Experience the Top of the South Island

Home , Abel Tasman Coast Track, Farewell Spit, Saint Arnaud Range, South Island, Upper Moutere, Wharariki Beach

EXPERIENCE THETOP OFTHE SOUTHISLAND

COASTTO BEAUTIFUL COAST AFEAST OF VIEWSAND FLAVOURS 2 | Tuesday, September 29,2020 travel SPON SO RED CO NTENT Unique

Top: Buller Canyon Jet Photo/Buller Canyon Jet Bottom Right: HanzHerzog, EXPERIENCES Marlborough. Photo/Supplied TumblingoverMarlborough’s vineyardsinaWWIIfighter plane, or baking pancakes over naturally-burningforestflames—ifyou want unique experiencesfor your next holiday, theTop of theSouth hasplentyonoffer.

ELOPEINPARADISE Murchisonisalsosomethingofan If you’re searchingfor atrulyunforgettable adventure hub, with jetboating, location for yourweddingorintimate whitewater raftingand kayaking elopement,there’s plentyhereinthe toursonthe mighty Buller River. Topofthe South. Walk across NewZealand’s Take ahelicopter to amountain longestswingbridge at the topand sayyourvowsatsunset, or Buller GorgeAdventure and in thesnow. Gather on asecluded Heritage Park,orzip across the Abel Tasmanbeach,dipping your rapids on the160mCometwire toes in goldensand, or afar-flung beforetryingyourluckwith gold MarlboroughSounds lodge. Or, panning. THEWINE SIDE ride to awind-swept Golden Bay Withsomuchtodo, you may have run outof beach on horseback andtie theknot FIGHT OR FLIGHT time forafullTop of theSouth winetour. in amajesticcave; say“Ido” on Ever wanted to seewhere Sir Head forBlenheim’shistoricrailway station, thejetty of an alpinelake;in Peter Jacksonparkshis magnificent now theWineStation.With80Marlborough avineyard; or by awaterfall collection of wartimeaeroplanes?You’ll wines‘on tap’,takeapersonalised tour of surroundedbyabsolute findthematthe OmakaAviationHeritage varietals, from sauvignon blanc to tempranillo. wilderness. Museum in Blenheim,alongside rare historic At GravityinNelsonTasman, youcan taste Whatever youchoose, aviation memorabiliaand artefacts from both straight from tanksand barrelsonaguided tour weddingplannersfromthe regions World Wars,all dramaticallydisplayed. of astate-of-the-art gravityfed winery, learning canhelpyou craftyourbig day. Or,takeoff on a500km/h thrillridein theintricacies of producinggreat winefrom Fighter Flights’ V12poweredYak 3. Capableof none otherthanthe winemaker himself. FIRE &GOLD performingexhilaratinghigh-speedaerobatics, Whynot take aglass on location? If youlikeadrenaline, fireand gold, then don’t youcan choose how “mildorwild” youwant Cloudy Bay’s‘Come Sail Away’takes you overlook Murchison, aformergoldrush town your experience to be. andtheir wineonaprivateyacht through the withaneclecticselection of unforgettable TopCircle: The Dream Foramoresedateairborne experience, MarlboroughSounds, whileits Land Rover Maker, Rainbow experiences, including aperpetual firein PelorusAir cantakeyou above themaze of the andhelicopter toursintroduceyou to their SkiArea theforest. TheNatural Flames Experience MarlboroughSounds, while HelicoptersNelson terroirs first hand. Photo/Sarah Hodgett tour will guide you to theflames andtreat offerguidedtours of thefamousLordofthe Forsomething morerelaxing,indulge in an Photography youtopancakescookedover thefire,while CircleBottom: Omaka Ring locationsinthe KahurangiNationalPark, exclusive wineand food experience in Hanz answeringyourburningquestions aboutthis Aviation HeritageCentre or MurchisonHeliTours cantakeyou into the Herzog’s stylish winelounge, including a naturalphenomenon. Photo/RichardBriggs mountains for aromanticpicnic withaview. glimpse into thewinery. 3 | Tuesday, September29, 2020 travel SP

