OVERVIEW

Enjoy tastings at three premier wineries in New Zealand’s largest wine region and come away with a great appreciation for their unique terroirs and commitment to sustainability. The wineries are located south of Picton around Blenheim, the most populated town in the Marlborough region. The exact wines for the samplings will vary but you can be sure that they will include at least one Sauvignon Blanc. Although this green-skinned grape variety originated in the Bordeaux region of France, it flourishes in the Wairau Valley surrounding Blenheim, which lies in the heart of Marlborough. Ninety percent of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc is produced in this region. As the tastings will reveal, these Sauvignon Blancs are crisp well-balanced varietals with heady citrus aromas. And what better complement to wine than chocolate? While pausing at the chocolatier Makana, you will be offered samplings of its confections, all hand-made in small batches to ensure their quality.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample a selection of inspiring wines at three wineries in the fertile Marlborough region.
• Taste the region’s iconic Sauvignon Blanc, by far the most popular wine produced there.
• Gain an appreciation for the different terroirs within the Marlborough wine region.
• Enjoy a tasting of handmade chocolates at the confectionery Makana.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience the pure wonder of Queen Charlotte Sound up-close as you hike along the pathway that tracks its shoreline, ferried there and back by motor launch. You’ll board the Sounds Adventure at the pier, across the sound at a casual pace, all the better to admire the stunning scenery. Your destination is Mistletoe Bay – where you’ll step ashore for a guided trek along an especially picturesque stretch of the 45-mile route known as the Queen Charlotte Track. You’ll be walking over a clay soil bridle path originally traveled by the Maori, through relatively level terrain that rewards you for your effort with sensational scenery nearly every step of the way. Pass bushlands laden with palms, ferns, and delicate flowering orchids. Peer up at some of the same towering rimu trees Captain Cook would have seen during his own visit to this sound in the 1770s. Spot agile gannets swooping into the water for fish and listen of the fluting calls of the greenish bellbird or the highly intelligent tui, a bird that can imitate human speech. The flora and fauna are ever changing and always awe-inspiring. After about 90 minutes, you’ll be back on the launch, bound for Picton.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Step directly into the scenery surrounding Queen Charlotte Sound on a guided perimeter walk.
• Travel by motor launch across the sound to remote Mistletoe Bay, where you’ll pick up the path.
• Trek through ancient forest and lush, ferny bushland along a track that dates back to pioneer times.
• Hear exotic bird calls as you gaze down on the sound’s majestic sea-flooded valleys and hidden coves.
• With your guide leading the way, return to the launch for the scenic run back across to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Savor the full appeal of the Marlborough region with visits to a historic aviation museum, an artisanal craft brewery and a chocolate factory. About 30 scenic minutes’ coach drive from Picton, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre showcases one of the world’s largest private collections of WWI aircraft and vintage aviation memorabilia. See everything from Chinese Nanchang trainers to the rare, bird-like Etrich Taube, a Curtis MF Flying Boat, an agile Fokker like the Red Baron flew, and the only Caproni Ca 22 parasol monoplane in existence. This unrivaled collection that also includes historic artifacts and personal belongings from flying heroes. Not far away is Moa Brewery, where you can enjoy a flight of a different sort: of beers and ciders. Produced using zesty New Zealand hops, other local ingredients, and labor-intensive traditional brew techniques, their range is a delicious labor of love. So are the sweet temptations waiting for you at Makana Confections, one of the country’s foremost producers of hand-crafted truffles, macadamia bark, Marlborough wine gelées and even some sugar-free treats. You’ll love every bite of this visit.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach into the Marlborough region, where historic and gourmet landmarks are on the agenda.
• Tour a fascinating, world-class collection of WWI-era aircraft at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
• See extremely rare planes and memorabilia, the personal collection of film director Sir Peter Jackson.
• Visit Moa Brewery, crafting award-winning beers from premium NZ hops and heritage methods.
• Stop in at Makana Confections, home of dangerously tempting handmade chocolates and other sweet treats.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Cruise the pristine waters of Queen Charlotte Sound on a catamaran, rounding the rugged shoreline, taking in the natural beauty and even feeding fish in a serene cove.

Depart right from the pier on a comfortable catamaran designed for optimal viewing on the typically calm waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Like all of the sounds within the larger system of Marlborough Sounds, Queen Charlotte was formed when the surrounding river valleys filled with water during the end of the last ice age, approximately 10,000 years ago. It's separated from the other sounds by steep, serrated hills.

Scattered settlements dot the rugged shoreline, most of them so isolated that they can only be reached by boat. The landscape and lush forests haven't changed enormously since Captain James Cook sheltered here during his exploratory voyages in the 1770s. Indeed, the unspoiled natural beauty remains one of the primary draws of this magnificent sound named for Queen Charlotte, the wife of England's King George III.

