
• Gain an appreciation for the different terroirs within the Marlborough wine region.
• Enjoy a tasting of handmade chocolates at the confectionery Makana.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a sea-level perspective of Queen Charlotte Sound as you paddle its pristine waters, spotting seabirds and perhaps dolphins, penguins or fur seals. The adventure begins with a brief, immensely scenic drive through Whenuanui Bay Scenic Reserve, a natural wonderland that juts into Queen Charlotte Sound. At the other end is sheltered Ngakuta Bay, where you’ll receive a safety briefing and kayaking orientation before paddling off in your two-person kayak. For the next two and a half hours, you’ll be immersed in epic beauty – and likely solitude – as you skirt the shore of this isolated corner of the sprawling Marlborough Sounds, a water network so extensive it constitutes one-fifth of New Zealand’s entire coastline. Adopt an easy pace as you explore along unspoiled shores and secluded coves, keeping an eye peeled for the marine life that flourishes here. Possibilities include frolicking dolphins, fur seals basking in the sun, and little blue penguins – the world’s smallest – who congregate on the surface in small groups, then dive to feed on fish and squid. Looking skyward, expect to see endangered king shags and fluttering shearwaters who fly low and fast with bursts of rapid wing beats. Time permitting, you’ll paddle across to the wooded northern shore.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a drive across a scenic reserve area along Queen Charlotte Sound to sheltered Ngakuta Bay.
• After a safety briefing and kayaking orientation, paddle into the bay and adjacent Grove Arm waters.
• Spend two and a half hours immersed in beauty as you explore pristine shorelines and secluded coves.
• Spot abundant seabirds and marine wildlife that often includes dolphins, fur seals and diving penguins.
• If time permits, paddle across to the northern shore before returning to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing that can get wet.
• Flat, athletic shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, a bottle of water from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Savor the full appeal of the Marlborough region with visits to a historic aviation museum, an artisanal craft brewery and a chocolate factory. About 30 scenic minutes’ coach drive from Picton, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre showcases one of the world’s largest private collections of WWI aircraft and vintage aviation memorabilia. See everything from Chinese Nanchang trainers to the rare, bird-like Etrich Taube, a Curtis MF Flying Boat, an agile Fokker like the Red Baron flew, and the only Caproni Ca 22 parasol monoplane in existence. This unrivaled collection that also includes historic artifacts and personal belongings from flying heroes. Not far away is Moa Brewery, where you can enjoy a flight of a different sort: of beers and ciders. Produced using zesty New Zealand hops, other local ingredients, and labor-intensive traditional brew techniques, their range is a delicious labor of love. So are the sweet temptations waiting for you at Makana Confections, one of the country’s foremost producers of hand-crafted truffles, macadamia bark, Marlborough wine gelées and even some sugar-free treats. You’ll love every bite of this visit.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach into the Marlborough region, where historic and gourmet landmarks are on the agenda.
• Tour a fascinating, world-class collection of WWI-era aircraft at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
• See extremely rare planes and memorabilia, the personal collection of film director Sir Peter Jackson.
• Visit Moa Brewery, crafting award-winning beers from premium NZ hops and heritage methods.
• Stop in at Makana Confections, home of dangerously tempting handmade chocolates and other sweet treats.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Take a scenic walk along Picton’s waterfront as your local guide provides color on the city’s cultural, natural and architectural landmarks. You’ll shuttle from the pier to the heart of town and the white-arched War Memorial dedicated to locals lost in the battles of World War I. Strolling the waterfront from here, you’ll learn about Picton’s whaling history and its ongoing efforts to protect these magnificent mammals. A walk around the marina’s jumble of private yachts and commercial fishing vessels puts a spotlight on how intertwined this community is with the sea. Crossing a picturesque pedestrian bridge and ascending to a lookout point, enjoy spectacular views out into Queen Charlotte Sound – part of a vast network of ancient river valleys now covered by ocean water. Separated by steeply forested peaks, these Marlborough Sounds collectively comprise a fifth of the entire New Zealand coastline. Arriving at the crafts market and the walk’s end, enjoy a complimentary coffee, tea or a uniquely Kiwi treat – a scoop of vanilla ice cream with lumps of honeycomb toffee known as a hokey pokey. Afterwards, explore Picton further at your leisure or shuttle back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a relaxed Picton walk, taking in natural beauty, waterfront landmarks and historical commentary.
• Ascend to a lookout point for fabulous views of Queen Charlotte Sound, a river valley flooded with sea water 10,000 years ago.
• Walk the bustling city marina and see a craft market where talented artisans display their creations.
• Sip a complimentary coffee or tea, or slurp a cool, gooey Kiwi ice cream treat known as a hokey pokey.
• Stay in town for exploring on your own or return straightaway to the pier via complimentary shuttle.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat, sturdy walking or athletic shoes; regular street shoes are not suitable.
• Bring a hat, a bottle of water from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Cruise the pristine waters of Queen Charlotte Sound on a catamaran, rounding the rugged shoreline, taking in the natural beauty and even feeding fish in a serene cove.