LUXURY WITH AVIEW ON

STAY &PLAYIN Waking up to nothing butbirdsong, SO thesoundofthe sealapping at the RED shoreand thepromise of adelicious CO breakfast followed by apampering thetop of thesouth NTENT visitatthe dayspa —stayingatone of themanyluxurylodgesintheTop Seafrontsuites, wilderness wellnessretreats,aprivate island, of the Southisthe perfect antidote wine barrel roomsand aB&B in agiant boot —however to busy modernlives. youliketoholiday,accommodationinNelsonTasmanand In theMarlboroughSounds, BayofManyCovesResort, Marlboroughtruly caters foreveryone. afive-starlodge in Queen CharlotteSound/Totaranui, HOBBIT HIDEAWAY WELLNESS, NATURALLY is nestledamidbreath-taking In aregionknownfor itsart,naturaldiversity Soaking in asecludedhot tub, naturalscenery, yetjustashort andalternative lifestyles,accommodation surrounded by mountainsand a scenic boat ride from Picton. comesinall forms.InNelsonTasman, it comes rushingriver is MaruiaRiver Retreat. Emerging from this natural in theshape ofagiant boot. Located at Jester LocatednearMurchison in the Tasman paradise,it’sashort drivesouth to House, knownfor itsbeautifulquirky art-filled District andaccessiblefrombothNelsonand Marlborough’sGoldenMileofwine gardens, TheBootisprivate, intimateand Marlborough, Maruiaistheperfect place andthe elegant MarlboroughLodge. features an open fire, spiralstaircase anda for some relaxation andrejuvenation. Setwithinextensivegardens, there’s juliet balcony. To thenorth,the stunningriver no better placetocelebratewine Or,livelikeahobbitinMarlborough’swine valley givesway to thegolden (naturally) andincrediblecuisine. barrel cabins.Overlooking thevineyards in beaches of Kaiteriteri, bordering Headingwest to Nelson asecludedvalley, thetwo barrelspromise theAbelTasmanNationalPark. Tasman,luxuryoptions an accommodation experience like no other Here you’ll findKimiOra Eco abound. TheResurgence whereindulging in alocal wineonyour Resort’s extensive dayspa,and Luxury Eco Lodge offers a privateterrace is amust. Split Apple Retreatwhere wellness, uniquewildernessexperience incredible cuisine andstunning whereeveningsare best spent vistasover Tasman Baymeldintoone in your privatebushbath, set sumptuousexperience. in 50 acres of native forest,orat Forthe active relaxer,the Topofthe dinner with abespoke garden to South is theperfectplace to combine table experience tailored by the activity withcomfortand cuisine.The Abel on-sitechef. Nearby, in thesecluded TopCircle: Bayof TasmanNationalParkand Marlborough OrinocoValley, Edenhouse is a6-star ManyCoves Sounds aredottedwith lodgesthatmean luxury lodge setwithin beautiful Photo/Supplied you canwalk, kayak, cruise or mountain grounds whilst theTasmancliffsare Circle Bottom:Outdoor bike allday,thenrelax withgreat food and Bath home to Te KoiThe Lodge at Bronte. wineatthe on-siterestaurantsbynight. Photo/PepinIslandFarm Setinaspectacular location,guests Or,let the adventure continue by staying Bottom Left:Food canindulgeinaperitifs andfine local overnight on thewater with Abel Tasman &Wine cuisine on thedeckatsunset. SailingAdventuresorAbelTasmanCharters. Photo/Te KoiLodge COME VISIT THEHOME OF PIC’SPEANUTBUTTER NELSON NEWZEALAND 4 | Tuesday, September 29,2020 travel SPON SO RED DO SOMETHING NEW

CO Sometimes, themostrewardingand memorablemoments of aholiday are

NTENT as simple as an amazingview, or the discovery of somethingnew.You just have to know wheretolook—sotohelp, here aresomeofthe Topofthe South’s best hiddengemsand naturalattractions.

