Activities in Marlborough & Nelson
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Nelson Bonecarving
Admirers of Maori design will love Stephan’s acclaimed bonecarving course. 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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Waterways Boating Safaris
Be guided around the majestic Marlborough Sounds while piloting your own zippy boat. A unique and fun way to get out on the water, see the scenery and learn about the area’s ecology and history. BYO lunch. Local pick-up/drop-offs.
reviewed
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Pelorus Mail Boat
Popular full-day boat cruise through the far reaches of Pelorus Sound on a genuine NZ Post delivery run. Bookings essential; BYO lunch. Picton and Blenheim pick-up and drop-off available.
reviewed
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Dolphin Encounter
Here’s your chance to rub shoulders with pods of dusky dolphins on three-hour tours. Limited numbers, so book in advance.
reviewed
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Golden Bay Air
Scenic and charter flights around the Golden Bay, and Farewell Spit, Abel Tasman and Kahurangi; from $49.
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 on boat trips (with admirable frequency) to introduce you to some of the big fellers. It’ll refund 80% of your fare if no whales are sighted (success rate: 98%). If this trip is a must for you, allow a few days flexibility in case the weather turns to custard.
reviewed
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G
Wither Hills Farm Park
In a town as flat as a pancake, this 1100-hectare park provides welcome relief, offering a range of walks and mountainbike trails with grand views across the Wairau Valley and out to Cloudy Bay. Pick up a map from the i-SITE or check the information panels at the gates.
reviewed
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Happy Valley Adventures
Dangle 150m above the forest in the 'Skywire' (a chairlift/flying-fox hybrid), then soar through the air for its 1.65km length. If that ain't enough, take a quad-bike tour, or if it's too much, try a 2½-hour horse trek. Or just have coffee and cake in the cafe – a 15-minute drive northeast of Nelson along SH6.
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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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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Skydive Abel Tasman
Move over Taupo tandems: we’ve jumped both and think Mot takes the cake (presumably so do the many sports jumpers who favour this drop zone, some of whom you may see rocketing in). DVDs and photos cost extra, but pick-up/drop-off from Motueka and Nelson are free.
reviewed
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Vertical Limits
reviewed
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Board Silly Surf Adventures
Get the low-down, transport, learn to surf or hire gear from Board Silly Surf Adventures based at South Bay.
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 $35, two-hour rides $85 to $90).
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 $35, two-hour rides $85 to $90).
reviewed
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Quiet Revolution Cycle Shop
You'll get personal service at this most proper of bike shops. Town- and mountainbike hire, top-notch servicing and sales. Local ride maps and a car relocation service for the Heaphy Track in winter, too.
reviewed
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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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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
Fun, down-to-earth farmy folk offer horse treks. Hilarious gravity-fuelled mountain kart luge, woolshed archery and farm-animal feeding are also available. The ranch is 9km west of town at the foot of Mt Fyffe.
reviewed
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Albatross Encounter
Kaikoura is heaven for bird-nerds, who fly at the opportunity for a close encounter with pelagic species such as shearwaters, shags, mollymawks, petrels and the inimitable albatross.
reviewed
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Cable Bay Kayaks
Fifteen minutes' drive from Nelson city, Nick and Jenny offer guided sea-kayaking trips exploring the local coastline where you'll likely meet local marine life (snorkelling gear on board) and may even enter a cave.
reviewed
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Skydive Kaikoura
Come down to earth with Henk and Sarah, who offer personal service and jumps with stupendous mountain-to-sea views. Handicam and photo packages available. The airport is 7km south of town.
reviewed
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Sea Kayak Adventure Tours
Freedom kayak and mountain-bike rental, plus guided and 'guided then go' kayaking trips around Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds (from $75).
reviewed