Activities in Marlborough & Nelson
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Neudorf
Moss-covered barnlike complex; gorgeous pinot noir and some of the country’s finest chardonnay.
reviewed
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Waterways Boating Safaris
It’s a boat tour Cap’n, but not as we know it. Buzz around majestic Keneperu Sound in your own craft, while learning about the area’s ecology and history. A unique and fun way to see the Sounds. Two people per boat and a maximum of five boats per guide. BYO lunch.
reviewed
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Pelorus Mail Run
Popular full-day boat cruise through the far reaches of Pelorus Sound on a genuine NZ Post delivery run. Bookings essential; BYO lunch. Picton pick-up and drop-off available.
reviewed
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A
Dolphin Encounter
Here’s your chance to rub shoulders with pods of dusky dolphins on three-hour tours; wet suits, masks and snorkels are provided. Limited numbers, so book in advance.
reviewed
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Double Decker Experience
The Double Decker Experience is a handy way to get around and see the sights too. The bus departs the Suburban Bus Lines/InterCity depot twice daily and loops in and around Nelson, passing (among other sights) Founders Park, Isel Park, the World of WearableArt Museum, Tahunanui Beach and Nelson's waterfront. Stay onboard for an entire circuit, or get off at an attraction on the morning loop, then jump back on the afternoon service.
reviewed
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Whale Watch Kaikoura
With knowledgeable guides and fascinating ‘world of whales’ onboard animation, Kaikoura’s biggest operator heads out (with admirable frequency) in boats equipped with hydrophones (underwater microphones) to pick up whale soundings. It’ll refund 80% of your fare if no whales are sighted (success rate: 98%). Sailings may be cancelled if the weather turns to custard, so if this trip is a must for you, allow a few days flexibility.
reviewed
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Wither Hills Farm Park
For grand views across the Wairau Valley and out to Cloudy Bay, you can tour the 1100-hectare Wither Hills Farm Park which could take from 30 minutes to all day. The two main entrances are at the top of Redwood St and the Taylor Pass Rd; pick up a map from the i-SITE or check the information panels at the gates. Ask about fire bans in high summer. You can hire bikes from the Spokesman to tour this park.
reviewed
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Happy Valley Adventures
Strap yourself onto a ‘skywire’ and soar through the air at Happy Valley Adventures, a 15-minute drive north-east along SH6. The 1.65km-long Skywire (a chairlift/flying-fox hybrid) dangles you up to 150m above the native forest; rides cost $85/55 per adult/child. Quad-bike tours start at $80/20 per driver/passenger for one-hour forest rides, and 2½-hour horse treks cost $95.
reviewed
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Mapua Leisure Park
This is ‘NZ’s only clothes-optional leisure park’ but you don’t have to nude-up, and the buff option is only available from February to March. It’s a bit ragged around the edges, but the location and swimming are sweet, and there are tennis and volleyball courts, kayak hire, pool, sauna, spa and a waterfront cafe.
reviewed
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Nelson Bonecarving
Artisic types will love Stephan’s bonecarving courses at Nelson Bonecarving. He’ll supply all materials, tools, instruction, encouragement and cups of tea (plus free pick-up/drop-off in town if needed); you supply inspiration and talent and you’ll emerge with your very own bone carving.
reviewed
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D
Floatplane
Floatplane offers transfers and scenic tours (minimum two people) to Ship Cove (track transfer $125; 20-minute tour $140) and into the outer Sounds (40 minute/one hour $210/325). It also runs Cook Strait crossings from Porirua (near Wellington) to Nelson and the Abel Tasman (from $275).
reviewed
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E
Skydive Abel Tasman
Take in eye-popping views on the way up (and pant-wetting views on the way down) on a tandem skydive with Skydive Abel Tasman . Prices include instruction and a certificate (DVDs and photos to show your mum cost extra); free pick-up/drop off from Motueka and Nelson.
reviewed
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F
Vertical Limits
reviewed
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Board Silly Surf Adventures
Mangamaunu Beach, 15km north of Kaikoura, has wicked surf (a 500m point break when it’s working). Board Silly Surf Adventures here, can teach you to surf, or if you already can, it’ll hire you a wetsuit and board ($40).
reviewed
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Marahau Horse Treks
If you’re in an equine state of mind, Marahau Horse Treks on Sandy Bay Rd, offers you a chance to belt along the beach on a horse, your hair streaming out behind you (children’s pony rides $30 to $35, two-hour rides $80 to $85).
reviewed
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Pegasus Park
If you’re in an equine state of mind, Pegasus Park on Sandy Bay Rd, offers you the chance to belt along the beach on a horse, your hair streaming out behind you (children’s pony rides $30 to $35, two-hour rides $80 to $85).
reviewed
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Quiet Revolution Cycle Shop
An abundance of excellent mountain bike tracks await exploration by beginner and hard-core alike. Quiet Revolution Cycle Shop hires town and mountain bikes, has local track information and will straighten your wonky spokes.
reviewed
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G
Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company
Bike-kayak-walk trips, with options to suit every inclination. The ‘1-day multi’ guided kayak trip followed by QC Track hike ($135) or bike ($155) is a brilliant Sounds sampler. Gear rental (bikes, kayaks, camping gear) also available.
reviewed
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H
Beachcomber Fun Cruises
Two- to four-hour cruises, some with resort lunches. Cruise/walk, cruise/bike, full-day kayaking and Queen Charlotte Track options also available. Also operates the Queen Charlotte Sound mail run, a genuine NZ Post delivery service.
reviewed
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Kaikoura Winery
If you haven’t yet exceeded your annual wine intake around Blenheim, sip a few local drops at Kaikoura Winery, 2km south of town off SH1. The building and views more than make up for the unremarkable wines (our pick is the bubbly).
reviewed
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Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park
Farmy Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park offers horse treks including a sunset trek. Bone-shaking mountain kart luge, farm-animal feeding and woodshed archery are also available.
reviewed
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Albatross Encounter
Bird-nerds fly at the opportunity for a close encounter with pelagic species: albatross, shearwaters, shags, mollymawks and petrels. Albatross Encounter is run by the same folks as Dolphin Encounter.
reviewed
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Cable Bay Kayaks
Four kilometres down the road from Happy Valley Adventures is Cable Bay Kayaks, offering guided sea-kayaking trips (half-/full-day from $85/135) exploring the local coastline and marine life.
reviewed
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Skydive Kaikoura
Based at Kaikoura Airport, Skydive Kaikoura, otherwise known as Sarah and Henk, will bring you down to earth in its own personal style. Handicam ($129) and photo packages ($39) are available.
reviewed
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Sea Kayak Adventure Tours
Guided and independent kayaking trips around Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. Also one-day paddle and walk ($85) or paddle and bike ($120) freedom options. Kayak and mountain-bike hire from $50 per day.
reviewed
