t
Pre-07 Marlborough
Nelson
On the Water, on the Vine, on the Plate
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand the youngest country on earth.
New Zealand’s diverse and dramatic landscape draws many visitors to our shores. From fiords to rainforests, ocean beaches to volcanic cones, the relatively untouched landscape is breathtaking, but what makes the visit so special for many is the people they meet.
Maori people believe in the concept of ‘Manaakitanga’ this loosely translates as ‘hospitality’ – a concept that Kiwi people have embraced as part of the New Zealand experience. Kiwis are a friendly bunch and the care, engagement and hospitality we show our guests is based on pride and a genuine belief that this country offers something of everything.
New Zealand is regularly rated as one of the world’s preferred destinations not just because of its dramatic scenery, wide open spaces, extreme adventure, clean air, enticing food and wine, creativity and flair but also because of the ‘can do’ attitude.
Haere Mai. Welcome and enjoy your stay.
Customs and MAF requirements On arrival you will need to complete both customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) requirements before you can officially enter New Zealand. MAF is responsible for agriculture, horticulture and forestry, safe food, a protected environment, the wise use of the land and the creation of clean, green product. MAF protect farms and wildlife from imported pests and diseases by minimising the number of foreign pests and diseases entering New Zealand.
You will be required by law to declare any food or organic material you are carrying. It is important not to ignore this as significant fines can be given to those who do.
IMPORTANT: Please use the final itinerary provided in your media pack on arrival in New Zealand. This will include any adjustments and additional contact details crucial to your itinerary
The arrangements shown in this itinerary have been made especially for you with the generous support and co-operation of Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), Air New Zealand, accommodation and product suppliers as detailed.
Tourism New Zealand will cover the costs of your accommodation, transport and sightseeing activities and meals as outlined in the itinerary. Please pay all minibar, telephone expenses and laundry yourselves, prior to check out from your accommodation.
NOTE: check in for a domestic flight is 40 minutes before departure and requires photo identification. Baggage allowance is 20 kilograms. Excess baggage for film equipment only, will be charged back to Tourism New Zealand with prior arrangements.
Please remember that the operators will be expecting you. Please be punctual and phone ahead should you be running late.
Regional Tourism Operators Contact Details
Nelson Tasman Tourism Destination Marlborough Contact: Loren Aberhart-Heaphy – Contact: Olivia Bowers – Convention Bureau International Marketing Manager Manager Address: Millers Acre Centre, Taha o Te Awa 75 Trafalgar Street Address: 25 Alfred Street PO Box 788, NELSON PO Box 29 Tel: +64 3 545 6853 BLENHEIM Mob: +64 21 828 823 Tel: +64 3 579 2374 Fax: +64 3 545 6850 Mob: +64 27 223 0464 Email: [email protected] Fax: +64 3 577 5530 Web: www.nelsonnz.com Email: [email protected] Web: www.lovemarlborough.co.nz
2nd Contact: Tracee Neilson – International Media Liaison Address: Millers Acre Centre, Taha o Te Awa 75 Trafalgar Street PO Box 788, NELSON Tel: +64 3 545 1222 Mob: + 64 21 828 824 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nelsonnz.com
PRE - 4 nights/5 days: Thursday 3 Nov to Monday 7 Nov, 2011
Marlborough / Nelson: On the Water, on the Vine, on the Plate At the top of the South Island, the sunny Marlborough and Nelson regions boast fine wine, gourmet food, golden beaches and a unique artistic vibe. The Marlborough region is New Zealand’s largest wine-growing region and is internationally recognized for its award-winning sauvignon blanc. Nelson is particularly famous for its fresh seafood, as well as being a vibrant and artistic town, with more working artists than any other region. Both Marlborough and Nelson also offer multi- day coastal walks through four national parks.
Itinerary We’ll fly across the Cook Strait to Nelson to visit boutique wineries, local artists and a museum featuring wearable art. We’ll spend a day in Abel Tasman National Park and have a choice of kayaking or catamaran cruising along the Kaiteriteri Coast to the Tonga Island Seal Colony with options for short hikes. Then it’s on to the Marlborough Sounds where we’ll take a carbon-neutral cruise in search of dolphins in their natural environment, with an option to swim with the playful creatures, followed by a visit to the Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery Center. We’ll take an afternoon hike or kayak trip along part of the Queen Charlotte Track, which hugs the coastline and dips in and out of bays, and take a cruise to sample fresh-plucked greenshell mussels. Back on dry land enjoy a food and wine tour visiting a few of Marlborough’s 74 wineries along with boutique food producers. Delicious contemporary kiwi cuisine of these two regions will be a highlight.
