Pete Seaward
Picton is the gateway to the South Island and the launching point for Marlborough Sounds exploration. A cork’s pop south of Picton is Blenheim and its world-famous wineries, and further south still is Kaikoura, the whale-watching mecca. Highlights of this region include negotiating the famed Queen Charlotte Track by tramping or mountain biking, and discovering the many hidden bays and coves of the Marlborough Sounds by boat. Relaxing over a glass of local sauvignon blanc is recommended at the end of a busy day.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Marlborough Region.
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When Sir Peter Jackson has a passion for something, there are no half measures. That's abundantly clear in the 'Knights of the Sky' exhibition, which features the movie director's personal collection of WWI aircraft and memorabilia, brought to life in a series of life-sized dioramas that depict dramatic wartime scenes such as the death of the Red Baron. The other half of the centre, WWII-themed 'Dangerous Skies', is the work of local aviation enthusiasts.
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Under its previous name, Montana Wines, this was the trailblazer of the wine region. Now it has Marlborough's most impressive cellar door and restaurant complex, poised atop a hillock overlooking the vines. It offers an hour-long Vineyard Bike Tour ($35, 10.30am) and, from December to March, a Falcon Encounter (adult/child $30/10, 11am) featuring the kārearea (NZ falcon); bookings essential.
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Zero-carbon winemaking on a grand scale at this space-age winery out by itself near Seddon, 30km southeast of Blenheim. A 7km self-drive vineyard tour includes spectacular views over Cook Strait. If you're lucky, you'll see Yealands' compact babydoll sheep grazing between the vines. They're handy for keeping the grass down, but not tall enough to reach the grapes.
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Pull up a beanbag on the Hockneyesque lawns of this impressive complex and enjoy a three-wine flight ($10), or head into the cellar for a more traditional tasting session. It also offers a Wine Blending Experience ($60 for four people). The restaurant is excellent, too.
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Highlights of this esteemed range include a lovely gewürztraminer and a méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine. The attached Twelve Trees restaurant is good, too.
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Compact, hands-on winery creating gorgeous sauvignon blanc, riesling, gewürztraminer and pinot gris.
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The history of NZ's wine industry is celebrated here, along with fascinating displays devoted to finds from Wairau Bar, the site of the country's earliest known settlement. Look out for the karetao, a traditional wooden puppet covered in moko (tattoos) and designed to perform a haka (ceremonial dance). The museum is situated within the Bradshaw Heritage Park, a collection of transported Victorian buildings that includes a miniature railway and a farm-machinery museum.
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Kaikōura’s oldest surviving building and the last remaining part of the Waiopuka whaling station, Fyffe House's whale-bone foundations were laid in 1844. Fronted with a colourful garden, the little two-storey cottage offers a fascinating insight into the lives of early British settlers. Interpretive displays are complemented by historic objects (including the biggest moa egg ever found), while peeling wallpaper and the odd cobweb lend authenticity. There's a cute heritage-themed shop, too.
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Fill up a takeaway rigger or buy bottles of Emporium's tasty brews at this simple taproom. There are also escape rooms (two players $70; book ahead) and an on-site minigolf course (adult/child $10/5). Check out the hole featuring the 'earthquake cows', three bovine locals that were stranded on a tiny 'island' of farmland for three days following the 2016 earthquake.
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