AUTUMN & WINTER EDITION

U I D E G T O A MARLBOROUGH’S BRILLIANT BACKYARD Top 50 things to do, as voted by locals Marlborough locals have spoken!

The days are getting cooler, and we’ve gathered the top 50 things to do over autumn and winter here 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 over the cooler seasons. 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 6–7 Looking for something to do? PAGE 8–9 Discover the Marlborough Sounds PAGE 10 Quench your thirst

While you’re out exploring and enjoying the top 50, be sure to take a snap and share on your social media with the hashtags #brillianteveryday and #brilliantbackyard 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 Port Gore Croisilles Harbour Cape Pelorus Sound 4 Koamaru Meretoto/Ship Cove Nydia Track 1 Queen Charlotte Sound Kenepuru Sound Arapaoa Island 6 Queen Charlotte Track Rai Valley Mahau Sound 3 3 Tory Channel Nelson Canvastown Anakiwa Pelorus Bridge Picton Havelock Queen Charlotte 12 Drive 1 6 Port Underwood Pelorus River Rarangi 2 Rapaura Rd Cloudy Bay Renwick Blenheim 5 Wairau Lagoons

Wairau River Redwood 63 Pass Rd Taylor Pass Rd Clifford Bay Waihopai GrabValley a Rd bike and hit the tracks 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 gear up and take the whole family biking along one of the region’s many rivers. Queen Charlotte Track

CHECK OUT 5 MUST DO CYCLING TRAILS AS VOTED BY LOCALS 1. Mountain bike the Queen Charlotte Track, do a section or the whole thing 2. Hire bikes, pick up a wine map and tour cellar doors by bike 3. Ride the Link Pathway between Picton and Havelock 4. Mountain bike the epic Nydia Track (experienced grade) 5. Hit the trails of the Wither Hills Farm Park (check for fire risk) CYCLING | PAGE 1 Cape Jackson Port Gore Croisilles Harbour 9 Cape Pelorus Sound Koamaru Meretoto/Ship Cove Nydia Track 2 Queen Charlotte Sound Kenepuru Sound Arapaoa Island 6 Queen Charlotte Track Rai Valley Mahau Sound 7 10 Tory Channel Nelson Canvastown Anakiwa Pelorus Bridge6 Picton Havelock Queen Charlotte 12 Drive 1 5 6 Port Underwood Pelorus River Rarangi Tuamarina Cloudy Bay Rapaura Rd 1 Blenheim Wairau Bar Renwick 8 4 Wairau Lagoons

Wairau River Wairau Valley Redwood 63 Pass Rd Taylor Pass Rd Clifford Bay Waihopai To St Arnaud/ Valley Rd Seddon Nelson Lakes and 3 Rainbow Ski Area Lake Grassmere Cape Campbell

Ward 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 Wairau Lagoons Track and as relaxing as the Taylor River reserve. 1. Enjoy the autumn colours on a walk at Pollard Park 2. Do a day or multi-day walk on the Queen Charlotte Track 3. Walk from Marfells Beach to the Cape Campbell Lighthouse at low tide 4. Hike up Mount Vernon for the sunrise or sunset (check for fire risk) 5. Do the walk from Rarangi Beach to Whites Bay 6. Hike a backcountry track like the Emerald Pools at Pelorus River (bring your bug spray) 7. Walk a section of the Link Pathway along the Queen Charlotte Drive 8. Take a thermos and walk up the Wither Hills to watch the sunrise with your morning cuppa (check for fire risk) 9. Rug up and hike to the summit of Mount Stokes, the highest point in the Marlborough Sounds

LOCALS ANDLOCALS WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM 10. Climb the Tirohanga Track and take in the views over Picton on a still,

10 MUST DO WALKING TRACKS AS VOTED BY 10 BY MUST VOTED DO AS WALKING TRACKS cool morning

Furneaux Lodge

WALKS AND TRAILS | PAGE 3 Indulge in local cuisine and produce

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.