Difficulty Rating: MODERATE
Story angles: • New world sauvignon blanc and the wineries of Marlborough. • Boutique food producers, including greenshell mussel farms. • Outdoor activities of Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough Sounds – swim with dolphins, kayak, hike. • Wearable art and the local art scene - Nelson is known for its wonderful light, which has lured many artists. • Lochmara Lodge – blends wildlife and art in an interesting way (lots of whimsical works on the 11-acre property, as well as a replica of an old bushman’s camp). The lodge runs a wildlife rehabilitation and captive breeding program. • The Boat Shed in Nelson has an interesting history – the building has been there (suspended over water) since 1890 and has held many different businesses. The current owner is an eccentric and fun character.
Unique photography opportunities: • Swimming with dolphins. • Nelson’s “McCahon” light (named after a well-known local artist who was instrumental in defining—and capturing—the area’s unique light). We’ll be staying in a great spot on the water and next to a peninsula; should be good opportunities for sunrise shots. • Wineries and vineyards.
Components requiring some exertion: • Kayaking in Abel Tasman – no previous experience required for the two-person kayaks, but the level of difficulty depends somewhat on the open water conditions. Alternate option: The Vista Cruise or Cruise & Walk includes a stop for hiking, which can be as short as 30-minute walk or a longer guided hike is available; the hikes are optional. • Swim with dolphins – takes place in open water (next to boat). Wetsuit, snorkel gear and fins provided. Alternate option: watch from the boat rather than jump in the water.
Special clothing or gear participants must bring: • Rain jacket overall, and warm/windproof jacket for mussel cruise. • Water shoes for kayaking are helpful. • Bathing suit for swimming with dolphins. • Sun block, sunglasses.
Please note: • This tour includes components featured on several full-day tours out of Wellington during the core convention.
Thursday 3 November Auckland to Nelson
Nelson Nelson is located at the top of the South Island, nestled in the northwest corner. The entire area is said to resemble the prow of the waka (canoe) of Maui, an important figure in Maori mythology, and was known by the Maori as Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui (the tip of the nose of the canoe of Maui). The landscape covers wide plains, rivers, golden sandy beaches, hills and mountains and is home to more working artists in Nelson than any other region in New Zealand. Nelson is also the country’s eighth largest wine region, and is a base for touring Abel Tasman National Park.
Nelson Tasman Tourism Contact: Loren Aberhart-Heaphy Tel: +64 3 545 6853 Mob: + 64 21 828 823 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nelsonnz.com
0825 Auckland – Nelson on NZ8375 (1hour 20 minute flight time)
0945 Arrive Nelson and drive to your accommodation, if check in is un available at this time your bags will be stored until your return later in the day. 1000 Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco is a handcrafted hotel and resort village located 15 minutes from Nelson City. Charming 20 room hotel and 34 fully furnished one and two bedroom cottages overlook colourful cottage gardens and a grassy village green. The Orangerie French/Kiwi cuisine restaurant on site features views over the beautiful Waimea Estuary. Easily accessible to Abel Tasman, local art galleries, beaches and local wineries.
Contact: Clare Davies Address: 6 Point Road Monaco, Nelson Tel: +64 3 547 8233 Email: [email protected] Web: www.monacoresort.co.nz
Note: Noel from Wine, Art and Wilderness will collect you from the airport and take you to Monaco Resort. 1045 Noel Kennedy from Wine, Art and Wilderness will collect you from your accommodation for a Wine and Art Tour.
Contact: Noel Kennedy Address: 99 Tosswill Road, Tahunanui, Nelson Tel: +64 275 776 975 or 0800 329 868 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wineartwilderness.co.nz
1100 World of Wearable Arts (WOW) Museum The Montana World of WearableArt™ (WOW®) Awards Show is an annual extravaganza held in Wellington twisting conventional perceptions of both art and fashion and weaves them into a two-hour performance that has been described as, “Mardi Gras meets Haute Couture at a Peter Gabriel concert directed by Salvador Dali”.
Nelson is the birthplace of WOW and here at the museum learn of its origins, see entries from previous WOW awards shows and see the enviable range of classic cars.