Depart right from the pier on a comfortable catamaran designed for optimal viewing on the typically calm waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Like all of the sounds within the larger system of Marlborough Sounds, Queen Charlotte was formed when the surrounding river valleys filled with water during the end of the last ice age, approximately 10,000 years ago. It's separated from the other sounds by steep, serrated hills.

Scattered settlements dot the rugged shoreline, most of them so isolated that they can only be reached by boat. The landscape and lush forests haven't changed enormously since Captain James Cook sheltered here during his exploratory voyages in the 1770s. Indeed, the unspoiled natural beauty remains one of the primary draws of this magnificent sound named for Queen Charlotte, the wife of England's King George III.

You'll also spend time in Double Cove feeding the fish, which usually include herring, mullet and cod. Don't be surprised if you see king shags, a type of cormorant, swooping in, as they are highly skilled at catching fish. Still, no matter where you sail on the sound, it's the panoramic views that capture your heart and forever remain in your memory.

OVERVIEW

Experience the pure wonder of Queen Charlotte Sound up-close as you hike along the pathway that tracks its shoreline, ferried there and back by motor launch. You’ll board the Sounds Adventure at the pier, across the sound at a casual pace, all the better to admire the stunning scenery. Your destination is Mistletoe Bay – where you’ll step ashore for a guided trek along an especially picturesque stretch of the 45-mile route known as the Queen Charlotte Track. You’ll be walking over a clay soil bridle path originally traveled by the Maori, through relatively level terrain that rewards you for your effort with sensational scenery nearly every step of the way. Pass bushlands laden with palms, ferns, and delicate flowering orchids. Peer up at some of the same towering rimu trees Captain Cook would have seen during his own visit to this sound in the 1770s. Spot agile gannets swooping into the water for fish and listen of the fluting calls of the greenish bellbird or the highly intelligent tui, a bird that can imitate human speech. The flora and fauna are ever changing and always awe-inspiring. After about 90 minutes, you’ll be back on the launch, bound for Picton.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Step directly into the scenery surrounding Queen Charlotte Sound on a guided perimeter walk.
• Travel by motor launch across the sound to remote Mistletoe Bay, where you’ll pick up the path.
• Trek through ancient forest and lush, ferny bushland along a track that dates back to pioneer times.
• Hear exotic bird calls as you gaze down on the sound’s majestic sea-flooded valleys and hidden coves.
• With your guide leading the way, return to the launch for the scenic run back across to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

This pretty drive with your driver-guide into the Blenheim's wine district takes you to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, one of the finest collections of World War I aircraft in the world. Stunningly staged and mounted, the Knights of the Sky exhibition takes you back to another era. You will also visit a leading privately-owned craft brewery and taste delicious chocolate, during this half-day excursion.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

From Picton, travel down to Blenheim to Omaka Airfield, Blenheim's original airfield built after WWI. Omaka is home to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, hosting rare memorabilia owned by leading Hollywood film director Peter Jackson. The facility presents lifelike displays comprised of a spectacular collection of static and airworthy aircraft. As you enter the Aviation Heritage Centre, step back into an era when aviation was a gentleman's sport; when the Knights of the Sky jousted above the clouds on horses made of cloth and wire. Learn about some of the famous aviation aces and their amazing machines and marvel at the early aircraft in which heroes of yesteryear braved the skies. See such rare planes as the Caproni CA 22 (the last one remaining in the world), the Fokker DR.1 tri-plane and the De Havilland D.H.4. Part of the memorabilia collection includes items from Germany's fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron).

