M A R LB O R O U G H ’ S B R I LLI A NT BAC K YA R D

Top 50 things to do, as voted by locals!

A G U I D E T O

Here, you will find the top 50 things to do in our brilliant backyard, as voted by the locals who live, breathe and love their backyard.

So, hold on to this handy guide and start checking off the Marlborough Must Do’s. Take the family, a special someone, a group of friends or head out solo –

There is something for everyone to enjoy in Marlborough’s top 50.

YOUR TOP 50 BROKEN DOWN

PAGE 1 Grab a bike and hit the tracks

PAGE 2–3 Explore walking tracks in our brilliant backyard

PAGE 4–5 Indulge in local cuisine and produce

PAGE 6 Savour Marlborough’s world-renowned wines

PAGE 7 Immerse yourself in Marlborough’s wildlife

PAGE 8–9 Discover the Marlborough Sounds

PAGE 10 Looking for something else?

For more information, ideas and impartial booking advice, head to your local i-SITE to chat to our brilliant team.

Find out more at MarlboroughNZ.com/brilliantbackyard

While you’re out exploring the top 50, be sure to take a snap and share on your social media with the hashtags #brillianteveryday and #brilliantbackyard to be in to win a scenic flight for two with Pelorus Air. Winner will be selected on Friday 11 August, 2020.

Marlborough locals have spoken!

CHECK OUT 5 MUST DO CYCLING TRAILS AS VOTED BY LOCALS

1. Mountain Bike one of the trails at the Wither Hills Farm Park

2. Hire bikes, pick up a wine map and tour cellar doors

3. Tackle the Link Pathway between Havelock and Picton

4. Mountain Bike the Queen Charlotte Track (in season)

5. Mountain Bike up the Snout Track and check out the views over Picton and the Marlborough Sounds

Grab a bike and hit the tracks

Cloudy Bay

Clifford Bay

AnakiwaCanvastown

Tuamarina

Rai Valley

Renwick

Wairau Valley

Waihopai Valley Rd

Taylor Pass Rd

Rapaura Rd

Queen CharlotteDrive

RedwoodPass Rd

Blenheim

NelsonPicton

Rarangi

Wairau Bar

Arapaoa Island

CapeKoamaru

Nydia Track

Pelorus Sound

Kenepuru Sound

MahauSound

Meretoto/Ship Cove

Queen Charlotte Sound

Tory Channel

Port Underwood

Port GoreCroisilles Harbour

Pelorus River

Pelorus Bridge

Wairau River

Queen Charlotte Track

Wairau Lagoons

Havelock

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The Link Pathway

Mountain bike Marlborough’s epic high-country trails and coastal ridges, road bike undulating routes at the edge of the sea, tour on long flat runs through vine-clad valleys or take the whole family biking along one of the region’s many rivers. This peddler’s paradise has something for everyone.

CYC L I N G | PA G E 1

Cloudy Bay

AnakiwaCanvastown

Tuamarina

Rai Valley

Renwick

Wairau Valley

Taylor Pass Rd

Rapaura Rd

Queen CharlotteDrive

RedwoodPass Rd

Blenheim

NelsonPicton

Rarangi

Wairau Bar

Arapaoa Island

CapeJackson

CapeKoamaru

Nydia Track

Pelorus Sound

Kenepuru Sound

MahauSound

Meretoto/Ship Cove

Queen Charlotte Sound

Tory Channel

Port Underwood

Port GoreCroisilles Harbour

Pelorus River

Pelorus Bridge

Wairau River

Queen Charlotte Track

Wairau Lagoons

Havelock

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Motuara Island

Explore walking tracks in our brilliant backyard

Get to know your brilliant backyard step by step, via walking tracks to alpine peaks, golden trails on working farms and native bush walks in the Marlborough Sounds.

Marlborough walks can be as challenging as Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku, as beautiful as the Queen Charlotte Track and as relaxing as the Taylor River reserve.

Whether you’re hiking for a day or a week, staying in a tent, hut or lodge, you’ll love the pace of Marlborough.

1. Do a day or multi-day walk on the Queen Charlotte Track

2. Walk up Victoria Domain and the Snout Track and take in the spectacular views

3. Do the circle loop track and then do some bombs at Pelorus River Scenic Reserve

4. Walk from Shelley Beach to Bobs Bay

5. Hike a back country track like the Emerald Pools at Pelorus River

6. Walk the 3.8 circle Grovetown Lagoon track

7. Tackle a climb up Mt Vernon and Mt Stokes

8. Climb the Tirohanga Track and take in the views over Picton

9. Do the walk from Rarangi Beach to Monkey Bay

10. Walk on one of the many Wither Hills walking tracks

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Pelorus River

WA L K S A N D T R A I L S | PA G E 3

Marlborough is a foodie haven, with plenty of gourmet produce on offer from land and sea. Take a Marlborough Sounds seafood tour, visit the many local markets or head to one of the eateries to sample seafood delicacies and locally grown foods. From fine dining experiences, to brunch at the local farmers market – you’re sure to please the taste buds in your brilliant backyard.