Contact: Jahmiel Sowman Address: 95 Quarantine Road, Stoke Tel: +64 3 547 4573 Email: [email protected] Web: www.worldofwearableart.com
Note: upon arrival you will be served a light refreshment
1300
Enjoy tastings of Seifried's wine and food incorporating sumptuous local produce prepared by Horst from Petite Fleur at Seifried Estate
Seifried Winery Nelson's first vineyard, The Seifried family have been making stylish food-friendly wines since 1976. Seifried's boast NZ'S most awarded dessert wine.
Contact: Justine Robertson
Address: 184 Redwood Road Appleby, Nelson Tel: +64 3 544 1555 Email: [email protected] Web: www.seifried.co.nz
1400 Neudorf Vineyards Drive through the historic hillside of Moutere Valley to Neudorf Vineyards. Here after a tasting, you will enjoy a light late picnic lunch in the surrounds of the vineyard. Neudorf is a small family owned winery with an international reputation for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Contact: Judy Finn Address: 138 Neudorf Road RD2 Upper Moutere Nelson Tel: + 64 3 543 2643 Email: [email protected] Web: www.neudorf.co.nz
1600 Meet with Brian Flintoff, a carver of bone and traditional Maori musical instruments at the Nelson Provincial Museum
Contact: Brian Flintoff Address: 89 Point Road Monaco, Nelson Tel: +64 3 547 3350 Email: brian@ jadeandbone.co.nz Web: www.jadeandbone.co.nz www.museumnp.org.nz 1700
Return to your accommodation from your tour and enjoy free time before dinner 1930 Dine in at The Orangerie at the Monaco Resort, hosted by Nelson Tasman Tourism’s Chief Executive, Lynda Keene.
The Orangerie Restaurant has been created where people can relax, slow down and nurture themselves while having a unique dining experience where the menu has been styled on contemporary kiwi cuisine with a French accent.
An abundance of colour and elegance, greets you as the French doors open, where you are warmly welcomed into a beautiful dining room, and bar area.
Web: www.monacoresort.co.nz/orangerie
Stay Monaco Resort
Friday 4 November Nelson
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
0800 Abel Tasman Coachlines will collect you from your accommodation for a day in the Abel Tasman National Park
0915 Check in at Wilsons Abel Tasman ticket booth on the Kaiteriteri beach front.
Contact: Darryl Wilson or Sandra Williamson Ticket booth, Kaiteriteri Beachfront Tel: +64 3 528 2027 or or +64 27 223 5807 0800 223 582 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Web: www.abeltasman.co.nz
0930 Option 1: Can choose on the day
Vista Cruise or Cruise & Walk Discover golden-sand beaches, lush native forest, spectacular coastal views and seal viewing. Travel in style and comfort aboard the Wilsons’ state-of-the-art cruising catamaran. Relax and enjoy a packed picnic lunch to take ashore. Optional beach stop with walking opportunities from 30 mins (unguided) to 4 hours (guided), rejoining the Vista Cruise for return to Kaiteriteri 1545 or simply stay aboard for cruise only returning 1300.
Option 2: Choose by 1pm the day before
Kayak, Seals & Walk An easy 2-hour Guided Sea Kayak explores the spectacular sculpted granite Kaiteriteri coast to famous “Split Apple Rock.” Then travel in style and comfort aboard the Vista Cruise into the heart of the Park. View the antics at Tonga Island Seal Colony then land at picturesque Tonga Quarry cove for 45 minutes with a guide exploring the area’s native forest before returning aboard the Vista Cruise. Departs Kaiteriteri 0930, returns 1545.
Lunch will be provided for both options 1545 Afternoon at leisure
1900 Nelson Taxis will collect you from your accommodation and transport you to The Boat Shed Cafe. They will return later to transfer you back to your accommodation
The Boat Shed Cafe sits perched over the Nelson Haven in an historic boatbuilding shed, with views across Nelson Harbour. This carefully renovated character building is a vibrant restaurant, specialising in fresh seafood. We recommend choosing “Trust the Chef” from the menu.
Contact: Daniel Monopoli Address: 351 Wakefield Quay, Nelson Tel: +64 3 546 9783 Email: [email protected] Web: www.boatshedcafe.co.nz
Stay Monaco Resort
Saturday 5 November Nelson to Marlborough
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and check out.