Boom Town Brewery

Boom Town Brewing Co is an independent, New Zealand owned brewery run by a small and talented team in the heart of Marlborough. Boom Town named after its home town Blenheim's nickname 'Boom Town' was established in 2018 with a mission of producing craft beer by locals for locals.

Their brewing is underpinned by a sense of place, of local craftsmanship, fun and discovery. They use only the finest ingredients and purest New Zealand water to create some of the smoothest, easy drinking craft beers in the world.

Makana Chocolates

Your last visit before returning to Picton is to Makana Chocolates where you can view chocolates being hand-made. Be sure to sample the finished product - a local favourite is their macadamia-coated chocolate.

Afterwards, re-board the coach and return to the pier.

Explore an authentic mussel farm and savour the taste of fresh mussels during this picturesque, half-day catamaran excursion to the Marlborough Sounds.

Picton, Pelorous Sound, Marlborough Sounds, Catamaran Cruise, Pelorous and Kenepuru Sounds, Penguins, Seabirds, Seals, Dolphins

After a short coach trip to Picton Pier, embark your vessel for a leisurely cruise through the Marlborough Sounds.The nutrient rich waters attract a wealth of marine life including penguins, seabirds, seals and three species of dolphins. During your cruise, your captain recounts local history, from the arrival of Captain Cook in the late-18th century to the pioneering generations that followed.

Greenshell Mussel Farm, Tasting of Fresh Mussels, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Wine

A visit is made to one of the sound's mussel farms to discover the secrets of raising these delectable shellfish. Mussels are raised in a suspended culture, hanging from lines stretching from the surface to the bottom. Your visit includes an opportunity to sample fresh mussels accompanied by a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Following your tasting, cruise back to Picton.

Experience the pristine natural beauty and inviting bays of Queen Charlotte Sound in an invigorating new way during this panoramic, half-day kayaking excursion.

Picton, Ngakuta Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, Coves, Bays, Beaches, Marine Life

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the kayaking base at Ngakuta Bay. Upon arrival, receive your safety and kayaking instructions and equipment, gear up and begin your guided, approximately 2-2.5-hour journey aboard a two-seat kayak along Queen Charlotte Sound. One of the most scenic and unspoiled waterways in New Zealand, Queen Charlotte Sound was frequented by Captain James Cook in the late-18th century. Its forested shore is dotted with coves, bays and beaches, whilst the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the sound are home to seals, dolphins and penguins.

Beautiful Bays, Dramatic Seascapes, Marlborough Region and Sounds, Davies Bay

Paddle your two-seat kayak around some of the most beautiful bays and dramatic seascapes in the Marlborough region, located at the southern end of Queen Charlotte Sound, A stop is also made at Davies Bay to relax with a light refreshment before kayaking back to Ngakuta Bay and returning to the kayaking base. Upon arrival, re-board your vehicle and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the best in Marlborough wines and see one of New Zealand's 'Garden of Significance' gardens on this half-day excursion.

Marlborough is renowned for both its fine wines and its beautiful gardens, celebrated annually with its Marlborough Wine & Food Festival held in February, and Garden Marlborough in November.

Wither Hills & Allan Scott Winery

Meet your driver-guide in Picton and travel south to Blenheim, the largest centre of the Marlborough region to Wither Hills winery, a bold piece of modern architecture whose clean lines make it both spare and imposing, but undeniably New Zealand-designed with beautiful stone walls and native plant landscaping. Taste some of their recent wines before visiting Allan Scott Winery. Allan has nearly 40 years in the wine business, which makes him one of the most experienced people in Marlborough when it comes to growing, making and marketing wine. When Allan and his wife Catherine decided to settle here in 1973, (Cathy is a fifth-generation Marlburian) .

Woodend Garden

Woodend Gardens & Vineyard is a rural property just 5 minutes North of Blenheim. The established gardens first developed in 1990, now owned and tended by Brian & Margaret Herd, contains a private residence surrounded by approx. 7 acres of garden and a 10-acre vineyard of sauvignon blanc grapes

planted in 2007.

Enter through a formal gateway and along an extensive curved driveway lined with blue agapanthus that sets a stunning scene for the established gardens. The garden features many different zones all with unique elements and hidden sanctuaries. 40 meter high eucalyptus (gum) trees planted almost a century ago stand proud in the SW corner. Many other large specimen trees are also established on the property including; liquidambar trees, dogwoods, magnolias & Gleditsia.