EXPLOREANALPINE WONDERLAND CLIMBMTSTOKES St Arnaud village is thealpinegateway Toweringover theMarlboroughSoundsis to Nelson LakesNational Park,home to 16 1,203m MountStokes. Accessible by tramping picturesqueglacial carved lakes. Picnic beside track, thesummit is home to raresub-alpine Lake Rotoiti, indulgeinone of themanylakeside plantsand affords360-degreeviews across bush walks, or head to RainbowSki Area and theentire MarlboroughSoundsand beyond. admirethe sceneryfromthe topofthe slopes. Do something new: Stay at nearby Punga Do somethingnew:StayatThe Alpine Cove or Mahana Lodge to startyourwalk Lodge andhire acanoe to explore thelake, early. Summit before daybreak forasunrise stopping offatthe jetty to visitWhiskyFalls you’ll neverforget.

STAY ON AN ISLAND VISITEATWELLSLOOKOUT ThehistoricGunyahHomesteadonArapaoa Oneofthe best viewsonthe QueenCharlotte Island overlooks theentrance to Tory Channel TrackisfromEatwell’s Lookout. Theshort andcomeswith itsown beach. Stay awhile, steepclimb from PungaCove is worth every drink in theviews andlearn aboutthe island’s step forthe incredible viewsbesidethe GOLDEN DAYS IN GOLDEN BAY TopLeft: Wharariki rich historyincluding thenearbywhaling legendary signpost. Do something new: Take Golden Bay’snatural attractionseasilyrival Beach station. Do somethingnew:Watch theCook apicniclunch andenjoy it at thelookout’s therecognisedwondersofthe world, from Photo/nelsontasman.nz. Straitferries passingbelow yourwindow. picnic table withone of themoststunning thecrystal-clear Te Waikoropupū Springs, RightBottom: Mount viewsinMarlborough. to theintriguinglimestone labyrinthatThe Stokes SPLENDOURINTHE PARK Grove Scenic Reserve, themagicalWainui Photo/@Ahilsuhas Hiddengemsare scatteredthroughout the Falls, majestic Wharariki Beachand the Abel Tasman NationalPark’s pristine golden- iconiclandscapesalong thePuponga Hilltop sand coastline, withsome, like iconic Split Track—aday walk (ortour) that takesin AppleRock, best seen from aboatorakayak. both Farewell Spit andCapeFarewell. Must-doexperiences include the40-metre Do somethingnew:TakeatourofFarewell FallsRiver SwingBridge, bathingatAnapai Spit with FarewellSpitTours,orkayak andkayakinginthe TorrentBay Lagoon. around theTataIslands andintothe Abel Do somethingnew:Akayak,cruiseand Tasman NationalParkfromthe north with walk comboisthe perfectopportunitytosee Golden BayKayaks. theparkfromall perspectives.

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AFEAST OF VIEWS CO ANDFLAVOURS NTENT Deliciouswines paired with thefreshest seafood, rich artisancheeses,olive oils andorchardsbursting with fruit—the Topofthe Southisaveritable feastof flavours,best enjoyedatthe source.