You'll also spend time in Double Cove feeding the fish, which usually include herring, mullet and cod. Don't be surprised if you see king shags, a type of cormorant, swooping in, as they are highly skilled at catching fish. Still, no matter where you sail on the sound, it's the panoramic views that capture your heart and forever remain in your memory.

OVERVIEW

Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui on a luxurious catamaran while enjoying a plate of Greenshell mussels and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Although originally named for the wife of England’s King George III, the sound now also bears the Maori name Tōtaranui. One aspect of the sound hasn’t changed: the abundance of Greenshell mussels. These bi-valves, also known as green-lipped mussels, are indigenous to New Zealand. Besides being vitamin-rich, they are extraordinarily tender and flavorful. The taste is often described as clean and slightly sweet. You can decide for yourself while snacking on the plump mussels, which will be served with Sauvignon Blanc, the area’s iconic white wine. They pair beautifully. The scenery throughout the forest-rimmed sound will be just as delightful. Keep an eye out for fur seals, sea birds such as Little Blue Penguins and four species of dolphins – common, bottlenose, Dusky and Hector’s.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy Greenshell mussels and Sauvignon Blanc wine while cruising on a catamaran.
• Admire the gorgeous scenery while cruising through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui.
• Look for fur seals, sea birds and dolphins, which are all frequently spotted.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a sea-level perspective of Queen Charlotte Sound as you paddle its pristine waters, spotting seabirds and perhaps dolphins, penguins or fur seals. The adventure begins with a brief, immensely scenic drive through Whenuanui Bay Scenic Reserve, a natural wonderland that juts into Queen Charlotte Sound. At the other end is sheltered Ngakuta Bay, where you’ll receive a safety briefing and kayaking orientation before paddling off in your two-person kayak. For the next two and a half hours, you’ll be immersed in epic beauty – and likely solitude – as you skirt the shore of this isolated corner of the sprawling Marlborough Sounds, a water network so extensive it constitutes one-fifth of New Zealand’s entire coastline. Adopt an easy pace as you explore along unspoiled shores and secluded coves, keeping an eye peeled for the marine life that flourishes here. Possibilities include frolicking dolphins, fur seals basking in the sun, and little blue penguins – the world’s smallest – who congregate on the surface in small groups, then dive to feed on fish and squid. Looking skyward, expect to see endangered king shags and fluttering shearwaters who fly low and fast with bursts of rapid wing beats. Time permitting, you’ll paddle across to the wooded northern shore.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a drive across a scenic reserve area along Queen Charlotte Sound to sheltered Ngakuta Bay.
• After a safety briefing and kayaking orientation, paddle into the bay and adjacent Grove Arm waters.
• Spend two and a half hours immersed in beauty as you explore pristine shorelines and secluded coves.
• Spot abundant seabirds and marine wildlife that often includes dolphins, fur seals and diving penguins.
• If time permits, paddle across to the northern shore before returning to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing that can get wet.
• Flat, athletic shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, a bottle of water from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Take a scenic walk along Picton’s waterfront as your local guide provides color on the city’s cultural, natural and architectural landmarks. You’ll shuttle from the pier to the heart of town and the white-arched War Memorial dedicated to locals lost in the battles of World War I. Strolling the waterfront from here, you’ll learn about Picton’s whaling history and its ongoing efforts to protect these magnificent mammals. A walk around the marina’s jumble of private yachts and commercial fishing vessels puts a spotlight on how intertwined this community is with the sea. Crossing a picturesque pedestrian bridge and ascending to a lookout point, enjoy spectacular views out into Queen Charlotte Sound – part of a vast network of ancient river valleys now covered by ocean water. Separated by steeply forested peaks, these Marlborough Sounds collectively comprise a fifth of the entire New Zealand coastline. Arriving at the crafts market and the walk’s end, enjoy a complimentary coffee, tea or a uniquely Kiwi treat – a scoop of vanilla ice cream with lumps of honeycomb toffee known as a hokey pokey. Afterwards, explore Picton further at your leisure or shuttle back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a relaxed Picton walk, taking in natural beauty, waterfront landmarks and historical commentary.
• Ascend to a lookout point for fabulous views of Queen Charlotte Sound, a river valley flooded with sea water 10,000 years ago.
• Walk the bustling city marina and see a craft market where talented artisans display their creations.
• Sip a complimentary coffee or tea, or slurp a cool, gooey Kiwi ice cream treat known as a hokey pokey.
• Stay in town for exploring on your own or return straightaway to the pier via complimentary shuttle.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat, sturdy walking or athletic shoes; regular street shoes are not suitable.
• Bring a hat, a bottle of water from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.