The tour concludes back at the pier.

The wealth of the Marlborough region has been built up over many decades on the efforts of its early sheep farmers, but since the mid-seventies the wine industry has prospered. Now nearly 60% of New Zealand's grapes are grown in the Marlborough region grown mainly on the Wairau Plain and Awatere Valley, with Sauvignon Blanc making up 80% of total production. Highlights of this half-day tour include visiting a typical working sheep farm as well as one of Blenheim's leading boutique wineries.

Wairau Valley

Enjoy the diverse changes in scenery from rugged steep forestry hill country to the flat fertile Wairau Valley, the home of the world famous Marlborough wine region. Travelling with your driver-guide through the wine region is stunning with row upon row of grapes as far as the eye can see, all set to the backdrop of the barren Wither Hills.

Kaituna Ridges Farm or Meadowbank Farm

Kaituna Ridges Sheep Station, a 1976 acre (800 hectare) sheep and cattle farm for a private sheep dog demonstration. Watch as the shepherd and dogs work together to bring the sheep in from the paddocks into the pens and then watch a sheep shearing and wool carding demonstration. (based on availability and timing)

If Kaituna Rideges Farm is not available, a stop will be made at Meadowbank Farm. A working sheep and cattle farm. Watch as the shepherd and dogs work together to bring the sheep in from the paddocks into the pens and then watch a sheep shearing and wool carding demonstration.

Winery

From the farm commence your drive into the wine region. Marlborough is recognized as one of the premium wine regions of the world. It's sunny, but relatively cool climate, makes it an ideal region for producing top quality wine with distinctive zesty fruit flavours. The quintessential home of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

The tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the rich Maori history, traditions, and people during this immersive, half-day excursion to the Omaka Marae.

Picton, Omaka Marae, Traditional Welcome, Carved Meeting House

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive to the Omaka Marae. Nestled among the beautiful landscapes and wineries of Marlborough, the Omaka Marae is the cultural meeting place of local Maori. Your visit today represents a wonderful opportunity to access a living marae (pronounced 'ma-rye'), and its history and people. Upon arrival, receive a traditional welcome and take a guided tour of the carved meeting house.

Maori Cultural Performance, Singing and Dancing, Morning or Afternoon Tea, Gift Shop

Next, proceed for a Maori cultural performance of song and dance. Don't miss the haka, a legendary Maori war dance that's bound to send shivers up your spine. Once your hosts are assured of your peaceful intentions, sit back, relax, and enjoy morning or afternoon tea. Feel the warmth of Maori hospitality as your hosts share with you more than 800 years of unbroken family history and tradition in Marlborough. A small gift shop is also available at the marae to purchase a memento of your visit.

Marlborough Wine Country, Vines Village, Wine Cellar, Café, Boutique Retail Shoppes, Free Time

Afterward, re-board your coach and head for a shopping stop at the Vines Village, a boutique collection of unique retail shoppes. This Rapaura Road landmark features a tranquil lakeside setting in the heart of the Marlborough wine country. During a guided tour of the wine cellar, café and six artisan stores, you can sample and purchase award-winning boutique wines, Marlborough olive oils, handmade fudge, and wonderful liqueurs. Merino fashion, gifts, designer homeware, crafts, and quilts are available for sale at the Quilters Barn. Your tour concludes with an approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Indulge your senses with the exquisite beauty and flavours of the Marlborough wine region during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Picton, Rapaura Road, Wine Country, Koromiko, Wairau Basin, Blenheim & Renwick Townships

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the exquisite Spy Valley via picturesque Rapaura Road, and a scenic tour through Marlborough's world-renowned wine region. Along the way, enjoy a relaxing drive, spectacular panoramic views, and local commentary whilst passing by Koromiko, the long, green valley, dry hills, and alluvial plains of the Wairau Basin, and the townships of Blenheim and Renwick.

Marlborough Wine Region, Spy Valley Winery, Guided Tour, Wine Tasting, Local Specialities

Upon arrival at the Spy Valley, located in the heart of the beautiful Marlborough wine region, a visit is made to the Spy Valley Winery. Take a guided tour of this family-owned winery, then proceed for a wine tasting accompanied by a selection of seasonal cheeses and local specialities. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the blue pearl-farming industry from a unique perspective during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion to Arapawa Island.