Food & Wine

PAGE 4 | CUISINE USE THESE BRILLIANT LOCAL DEALS AND GET OUT AND ABOUT IN YOUR BRILLIANT BACKYARD! EACH DEAL HAS ITS OWN T’S & C’S ON THE BACK. YOU CAN BOOK ALL EXPERIENCES AT YOUR NEAREST I-SITE

Scenic Hotel Scenic WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY chocolate on arrival. on chocolate 20% OFF MEALS AT 20% MEALS OFF AT SAVVY RESTAURANT SAVVY $25 BURGER + BEER DEAL Dine at Savvy and get 20% offyour meal! PICTON MAIL BOAT CRUISE MAILPICTON BOAT Boat Cruise. Book online and use code word beer/house wine from our menu, for only $25 Get 15% off Beachcomber Cruises Picton Mail mailboat2021 or ring and quote the codeword. apartment, breakfast each morning, 2 course set dinner menu on one night and bottle of bubbles & because! Enjoy; one night in a luxury one bedroom Perfect for anniversaries, just specialPerfect birthdays, for or Dine in on Wednesday and choose any burger + tap 15% OFF BEACHCOMBER OFF 15% CRUISES CHATEAU CELEBRATION PACKAGE CELEBRATION CHATEAU

& PAY FOR TWO TWO FOR & PAY

LUNCH AT HARVEST LUNCH AT

STAY THREE NIGHTS NIGHTS THREE STAY 10% OFF FOR LOCALS 10% FOR OFF Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Aviation Omaka $15 per adult, per exhibition to the dessert & tea or coffee for just $45pp

Marlborough locals 10% off weekend deal LOCALS ADMISSIONLOCALS PRICES

bread for the table, your choice of main, choice of Stay three nights and for pay just two at theof Bay

Many Coves Resort. Meals andtransfers included. Harvest set menu lunch – House-made sourdough Book direct by email to To book, email Carmel Horsley at [email protected] [email protected] or by calling us at 579 9771 or phone 03-5206187 Travel up to 30th April 2021: $3,995.00 for 2 adults share/ Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, limit of twin in a 1 bedroom apartment. 6 people per table, reservations essential – please advise Travel 1st May – 30th September 2021: $2,990.00 for 2 use of voucher at time of booking. adults share/twin in a 1 bedroom apartment.

Valid until 30th September 2021 Offer includes dinners, breakfast, transfers and full access to resort facilities.

Get in touch with Jess Jones at [email protected], call 03 573 6175 or visit www.beachcombercruises.co.nz/scenic-cruises/ 79 Aerodrome Road, Blenheim 7272 mailboat-cruises/Mail-Boat-Cruise 03 579 1305 The Picton Mail Boat has been delivering mail for over 150 www.omaka.org.nz years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds and we are proud to uphold that service! We are the only official licensed New Please present proof of Marlborough residency Zealand Post Rural Delivery Service by water in the Queen (eg power/rates bill) to access this deal. Charlotte Sound making this a truly unique and interesting Valid via the Marlborough i-Sites or upon arrival tour! Operating from Monday to Saturday, no one day is the at the Omaka AHC same as the route changes daily covering a different area delivering the Mail. Come and meet the locals. Valid until 30th September 2021

Contact Barbara or Chris, Corner High and Henry Streets, Blenheim, 7201 Smiths Farm Holidays Park, P: 0800 752 275 1419 Queen Charlotte Drive, Linkwater E: [email protected] www.marlboroughnz.co.nz/book-online/ Call 0800 727 578 T/C: Friday or Saturday night depending on availability (Valid for two guests, some dates excluded, until 30th Sept. Not available Easter or Queen’s Birthday/ valid until 30 September 2021) Cottage has 2 night minimum condition. PULL THIS INSERT OUT AND GET EXPLORING!

Harvest Restaurant 776 Rapaura Road, Blenheim

Booking recommended: Book online or call us today Visit www.seumusirishbar.co.nz/bookings.html, harvestrestaurant.co.nz call 03 573 5050 or email [email protected] [email protected] 03 570 5700

Valid until 30 September 2021 Offer valid April 1 – September 30 2021. Set Menu applies. 25 Wellington Street, Picton 7220 Additional wine/beverages available at own cost. Coupon is non transferable. Bookings are essential. Marlborough Tour Company Marlborough Tour Company