TASTEYOURWAY From incredible wines to craftbeers and cider, theTop of theSouth offers some of thebesttasting trailsaround. Sipacrisp sauvignon blancand discover newflavours andvarieties URBANVIBES, at an iconic labelorboutique MARKETDELIGHTS Marlboroughvineyard, or savour a deep rich pinot noir at theSouth Island’s Food,wine, musicand great oldest commercial winery, Seifried Estate atmosphere —welcome to theUpper in Nelson Tasman.Bothregions have awine TrafalgarStreet diningprecinct trail, offeringeveryopportunity to indulge in centralNelson. Complete with across spectacular cellardoors andvineyard outdoorseating,hammocks andlive restaurants. entertainmentinthe warmer months, Top: Cougar Line If it’s hops that appeal, explorethe craft Photo/Supplied cocktail andwhiskybarsand plentyof beertrail from Nelson city to Golden Bay. greatfood, Trafalgar St is thebestway Be sure to visit NewZealand’soldestpub to soak in thevibes of this eclectic city. in UpperMoutere,and add thequirky, TasmanNationalPark beach. In Blenheim, head forScotch Wine live performance venueofthe Mussel Forthe ultimate scenery/food Bar, a1-Hat Restaurantwhere bean Inntoyourlist.InMarlborough, Moa combination, joinMarlborough bags furnish thepavement, or 5Tapped, andGolden Mile Brewingare craftbeer Tour Company’sGreenshellMussel an eclectic barwhere craftbeerand islands amongthe vines. Cruise from Havelock,orSeafood vintage motorcycles happily coexist. OdysseaCruise from Picton,toindulge in In themorning, head forthe markets. DINNERAND AVIEW Marlborough’sdelicious seafoodpaired with Nelson’s Saturday Market is famous Thetop of theSouth is as well-knownfor its wineand gorgeousscenery. forits colourful andflavourful offerings, naturalbeautyasits exceptionalfood and wheremanywell-knownglobal brands wine, andthe best waytoenjoy it is to FORAGE YOUR FLAVOURS have foundtheir roots. In Motueka, combineitall into one amazingfeast of Thereare fewthingsmoresatisfying Sundayismarketday,perfect forpicking flavoursand views. than enjoyingbeautifulfresh food some delicious organicsnacks. Watchthe sunset over snow-capped straight from thesource, harvestedor mountainsand glisteningTasman caught yourself. BayfromNelsonTasman’siconicBoat At AnatokiSalmoninGoldenBay, ShedCafewhilesavouringthe best youcan throwaline, catchyourfish of localproduce,watch theebb and andhaveithot smokedorprepared flowofthe tide over alingeringlunch at sashimi styleonsite, to be savoured at Jellyfish Restaurant &Bar on Mapua Wharf, itsbest. or venturefurtherafield to Kaiteriteri’sKai In Marlborough, KatabaticChartersoffers Restaurant. bespokecruiseswhere dinner is sourcedfrom In Marlboroughwinecountry,yourgourmet CircleTop:Anatoki themusselfarm or theseafloor,thenserved lunchcomeswith viewsofthe vine varietyat Salmon withthe skipper’sown sourdoughbread. Wairau River,StClair andWitherHills,and at Photo/Supplied Back on land, Cloudy Bay’s‘Forage’takes you celebratedrestaurant Arbourfor dinner. Middle Circle: Jellyfish into nature andtoartisanproducers to gather Or treatyourselftolunch in splendidisolation. Restaurant&Bar ingredients,tobeexpertly prepared by your Photo/nelsontasman.nz. From Picton,Cougar Line andBeachcomber chef foravery specialForage Dinner. Bottom Circle: offer dailylunch cruisestoMarlborough Andfor some family funinNelson, Pic’s BayofManyCoves Sounds lodgeswhile in Nelson Tasman, Peanut Butter World notonlyletsyou tour Photo/Supplied Gourmet Sailingwillwhisk youawayfor Right:Wairau River theirfactory,but thekidscan have agoat agourmet picnic lunch on astunning Abel Photo/Supplied making theirown peanutbutter.

From cellar doors to winery restaurants, biketrailstoboutique accommodation… discover something newinaNew Zealand wine region.

Findout moreatnzwine.com/visit MarlboroughNZ 6 | Tuesday, September 29,2020 travel SPON SO RED CO NTENT

Coast TO BEAUTIFULCOAST From golden sand beachestosecludedcoves andturquoise lagoons—the Topofthe Southhas such along, contrastingand fascinatingcoastlinetoexplorethatyou mayneedmorethanone holidaytosee it all.