Indulge in local cuisine and produce

Fresh seafood

By the fire

PA G E 4 | F O O D

CHECK OUT 10 FOODIE MUST DO’S AS VOTED BY LOCALS AND WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM

1. Get a pie from the Burleigh, try them all to find your favourite

2. Eat Greenshell™ Mussels in Havelock

3. Head to the farmers market and try local produce

4. Get delicious strawberries from Hedgerows Strawberries

5. Visit Makana Chocolate Factory for some delicious goodies

6. Do the Greenshell™ Mussel Cruise in Havelock and taste the delicious Marlborough Mussels

7. Stay at Punga Cove and eat pizza at the Boatshed Café & Bar

8. Eat dumplings by the outdoor fire at Grovetown Hotel

9. Visit Seumus’ Irish pub for dinner and have a beer

10. Have Fish and Chips on the Picton Foreshore

Cloudy Bay

Clifford Bay

AnakiwaCanvastown

Tuamarina

Rai Valley

Renwick

Wairau Valley

Taylor Pass Rd

Rapaura Rd

Queen CharlotteDrive

RedwoodPass Rd

Blenheim

NelsonPicton

Rarangi

Wairau Bar

Arapaoa Island

CapeJackson

CapeKoamaru

Nydia Track

Pelorus Sound

Kenepuru Sound

MahauSound

Meretoto/Ship Cove

Queen Charlotte Sound

Tory Channel

Port Underwood

Port GoreCroisilles Harbour

Pelorus River

Pelorus Bridge

Wairau River

Queen Charlotte Track

Wairau Lagoons

Havelock

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By the fire

With more than 120 wineries and a bunch of cellar doors to visit, a wine tour in your brilliant backyard is a must. Approximately 2/3 of wine produced in New Zealand comes from Marlborough, and 85% of New Zealand’s sauvignon blanc is from the region! Each cellar door offers a range of other varietals to try too – and they’re right here in your brilliant backyard.

CHECK OUT 4 MUST DO’S IN THE WINE REGION AS VOTED BY LOCALS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

1. Take a guided wine tasting around the Marlborough Wineries

2. Enjoy a wine tasting and the swinging chairs at Cloudy Bay Wines

3. Visit a winery restaurant for a long relaxing lunch

4. Try from a selection of 80+ wines on tap at The Wine Station

Cloudy Bay

Clifford Bay

AnakiwaCanvastown

Tuamarina

Rai Valley

Renwick

Wairau Valley

Waihopai Valley RdTo St Arnaud/

Nelson Lakes and Rainbow Ski Area

Taylor Pass Rd

Rapaura Rd

Queen CharlotteDrive

RedwoodPass Rd

Blenheim

NelsonPicton

Rarangi

Wairau Bar

Seddon

Ward

Arapaoa IslandKenepuru Sound

Nikau Cove

Tory Channel

Port Underwood

Lake Grassmere

Cape Campbell

Pelorus River

Pelorus Bridge

Wairau River

Queen Charlotte Track

Wairau Lagoons

Havelock

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In the vines

Savour Marlborough’s world-renowned wines

PA G E 6 | W I N E

CHECK OUT 5 WILDLIFE DISCOVERY MUST DO’S AS VOTED BY LOCALS

1. Water taxi to visit Ship Cove/Meretoto and Motuara Island

2. Go dolphin and seal spotting in the Marlborough Sounds

3. Visit Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Visit Blumine Island in the Queen Charlotte Sound

5. Take a cruise to spot wildlife in the Marlborough Sounds

Endangered kiwi and various native birds including the King Shag thrive on predator-free islands in the Marlborough Sounds, as well as tuatara, gecko and native frogs. The winding waterways of the sounds hold dolphins, stingrays, seals, and even orca and whales on their seasonal migration. Discover wildlife sanctuaries and their inhabitants, and learn about conservation and how we can protect the wildlife that call our brilliant backyard home.