SEAFOOD ODYSSEA CRUISE ITS HAS BACKYARD!DEAL EACH YOUR BRILLIANT IN ABOUT AND OUT GET AND LOCAL DEALS BRILLIANT THESE USE $130 ADULT | $65 CHILD GREENSHELL CRUISE $110 ADULT | $50 CHILD Cruise the Marlborough Sounds, learn about and taste sumptuous local seafood including King Join the renowned Greenshell™ Mussel Cruise and salmon, Greenshell™ and Cloudy Bay learn about Marlborough’s ‘super food’ industry, tasting OWN T’S & C’S ON THE BACK. YOU CAN BOOK ALL EXPERIENCES AT I-SITE YOUR NEAREST EXPERIENCES ALL YOU BACK. CAN BOOK THE ON & C’S T’S OWN Clams, paired with a glass of sauvignon blanc. mussels at the source with a glass of sauvignon blanc.

SAIL WITH BLUEBRIDGE BRILLIANT LOCALS OFFER AND SAVE 20% Enjoy one night in a superior king ocean view room Sail with Bluebridge and SAVE 20% with code with a 2 course dinner and cooked breakfast for SOUNDSGOOD on Flexi Sail fully refundable fares – two for only $255 per room book with confidence now, travel when you’re ready.

LAND ROVER VINEYARD TOUR WITH COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING PIZZA AND BEVERAGE DEAL The tour is held onboard our 1985 Land Rover Defender custom restored and includes a flute of Free wine, beer or soft drink with the Pelorus NV on top of our Mustang vineyards enjoying purchase of any large pizza. the view over the Wairau Valley $250 for a group of 1-4.

Marlborough Tour Company PELORUS MAIL BOAT – MAIL RUN LOCALS LOYALTY CLUB! $120 ADULT | $45 CHILD

Visit Oxley’s and ask to join the loyalty club - receive Join the historic Pelorus Mail Boat for a day cruise like 5% back on your club card as well as drink specials, no other, exploring the richly historic Pelorus Sound, members draws, birthday rewards plus much more! seeing wildlife and local residents along the way. PULL THIS INSERT OUT AND GET EXPLORING! Valid beverage for booking, per amaximumoftwo people information centre. made withthispromo Bookings code coupon, reservations informcoupon, andplease essential usof September 2021 for 2021 sailingswithinthesamedates,September via under 5cantravel free with apaying MTC adult. group 0800 844 844 or [email protected] 844 844 0800 lunch anddinner, offer available with presentation ofa Liquor licensing restrictionsLiquor licensing apply. Thisisagroup tour a paying MTC adult. group apply. cancellation policies Bring apacked lunch. Childisaged 5-15 years. Achild is aged 5-15 years. Achildunder5cantravel free with that require minimum2passengers to proceed. Child are 100%refundable untilonehourbefore departure. Cannot be used in conjunction withany inconjunction otheroffer used Cannot be or will be limited to will be offering, ourhouse available both for Save 20%onBluebridge flexi fares withpromo code: [email protected] or 03 574 1088 574 03 or 1088 [email protected] Email [email protected] Bluebridge.co.nz, oryour i-SITE local 0800844844 Dolce Cafe, Restaurant and Bar, upstairs at at Bar, upstairs and Restaurant Cafe, Dolce Valid for made from bookings 7thAprilto 30thof www.dolcerestaurantbar.co.nz/booking/ or phone 03 577 9997 or 0800 99 0800 99 0800 or 9997 577 03 phone or The Forum, Market Street, Blenheim Street, Market Forum, The Promo valid 2021. until30thSeptember Promo valid 2021. until 30th September Call 03 579 3182 to book or visit or book to 3182 579 03 Call this offer when your table.reserving or visit www.bluebridge.co.nz Promo code: BACKYARD code: Promo BACKYARD code: Promo applied toapplied existing bookings. cancellation policies apply.cancellation policies Booking essential: essential: Booking Booking essential: essential: Booking SOUNDSGOOD