ADMIRE THEABEL TASMAN TASTEYOURWAY AROUND The73km QueenCharlotte Track Famous forits golden sand beaches,sweeping Tastingfresh seafood paired takesinawidevariety of that granite coastlines andlagoonssotranquil withMarlboroughwinewhile coastline, from picture-postcard they appear almost ethereal, theAbelTasman cruising theclear waters of Ship Cove/Meretotointhe NationalPark is stunningfromany angle. theMarlboroughSounds, or north,tobush-clad Anakiwa The60kmAbelTasmanCoast Trackruns indulging in agourmet picnic in thesouth,withridgetop betweenMarahau andWainui inGolden Bay, on aprivateAbelTasman viewsacrossQueen andisone of NewZealand’s GreatWalks. beach —this, surely,isthe Charlotte Sound/Totaranui Thetrack is frequented at several points by very bestway to enjoy the andKenepuru Sounds. scenic cruise, watertaxi andboattransport, exquisite flavoursofthe sea. Like theAbelTasman, making it very easy to spendanywherefrom MarlboroughTour thetrack hasmanyentry afew hours to afew days just soaking in the Company’sGreenshell points visited by Picton beautyofthispristineparadise. Companies Mussel Cruise departsfrom watertaxisCougarLine such as WilsonsAbelTasman offerall- Havelock, theGreenshell andBeachcomber,which inclusiveand multi-day guidedtripssothat Mussel capitalofNew Zealand, canalsotransportsea youcan trulyrelax andimmerse in the andthe SeafoodOdyssea Cruise kayaks andmountainbikes experience. leaves from Picton.Bothtours (bikingispermittedonthe Combining land andsea experiencesis cruise past mussel andsalmonfarms, track).Bothcompanies offerscenic thebestway to enjoythe unique,contrasting andoffer generous servings of freshly cruiseswith theoptionofstopping landscapes andnatural attractionsalong the prepared mussels, King salmon,Cloudy Bay at MotuaraIsland,aprotected bird sweepingcoast.Walk, cruise,sail or paddle Clamsand paua. sanctuary,oraday trip to historic Ship Cove/ in by seakayak andventure up hidden Or,why not catchyourown dinner? TopLeft: TheQueen Meretoto. lagoons andrivers, overnightingatbeachfront KatabaticCharterswilltakeyou fishing and CharlotteTrack, On thequieter butnolessinteresting side Marlborough lodgesorDOC campsites. Thepalette of foraginginthe Sounds,beforeyourcatch of theSounds, thePelorus Mail Boat from Photo/Supplied coastalcoloursisjustasspectacular from is prepared on-board by your skipper, who Havelock offers auniquelocals’ perspective on TopRight:Onetahuti thesky.Helicopter in from Nelson,Motueka happenstobeatrained chef. life in isolated properties,and afull-daytrip will in Abel Tasman or Marlborough, andlandnearstunning National Park take you to cornersofthisvastcoastline rarely Awaroa Beach, famouslypurchased by the SOUNDSLIKEADVENTURE Photo/Kaiteriteri Kayaks seen by visitors. NewZealand public.Onceyou’re therein Comprising of onefifthofNew Zealand’s Circle:The Greenshell Andofcourse, theMarlboroughSounds, too, theheart of thepark,stayawhileatAwaroa totalcoastline, just lookingatamapofthe MusselCruise, is spectacular from thesky —bookahelicopter Lodge, or walk asection of thetrack to MarlboroughSoundsisenough to bringout Marlborough tour with alocal operator,orhavethemlandat discover morehiddendelightsofthe park. an itch for adventure. Photo/Supplied asecludedlodge forlunch or to stay. 7 | Tuesday, September 29,2020 travel SPON SO RED CO NTENT