Marlborough New Zealand’s largest grape-growing region with 74 wineries producing internationally acclaimed wines. Renowned for its sauvignon blanc it has a growing reputation for aromatics such as riesling, gewürztraminer, pinot gris, chardonnay, methode traditionelle, and award winning pinot noir. Located at the northern tip of the South Island, the region is home to the Marlborough Sounds which encompasses 1500 kilometres of coastline, bays, beaches and native bush. This maritime playground offers some of the world’s best boating and diving, fishing, eco-tours, scenic native bush walks and lodges.
Destination Marlborough Contact: Olivia Bowers Tel: +64 579 2374 Mob: +64 27 223 0464 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lovemarlborough.co.nz
0800 Marlborough Travel will collect you and your luggage from Monaco Resort to begin your Marlborough Icons Tour.
Marlborough Travel will give you an intimate tour experience as if you were personal friends. With an excellent knowledge of the region's attractions, artists, craftspeople and winemakers, Marlborough Travel can profile the best of the region to suit the taste of any guest.
Contact: Scott Mckenzie Tel: +64 3 577 997 Email: [email protected] Web: www.marlboroughtravel.co.nz
0945 Arrive in Havelock to meet up Olivia Bowers from Destination Marlborough Travel who will take you on board Odyssea for the Greenshell Mussel Cruise with lunch on board.
You will cruise into the Kenepuru Sound where you will visit a Mussel farm and learn about these delicacies are farmed before sampling freshly cooked mussels with a glass of local sauvignon Blanc followed by the Salmon lunch.
Contact: Scott Mckenzie Tel: +64 3 577 997 Email: [email protected] Web: www.marlboroughtravel.co.nz
1300 Arrive back in Havlock and board the coach to depart for the wine region
1345 Arrive Nautilus Estate
Your driver will then take you along Marlborough’s Rapaura Road described as “the Golden Mile” of New Zealand’s wine making before heading to Nautilus estate wines to try some of their multi award winning wines including sparkling and Pinot Noir.
Nautilus Estate Wines Contact: Katy Prescott Tel: +64 3 572 6008 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nautilusestate.com
1530 Arrive at Cloudy Bay where you will sample some of Marlborough’s most iconic sauvignon blanc at the winery that introduced the world to the region’s most well know variety.
Cloudy Bay Wines Contact: Stephanie McIntyre Tel: +64 520 9193 Email: [email protected] web: www.cloudybay.co.nz
1700 Depart Cloudy Bay and drive through to Mercure Picton
1730 Arrive and check in at Mercure Picton Marlborough Sounds for some free time prior to Dinner.
1900 You will be collected by your driver from Marlborough Travel and for your 30 minute transfer to your wine matched dinner at Wither Hills Winery.
1930 Wither Hills You will enjoy Dinner at Wither Hills Winery’s exclusive Barrel Hall. Your 3 course wine matched dinner will be hosted by Wither Hills Chief Winemaker Ben Glover.
The iconic Wither Hills winery is situated just five minutes from central Blenheim
A great showcase for Wither Hills’ superbly crafted wines in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Contact: Callum Anderson Tel : 03 520 8270 Email [email protected] Website: www.witherhills.co.nz
Stay Mercure Picton Marlborough Sounds Mercure Picton Marlborough Sounds (formerly The Yacht Club Hotel), is located on Picton's foreshore and next to the stunning marina. The hotel is just 10 minutes walk from both the ferry terminal and train station, minutes from the local airport and in walking distance of the town. The newly refurbished hotel has 48 well appointed rooms with pool or amazing ocean views. Choose from comfortable spacious standard rooms or enjoy a new contemporary superior room or apartment. The hotel caters for all budgets. Fresh local produce and seafood is the focus in the Chartroom Restaurant which boasts an extensive menu and Marlborough’s award winning wines. The Boatshed Bar offers pool side dining and a relaxed atmosphere to meet with friends after your activity filled day in the Sounds.
Contact: Matthew Juniper Address: 25 Waikawa Road, Picton Tel: 03 573 7002 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mercurepicton.com
Sunday 6 November Marlborough Sounds
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and check out.
0730 Your luggage will be collected and transferred to your accommodation for this evening.
0830 Dolphin Watch Eco Tours
• Tourism award-winner Dolphin Watch Ecotours operates a variety of high quality carbon-neutral cruises throughout the majestic Marlborough Sounds. • Adventure-packed options range from scenic wildlife cruises and guided walks on Motuara Island bird sanctuary and historic Ship Cove to swimming with wild dolphins—don’t forget your swimsuit! • Friendly and informative commentary by our knowledgeable skippers and guides and a 98% dolphin viewing success rate distinguishes us from all other cruises.