illustrate thevariety andmicroclimate ofsoil at the types Visit www.oxleys.co.nz/loyalty-club for T’s & C’s cpghotels.com/hotels/picton-yacht-club-hotel/ source, insightinto givingourguests thewine’s resulting flavour andaromatic profile. Lightlunchormorning tea Minimum guest number per experience: per number 1, MaximumMinimum guest 4. ‘terroirs’. We willstop inourpreferred vineyard sitesto Liquor licensing restrictionsLiquor licensing apply. Thisisagroup tour a paying MTC adult. group apply. cancellation policies is aged 5-15 years. Achildunder5cantravel free with that require minimum2passengers to proceed. Child This isanintroduction into theworld ofCloudyBay’s September 2021. Black 2021. outDates:September 2-6 April(Easter) Email [email protected] or phone 03 577 9997 or 0800 99 0800 99 0800 or 9997 577 03 phone or 17 April-2May holidays (school &ANZAC Day) Bookings andstaysBookings made mustbe by the30th [email protected] or visit https://cloudybay.rezdy.com/118028/ vineyard-tour-by-car-marlborough Promo valid 2021. until30thSeptember 5-7 June(Queen’s Birthday weekend) Call KC at 03 573 7002, email KC 7002, 573 03 at Call www.cloudybay.co.nz/visit-us using theusing MARLDEAL code Promo code: BACKYARD code: Promo 10-25 holidays) July(school [email protected] Picton, New Zealand New Picton, 1 Wellington Street, 1 Street, Wellington Booking essential: essential: Booking can be arranged.can be 03 573 7645 573 03 03 520 9147 520 03

CHECK OUT 10 FOODIE MUST DO’S AS VOTED BY LOCALS AND WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM 1. Enjoy an exceptional dinner experience at arbour 2. Head to the Farmers’ Market on a Sunday and try local produce 3. Eat fresh Greenshell™ Mussels in Havelock 4. Devour a long lunch at a local winery restaurant 5. Take Fish and Chips to Rarangi Beach – eat them quick or they’ll get cold 6. Visit 5 Tapped for a beer and tasty tacos 7. Sit by the fire at Seumus’ Irish pub for dinner and a beer 8. Warm up with a pie from the Burleigh, try them all By the fire to find your fave 9. Eat dumplings by the fire at Grovetown Hotel 10. Visit Makana Chocolate Factory for some delicious goodies

Cape Pelorus Sound Koamaru Meretoto/Ship Cove Nydia Track Queen Charlotte Sound Kenepuru Sound Arapaoa Island 6 Queen Charlotte Track Rai Valley Mahau Sound 3 7 Tory Channel Nelson Canvastown Anakiwa Pelorus Bridge Picton Havelock Queen Charlotte 12 Drive 1 6 5 Port Underwood Pelorus River 10 Rarangi Tuamarina 9 4 6 Cloudy Bay 4 Rapaura Rd 2 Wairau Bar Renwick Blenheim8 1 Wairau Lagoons

Wairau River Wairau Valley Redwood 63 Pass Rd Taylor Pass Rd Clifford Bay Waihopai To St Arnaud/ Valley Rd Seddon Nelson Lakes and Rainbow Ski Area Lake Grassmere Looking for something to do? Marlborough has you covered.

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.

Out in the kayak

PAGE 6 | ACTIVITIES Nydia Track Queen Charlotte Sound Kenepuru Sound 6 10 Queen Charlotte Track Rai Valley Mahau Sound 5 4 4 6 Tory Channel Nelson Canvastown8 Anakiwa 6 8 Pelorus Bridge Picton Havelock Queen Charlotte7 12 Drive 1 6 Port Underwood Pelorus River Rarangi Tuamarina Cloudy Bay Rapaura Rd 4 3 Wairau Bar Renwick Blenheim 9 11 8 Wairau Lagoons 1 Wairau River Wairau Valley Redwood9 63 Pass Rd Taylor Pass Rd 2 Clifford Bay Waihopai To St Arnaud/ Valley Rd Seddon Nelson Lakes and Rainbow Ski Area Lake Grassmere Cape Campbell

CHECK OUT 11 OF THE MUST DO MARLBOROUGH ACTIVITIES AS VOTED BY LOCALS AND WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM 1. Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre WW1 and WW2 exhibitions 2. Hit the slopes at Rainbow Ski Area 3. Head to The Plant to check out a local gig 4. Take an art tour and visit local galleries and artists 5. Explore the Edwin Fox Museum and discover maritime history 6. Play mini golf in Picton or Linkwater 7. View Marlborough from a scenic flight with Pelorus Air 8. Hit the shops in central Blenheim, Picton or Havelock 9. Visit renowned gardens of significance 10. Take a drive along the Kenepuru Road to discover the Kenepuru Sounds 11. Discover history at Brayshaw Park 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 - even on the cooler days. Seaside lodges and resorts provide a unique setting for an overnighter, or a brilliant location for lunch or dinner. Autumn and winters still weather means cool, calm days on the water. 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 visit www.cruiseguide.co.nz for tips and advice on how to make the most of your brilliant backyard safely.