With the family

D’Urville Island(Rangitoto Ke Te Tonga)

Cloudy Bay

AnakiwaCanvastown

Tuamarina

Rai Valley

Rapaura Rd

Queen CharlotteDrive

Blenheim

Picton

Rarangi

Wairau Bar

Arapaoa Island

CapeJackson

CapeKoamaru

Nydia Track

Pelorus Sound

Kenepuru Sound

Nikau Cove

Meretoto/Ship Cove

Queen Charlotte Sound

Tory Channel

Port Underwood

Port GoreCroisilles Harbour

Pelorus River

Pelorus Bridge

Queen Charlotte Track

French Pass

Havelock

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Immerse yourself in Marlborough’s wildlife

W I L D L I F E | PA G E 7

D’Urville Island(Rangitoto Ke Te Tonga)

AnakiwaCanvastown

Rai Valley

Queen CharlotteDrive

NelsonPicton

Arapaoa Island

CapeJackson

CapeKoamaru

Nydia Track

Pelorus Sound

Kenepuru Sound

MahauSound

Meretoto/Ship Cove

Queen Charlotte Sound

Tory Channel

Port Underwood

Port GoreCroisilles Harbour

Pelorus Bridge

Queen Charlotte Track

French Pass

Havelock

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The Marlborough Sounds is made up of four distinctly different Sounds; Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, Pelorus and Mahau. The winding waterways of the Marlborough Sounds make for brilliant boating, fishing, diving and wildlife viewing including dolphin watching. Seaside lodges and resorts provide a unique setting for an overnighter, or a brilliant location for lunch or dinner.

Enjoying the Marlborough Sounds safely and respectfully is of the utmost importance. Use the ‘Cruise Guide for Marlborough’ app, available on the app store or for tips and advice on how to make the most of your brilliant backyard safely, visit www.cruiseguide.co.nz

On the Mailboat

Discover the Marlborough Sounds

D’Urville Island(Rangitoto Ke Te Tonga)

AnakiwaCanvastown

Rai Valley

Queen CharlotteDrive

NelsonPicton

Arapaoa Island

CapeJackson

CapeKoamaru

Nydia Track

Pelorus Sound

Kenepuru Sound

MahauSound

Meretoto/Ship Cove

Queen Charlotte Sound

Tory Channel

Port Underwood

Port GoreCroisilles Harbour

Pelorus Bridge

Queen Charlotte Track

French Pass

Havelock

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109

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CHECK OUT 10 MUST DO’S IN OUR BIG OCEAN PLAYGROUND AS VOTED BY LOCALS AND WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM

1. Visit, stay or play at Lochmara Lodge

2. Visit boat-only access parts of the Sounds on a mail boat cruise

3. Grab your mates or the family and stay in a holiday home or lodge in a secluded bay in the Sounds

4. Watch the tide turn at D’Urville Island and French Pass

5. Cruise the Marlborough Sounds by boat

6. Stay at D’Urville Island Wilderness Resort

7. Take a guided sea kayak trip in the Marlborough Sounds and explore the many secluded bays

8. Have lunch at a seaside resort

9. Get a water taxi to Mistletoe Bay and walk up the Onahau Lookout

10. Catch a fish in the Marlborough Sounds

Discover the Marlborough Sounds

M A R L B O R O U G H S O U N D S | PA G E 9

Find out more at MarlboroughNZ.com/brilliantbackyard

Stuck for something to do? Marlborough has a wealth of arts and culture, from art galleries to museums through to concerts and theatre productions. Townships dotted around the region offer boutique shopping experiences and locally owned and operated cafes. Discover a new camping site and make the most of your brilliant backyard.

For more ideas on where to camp and how to do so respectfully, pop into your local i-SITE for advice. By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home. Visit tiakinewzealand.com for more.

CHECK OUT 6 OF THE MUST DO MARLBOROUGH ACTIVITIES AS VOTED BY LOCALS AND WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM

1. Camp the night at Marfells Beach conservation campsite

2. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre WWI and WWII exhibitions

3. View Marlborough from a scenic flight with Pelorus Air

4. Visit the boutique shops and cafes around Picton

5. Visit ‘Return to Eden Gallery’ for some local arts and crafts

6. Explore the Edwin Fox Museum for some maritime history

Cloudy Bay

Clifford Bay

AnakiwaCanvastown

Tuamarina

Rai Valley

Renwick

Wairau Valley

Waihopai Valley RdTo St Arnaud/

Nelson Lakes and Rainbow Ski Area

Taylor Pass Rd

Rapaura Rd

Queen CharlotteDrive

RedwoodPass Rd

Blenheim

NelsonPicton

Rarangi

Wairau Bar

Seddon

Arapaoa IslandKenepuru Sound

Nikau Cove

Queen Charlotte Sound

Tory Channel

Port Underwood

Lake Grassmere

Cape Campbell

Pelorus River

Pelorus Bridge

Wairau River

Queen Charlotte Track

Wairau Lagoons

Havelock

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Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

AC T I V I T I E S | PA G E 1 0

Marlborough’s got you covered