INLAND SPLENDOUR

Theinlandroute from Marlboroughto Nelson Tasman mayoften be theroad less travelled, butits undiscoveredbeauty will not disappoint. Touring From Picton,cross theWairau Riverinto Marlboroughwinecountry, where cellar doorsabound. Stay anddoawinetour, or popintowineriesindependently fora THETOP OF THESOUTH casualtasting andaplatter or vineyard With sceneryfor milesand an endless varietyofthingstosee,taste anddo, theTop of the lunch. Thevines remain aconstant SouthIslandlends itself perfectlytoaroadtripthatstretches across theNelson Tasman companion untilfar up SH63 in the andMarlborough regions. Here aretwo suggested routes. WairauValley, bordered by therugged Richmond Range,which leadstoSt COASTALEXPLORER longestflying foxexperiences,quadbiking, Arnaud in Nelson LakesNationalPark. From thescenicseaside town of Picton paintball, archeryand more. This popularspotisthe perfectbase to to Collingwood in Golden Bay, the By now you’rejustminutesfrom access Rainbow Ski Area but, if you’re coastalroads promiseincredible central Nelson,beyond which not visiting in winter,there is plentyof naturalbeautyand delicious treats is theiconicseaside sceneryof hikingand mountainbikinginthisalpine alongthe way. RocksRoadand Tahunanui wonderland. Afteracoffee on Picton’s Beach. Take time to enjoythe Thehighwaycontinues to Murchison, picturesqueforeshore, head uninterruptedviews from the ahistoric gold rush town with an edge straight into quintessential sand to themountains,go of adrenalineonoffer with jet boating MarlboroughSounds scenery paddle-boardingaroundthe andrafting.Try gold panning,stayata on QueenCharlotte Drive bayorindulgeinsome seaside luxury forest retreat,and admire pristine to Havelock,stopping for diningatWakefieldQuay. waterfalls. photos on hills andlongjetties Headingsouth,swapSH6 overlookingcalmbays. Arriving for SH60 in Richmondand in Havelock,giant Greenshell discover the 22 cellar doorsacross musselshintatits status as the theWaimea Plains andMoutere Greenshell mussel capitalofthe world. Valley.Thenit’sachoice betweenthe Enjoy abowloffreshly steamedmussels boutiqueshops andwaterside cafesat at acafe, or eatthematthe source onthe beautifulMapua,the artisanexperiences and Greenshell Mussel Cruise. localcuisine of UpperMoutere or Motueka’s Continuingwest, stop at PelorusBridge Top: Wine tastings at famous doughnutsatThe SmokingBarrel —or, spanning thedeep, crystal-clearriver,a Forrest Wines, just do them all. Marlborough drawcard forswimmers in summer,before Back on thehighway, it’s ashortsharp uphill Photo/Supplied anotherstopatthe Hira Store, long known to thesummit of Takaka Hill,characterised Middle: WhanganuiInlet, for itsgenerousscoopsoficecreamand large by marble outcrops andancient caves, then Westhaven varietyofflavours.Hereyou’ll see theturnoff Photo/nelsontasman.nz down to glorious Golden Bay. From thefamous to CableBay,adetourpromising swimming, Right: GroveScenic Mussel Inn to thefascinating Te Waikoropupu kayaking anddivingnearamarine reserve, a Reserve Springs,historicCollingwood,FarewellSpitand hilltop walkwayoverlooking TasmanBay and Photo/nelsontasman.nz beaches rangingfromgolden sand to wildand an adventure park offeringone of theworld’s windswept, thebay really does have it all.

BE IN TO WIN THEULTIMATEHOLIDAY PACKAGEFOR TWO If you’ve been dreamingofaholidayinthe Topofthe South,wecouldmakeyour dreams come true.

Enter for your chance to win an all-inclusive trip you’ll spend two nights by the seaside. with Wilsons Abel Tasman, staying overnight in spectacular beachfront lodges, cruising past The WW1 and WW2 exhibitions at Omaka Aviation islands and inlets, and taking a guided walk Heritage Centre are calling you next, as is a voucher through lush native bush. to enjoy the exceptional food and beverage that Marlborough isrenowned for.The journey to and from A night in Nelson City is also on the cards, where you the Top ofthe South is just as incredible,and you’ll have can indulge in cuisine that is Uniquely Nelson, before the optiontofly in oneway andout theother thanksto relaxing for the evening at Rutherford Hotel Nelson. Nelson and Marlborough Airports. You’ll also be treated to a scenic journey through the stunning Marlborough Sounds with Cougar Line If a trip to the top of the South Islandisatthe top of Water Transfers, docking at Furneaux Lodge where your bucket list, all of this could be yours. To enter: Visitnelsontasman.nz/topofthesouth and register your details. *T&C’s apply 8 | Tuesday, September 29,2020 travel SPON SO RED CO NTENT

TopLeft: Pelorus River Immerse Hobbit KayakTour Photo/ Supplied TopRight:Skydive Abel Tasman Photo/Skydive Abel Tasman IN THEGREAT OUTDOORS