On the water Discover the Marlborough Sounds

6 D’Urville Island (Rangitoto Ke Te Tonga)

French Pass

Cape 7 Jackson Port Gore Croisilles Harbour 4 8 Cape 9 Pelorus Sound 7 Koamaru Meretoto/Ship9 Cove Nydia Track 7 4 8 9 Queen Charlotte Sound Kenepuru Sound Arapaoa Island 6 2 1 Queen Charlotte Track Rai Valley Mahau 2 Sound 1 3 5 3 5 Tory Channel Nelson Canvastown Anakiwa Pelorus Bridge Picton Havelock Queen Charlotte 12 Drive 1 6 Port Underwood Discover the Marlborough Sounds

6 D’Urville Island (Rangitoto Ke Te Tonga)

CHECK OUT 9 MUST DO’S IN OUR BIG OCEAN PLAYGROUND AS French Pass VOTED BY LOCALS AND WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM

1. Morning kayak on the calm waters of the Sounds Cape 2. Take a boat cruise in the Marlborough Sounds Jackson 7 3. Deliver mail on board a mail boat cruise to residents Port Gore Croisilles Harbour 4 Cape 4. Go dolphin and seal spotting Pelorus Sound 8 9 7 Koamaru 5. Head out on a fishing trip (locals say autumn has the best fishing) Meretoto/Ship Cove 9 6. Pack your woollies and stay at the remote D’Urville Island Wilderness Resort Nydia Track 7 4 8 9 Queen Charlotte Sound 7. Go stargazing at a secluded bay Kenepuru Sound Arapaoa Island 6 2 1 Queen Charlotte Track 8. Visit Blumine or Motuara Island and see the brilliant native birds Rai Valley Mahau 2 9. Enjoy a night on the water’s edge at a seaside lodge Sound 1 3 5 3 5 Tory Channel Nelson Canvastown Anakiwa Pelorus Bridge Picton MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS | PAGE 9 Havelock Queen Charlotte 12 Drive 1 6 Port Underwood Kenepuru Sound Arapaoa Island 6 Queen Charlotte Track Rai Valley Nikau Cove Tory Channel Nelson Canvastown Anakiwa Pelorus Bridge Picton Havelock Queen Charlotte 12 Drive 1 6 Port Underwood Pelorus River Rarangi Tuamarina 1 3 Rapaura Rd 5 Cloudy Bay 4 Wairau Bar Renwick Blenheim Wairau Lagoons

Wairau River Wairau Valley Redwood 63 Pass Rd Taylor 2 Pass Rd Clifford Bay Waihopai To St Arnaud/ Valley Rd Seddon Nelson Lakes and Rainbow Ski Area Lake Grassmere Cape Campbell Quench your thirst Ward CHECK OUT 5 MUST DO’S TO QUENCH Enjoy a glass YOUR THIRST AS VOTED BY LOCALS AND WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM

1. Stop in at the Gin Room to taste With more than 120 wineries and a bunch of delicious local gin cellar doors to visit in your brilliant backyard, 2. Do the White Road Tour and visit the wine touring is a must. Approximately 2/3 of cellar door at Yealands Winery wine produced in New Zealand comes from Marlborough, and 85% of New Zealand’s 3. Try a local beer at Brewery and sauvignon blanc is from the region – although this play corn hole in the garden is a signature blend for Marlborough, each cellar 4. Taste wines at a cellar door with door will offer a range of other varietals to try – a fireplace and they’re right here in your brilliant backyard. The orange and red hues through autumn and the 5. Try from a selection of 80+ wines on preparation for new growth during winter makes tap at The Wine Station for stunning views over endless vines.

For more ideas on where to camp and how to do so respectfully, pop into your local i-SITE for advice and pick up a where to camp brochure. 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. Find out more at MarlboroughNZ.com/brilliantbackyard QUENCH YOUR THIRST | PAGE 10