Picton Marina, Marlborough Sounds, Whekenui Bay, Arapawa Island

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Picton Marina. Upon arrival, embark a boat for a scenic, approximately one-hour cruise through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, a myriad of waterways and tranquil bays, with commentary from your captain and guide. Your destination is Whekenui Bay, located on Arapawa Island. This small island, approximately 29 square miles (about 75 square kilometres) in size, is flanked by Queen Charlotte Sound, Tory Channel and the Cook Strait. From the late-1820s until the mid-1960s, Arapawa Island was a whaling base in the Marlborough Sounds. The whaling industry, long since abandoned, has given way to salmon, mussel and oyster farms. Pass by these farms en route to Whekenui Bay, home to the Radon family.

Arapawa Seafarms Tour and Homestead Visit, Blue Pearls, Cultivation Methods

Upon arrival at Whekenui Bay, you are greeted by Mike and Antonia Radon, the owners of Arapawa Seafarms, where the unique paua pearls (blue pearls) are grown. Join Mike and Antonia for a guided tour of their pearl farm, which is not only a place of work, but their home, too. During your tour, discover how the blue pearl came into existence and see how they are cultivated. Depending on the time of year, it's possible to see paua of all sizes, from dust-specs in a larval rearing tank to full-sized paua with pearl inserts.

Radon Homestead Visit, Light Refreshments, Blue Pearl Jewellery Viewing and Shopping

Following your tour of the Paua Pearl Farm, Mike and Antonia invite you to the Radon homestead. Upon arrival, relax and enjoy light refreshments, and view the rare and exclusive blue pearls in custom handmade jewellery; this is the only place in the world where you can purchase these unique pearls. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience a unique part of New Zealand marine life, and spend time with experts in the paua industry. At the conclusion of your visit, embark your boat and commence the approximately one-hour return ride to the Picton Marina.

Upon arrival, re-board your coach for the short drive back to the pier.

Discover the pristine natural beauty, flora, and fauna of Queen Charlotte Sound during this scenic sightseeing cruise excursion.

Catamaran Cruise, Queen Charlotte Sound, Sheltered Bays, Coves, Beaches

Depart the pier via shuttle to your awaiting catamaran, which features an open deck area, comfortable, enclosed salon with large viewing ports, and restrooms. After embarking the catamaran, begin your scenic and relaxing cruise along Queen Charlotte Sound, the easternmost body of water in the Marlborough Sounds. One of the most beautiful and pristine waterway systems in New Zealand, Queen Charlotte Sound is home to forested shores, many sheltered bays, coves, and beaches, and jagged land formations rising suddenly from the ocean floor.

Double Cove, Fish-Feeding, Refreshments

A stop is made at Double Cove to feed the famous 'pet fish', including blue cod, mullet, and the sneaky paradise ducks. Tea or coffee with light refreshments is served during the voyage. At the conclusion of your cruise, disembark the catamaran and commence the short walk back to the shuttle stop to take back to the pier.

Experience the splendid beauty, charm and flavours of the world-renowned Marlborough wine region during this scenic and invigorating, half-day cycling excursion with lunch.

Picton, Vines Village, First Winery/Cellar Tour & Tasting

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30 -minute drive to Vines Village, the heart of the world -renowned Marlborough wine region. Upon arrival, proceed for your first cellar visit and tasting of three wonderful examples of Marlborough's Sauvignon Blanc.

Bicycle Tour, Marlborough Wine Region, Vineyards

Leaving the first winery, receive your safety briefing and bicycling instructions, your safety helmet and be outfitted with a bicycle. Afterward, begin your leisurely, guided, approximately 3.2 -mile (about two-kilometre) ride to two more of Marlborough's boutique wineries. Along the way, stops are made to learn about the vineyards and Marlborough wine region as a whole, as well as some of the most popular varieties grown here. The biking portion of the tour is over flat terrain, easy and suitable for all fitness levels, and a lovely way to connect each of the wineries.

Country Roads, Cycle Paths, Additional Winery Visits, Wine Tastings, Lunch

At the second winery, taste a full range of Marlborough's wine varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. From here, your bicycle-ride continues along quiet country roads and cycle paths en route to another boutique winery. Upon arrival, proceed to a private room for a wine tasting accompanied by a lunch consisting of local specialities.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your van and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.