From paddle boardyogatoskydiving andziplining, cyclingthrough thevineyards or BARRELS OF FUN kayaking thecoastline, theTop of the Southispackedwithall theromance,fun and Forthose whoprefertheir holiday with asideof adrenaline, head forthe longestSkywireinthe adventureyou need foraweekendawaywithaloved one. worldatCable BayAdventurePark near Nelson. So high youcan seeMtTaranakionaclear MAKING WAVES CUSTOM ARTTRAIL dayfromthe top, thefour-person ﬂyingfox If you’re happiest on thewater,the entire TheTop of theSouth is widely known reaches100kphand onceyou reachthe Topofthe South is your oyster. for itsvibrant art scene, so creating end, youdoitagain —backwards. Paddle thecoastline of theAbelTasman your ownart trailisagreat wayto Across Tasman Bay, adventure NationalPark or thetranquilMarlborough explore. options include canyoningin, or Sounds in asea kayakfor aday or for more, Begin in thebeautifulMoutere skydiving over,the Abel Tasman or optfor aguidedtrip withalocal guideto Hills, amagnetfor sculptors, NationalPark,whilesouth near ensure yousee allthe best spots. ceramicartists, woodworkersand Murchison, you cangorafting Forsomethingabit different, explorein artisan food producers. Nearby, or jetboating down thepowerful adouble or single hulled outriggercanoe Höglund ArtGlass hasbeena Buller River throughnarrow gorges. withWakaAbelTasman, whilelearning mainstay of Nelson Tasman’s art Forslightlylessadrenalinebut moreabout Aotearoa’s uniqueheritage scenefor decades, whereyou can barrelsoffun,visit thePelorus River andtraditionalMaori custom.FromPicton, marvel at intricate glasscreations betweenNelsonand Blenheim,for explorethatheritage furtherbyexploringShip andwatch glassblowinginaction. theuniqueHobbitBarrelRun Kayak Cove/Meretoto,the site of some In Nelson city,the SuterArt Gallery, Tour,where thefamousbarrel sceneofThe of theearliest sustained one of NewZealand’s oldest cultural Hobbit:The Desolation of Smaugwas ﬁlmed. contactbetween Maori venueswithamoderntwist,isa andEuropeans. must-do. Left Circle:Wine touring PEDALPOWER At Nelson’s Mix galleryvisitswithatour by bike,Marlborough On dry land,Tasman’sGreat TasteTrail is Photo/Supplied Tahunanui of Nelson’s murals:Fromthe theperfect waycreateyourown bespoke RightCircle: KatieGold, Beach, urban jungle at 1903 Square journey by bike.The 174kmtrail beginsatthe MoutereArtisans renting a to thegiant waterfront Nelson i-SITE andloops theregion. Along the Photo/nelsontasman.nz paddleboard windowonRocks Road, way, tastedelicious localfood, wine, beer is oneofthe this is afun wayexplore andcider,stayinamazingaccommodation best ways urban art, best enjoyed by anddiscoverlocal activities andstunning to explore bike. landscapes. thepristine In Picton,the Good Day In Picton,ridethe Link Pathway TasmanBay Galleryhas an impressive connecting Picton andHavelock, or venture coastline, privatecollection of onto themanyother localwalking and including contemporary NewZealand mountainbikingtrails. FifeshireRock, art,whilethe long-established On theWairau Plains near Blenheim, HaulashoreIsland Diversion Galleryisoften abig hireabikeand pedal betweenwineries andthe BoulderBank. surprise to art loversand collectors. independently,orchoose aguidedtour.

! ole Family Fun for the Whoh

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EXPERIENCE ONE Capep FarewellHorse Treks-GoldenBay OF NEW ZEALAND’S MOST SPECTACULAR ENVIRONMENTS. Tours include Gannet Colony, Cape Farewell, Fossil Point &the Light House.

www.farewellspit.com •[email protected] •0800 808 257 www.horsetreksnz.co.nz •Phone03524 8031

CruisC eMARLBOROUGHSOUNDS Jade Tours -YourHosts Sue&Mike in acontrolled and safe environment Making Memories in Marlborough Fun, Flexible &InformativeTours SENIORSAffinity Cruises have been cruising with the NZ 60+age range since 1996 Wine Tours | Scenic Tours | Personal or Small Private Group Tours Cruise and Walk Scenic Cruises Experience the best of Marlborough with Jade Tours. Join us for aFull or Half day wine toutourrt throughhrough our world famous Queen Charlotte Track or QueenCharlotte, Pelorus, vineyards.Marlborough wines are exceptional. Pelorus Tracks Kenepuru Sounds,French 4or6Nights Pass, d’Urville Island From $1,700pp 10,6or5Nights Walk as Much or as Little from $2,100pp as YOU like! Relaxand Enjoy!

Tripadvisor’sTravellers Choice for 2020 marlboroughjadetours.co.nz Call: 027 951 1956 Email: [email protected]

We areknown forour Wine Exhibition, which is the best introduction to wine in Marlborough, and Te Pokohiwi 1250 A.D., our unique Polynesian settlement and archaeologysite.Smaller exhibitions includeVictorian and natural history.