Contact: Marion McNeilly Tel: +64 3 573 8040 Email: [email protected] Web: www.naturetours.co.nz 1230 Dolphin Watch Ecotours will transfer you to Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery Centre.
1245 - 1400 Enjoy a lunch matched with Wine at Lochmara Lodge hosted by Lodge owners Shane and Louise Olsen.
1415 - 1700 Option One Two and a half hour walk on the Queen Charlotte Track You will be transferred to Miseltoe Bay Lodge with an experienced track guide for a short walk on the famous Queen Charlotte Track. The first 30 minutes of the track is quite steep before you reach the ridgeline for stunning views into Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. The walk returns you to Lochmara Lodge.
Option Two Get out on the water in a kayak to explore the Lochmara Bay and further afield in the tranquil waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound with your experienced kayaking guide.
Options Three For a the less adventurous enjoy a tour of Lochmara Lodge’s wildlife recovery centre before exploring the lodges outside gallery and enjoying a soak in the bathhouse.
Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery Centre Lochmara is an ecolodge and attraction in tranquil Lochmara Bay in the Marlborough Sounds. Once you discover Lochmara, you’ll never forget it. Our character filled boat-access property allows visitors to interact with NZ art and the environment through bushwalks, Queen Charlotte Track access, hammocks, a beach, indoor and outdoor activities, wildlife breeding programmes, a sculpture trail, art galleries, kayaks, and more. We also offer a unique Bath House, with decadent day spa therapies. Visitors experience Lochmara on day trips, cruise/walk packages, or our unique accommodation and dining experience. Built by locals Shayne Olsen and Louise Bright, we are recognised as one of the best eco-lodges in New Zealand, priding ourselves on creating ‘highlight of our holiday’ experiences.
Contact: Allanah Robinson Tel: +64 27 494 1411 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lochmaralodge.co.nz
1700 Free time at Lochmara Lodge.
N.B. This offers photographers a great chance to take some shots of the Marlborough Sounds from one of Lochmaras many vantage points in some spectacular lighting. 1930 Stay & Dinner: Enjoy an evening at Lochmara Lodge overlooking the water of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
After dinner you may be interested in taking a walk through the glowworm grotto to see these beautiful creatures light up.
Monday 7 November Marlborough to Wellington
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and check out.
0730 Pick up for return to Picton.
0830 Your host from Explore Marlborough will collect you from the Picton marina and take you on full-day Heart of Marlborough tour, featuring behind the scenes tours of Marlborough’s food delights.
Explore Marlborough Explore Marlborough runs small personal tours showcasing the best of Marlborough food and wine. They specialise in looking behind the scenes where other tours will not normally go. Start the day by visiting some of the regions local boutique food producers in their homes and sample their delicious products. Along the way your friendly guides will talk to you about the rich history and varied geography of the region. Lunch is at the popular Wairau River Winery and includes a wine tasting of their award winning range of wines.
Contact: Karen Walshe Tel: +64 21 846607 Email: [email protected] Web: www.exploremarlborough.co.nz
1400 Your representative from Explore Marlborough will take you to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre for a guided tour of this one of a kind exhibit.
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre • Designed to fascinate, educate and inspire visitors of all ages, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre brings history to life in a spectacular presentation of static and flyable aircraft. • You will be transported back to an era of aviation chivalry - when the Knights of the Sky jousted above the clouds on horses of cloth and wire. • You'll learn about some of the famous aviation aces and marvel at the early aircraft in which they braved the skies. Our dramatic presentation of some of the world's rarest WWI aircraft and aviation memorabilia will leave you breathless. • Contact: Jane Orphan Address: 79 Aerodrome Road, Blenheim Tel: +64 3 579 1305 Email: [email protected] Web: www.omaka.org.nz
1400 First transfer to Blenheim airport (3 pax)
1500 - 1525 First flight - Blenheim to Wellington on NZ2450 (3 pax, 25 minute flight time)
1515 Second transfer to Blenheim airport (17 pax)
1610 - 1635 Second flight - Blenheim to Wellington on NZ2448 (17 pax, 25 minute flight time)
We hope you enjoyed your stay in Aotearoa New Zealand Ka kite ano! See you again!
Saturday, October 26