•Experience Arapawa Island •Amazing accommodation •Paua Pearl Tourswith light refreshments, tour of the Paua farm and purchasing jewellery WE LOOK FORWARDTO made by local jewellers. •Scenicwalks with incredible WELCOMING YOU views Cloudy Bay Vineyards •Fishing and Diving close by for 230 Jacksons Road all to enjoy. Marlborough 7240 •For alove of the sea experience Open: Wednesday-Sunday, •Arapawaisland-uniqueand 11am -4pm unforgettable +643 520 9147 cloudybay.co.nz arapawahomestead.co.nz arapawabluepearls.co.nzbl l 10 | Tuesday, September 29,2020 travel SPON SO RED CO NTENT

CRUISING

WITH THETOP DOWN RentAClassic 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider S2 IN NELSON TASMAN &MARLBOROUGH Photo/RentAclassic

Road tripping in aclassic car, helicopteringtoremotelodgesorcruisingthe beautiful SEACHANGE clearwatersbyboat—the Topofthe Southissoeasytoget to,but it’s also stress- Bringingyourown carorcampervan from theNorth Island is as easy as driving ontoa free andfun to getaround. ferryindowntownWellington, then emerging intobeautiful Picton.The Interislander and TOUCHDOWNINPARADISE Bluebridge ferries crossCookStrait severaltimes Centrally locatedwithin NewZealand, daily, andcome withthe addedbonus of a theTop of theSouth is easy to gettofrom scenic cruise throughthe MarlboroughSounds. anywhere. If that scenery piques yourinterest, stay on In less time than it would take to negotiate thewater andexplore.Beachcomber Cruises abusyAucklandmotorwayonalong andCougar Line will whiskyou forlunch at far- weekend, you couldbetouchingdownin flung Sounds lodges or several points along the paradise,relaxed andready to explore. QueenCharlotte Track. To exploreneighbouring Nelson Airportiswellconnected with Pelorus/Te Hoiere Sound, watertransport therestofthe country,offeringdirect options include thePelorus Mail Boat and flights betweensix destinations, including Havelock WaterTaxis. Auckland,Wellington, Palmerston North In theAbelTasmanNationalPark,the seais andParaparaumu,whileBlenheimand also agreat waytoexplore furtherafield.Catch Picton Airports have direct flightsfrom asceniccruise,water taxi or boattrip from Auckland andWellington. Choose between MarahauorKaiteriteri. AirNew Zealand, Sounds AirorOriginAir;the journey from AucklandtoNelsonisaquick THECLASSIC ROAD TRIP 75 minutes, or 90 minutes to Blenheim.In Cruising thesun-soakedcoastline withthe Marlborough, therunway is right in theheart topdown, thewindinyourhair –it’sthe of winecountry,withthe nearestcellardoor stuffclassic road trip dreams aremade of. mere minutesaway. Marlborough-based RentAClassichas arange of convertibles, Sounds Airlands here andintoKoromikonear coupés &saloons foranunforgettabledriving Picton,where soaringbetween thehillsides holiday –you canevenrentadriver.Ifyou’d feelslikethe start of an adventure before rather sitbackand admirethe scenery than you’veeven touchedthe ground. watchthe road,takeabus or shuttlearound Once you’re here,you couldcontinue theregions.For urban exploration,grabataxi, your journey by airtoreach remote whiskyou away to almost anywhere, taking Interislander Ferry acitybus,orindulgeinaguidedsightseeing accommodation locationswithout theadded in spectacular viewsofKahurangi andAbel Photo/@cjmaddock or vineyard tour.Whateverwheelssuit your travel time. Tasman NationalParksorthe Marlborough style, exploringbyroadisafabulousway to Localairlines andhelicopter operatorswill Sounds on theway. seethe best of theTop of theSouth,and more.

NELSON IS HELIBIKE BESPOKE EVEN MORE WEDDINGS BEAUTIFUL FROM ABOVE

SCENIC

HELI FISHING

0800 FLYNELSON ﬂ[email protected] I www.helicoptersnelson.co.nz travel Tuesday, September 29, 2020 | 11 Discover Marlborough... with us.