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Picton to Kaikoura

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About 2 hours from Picton, head south following Highway 1.

This is a beautiful coastal drive. Attractions include wild beaches, seal colonies, whale watching, dining on seafood.

Ward Beach, 1 hour south

Wild coastline in different moods

Scenery along the way, there are some lovely short bush walks

Stop for coffee or a meal at The Store, at Kekerengu, about 1 hour 15 mins south

Seals inhabit this wild coast

Buy crayfish from local fishermen, or sample local cheese in Kaikoura

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish (in the Maori language ‘kai’ means food, ‘koura’ means crayfish). An easy two-hour drive north of Christchurch, Kaikoura makes for a great day trip or a fun stop on your way to Marlborough.

Kaikoura’s environment is truly spectacular – the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape.

Kaikoura’s special talent is marine mammal encounters – whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops to explore.

There is so much to do and see in Kaikoura, these sites are a great place to start

http://www.kaikoura.co.nz/

http://www.newzealand.com/int/kaikoura/

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Picton to St Arnaud

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This takes you through the vineyards and up the Wairau Valley to St Arnaud. About 1hr 30min.

This is a small alpine village on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park which embraces the beautiful Lake Rotoiti.

Wairau Valley and vineyards

Take a boat up the lake to the Travers River hut

There are many walks in the forest, refer to Department of Conservation (DOC) for more details. They have visitor centre in St Arnaud.

Visit the Clinker Cafe, just off the highway in St Arnaud

Every year around March is the Classic Boat Show

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Picton to Nelson, Mapua, Kaiteriteri

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Nelson is about 1hr 45min, Mapua a further 30mins, and Kaiteriteri 30mins beyond that.

You can either travel via Queen Charlotte Drive, or head in towards Blenheim as shown on the map, the distance is a little more but the travel time is about the same.

The journey takes you through Havelock and Pelorus Bridge see separate post.

There is plenty to see but for a day trip I mention two of my favourite places, Mapua Wharf and Kaiteriteri.

Mapua Wharf

this is the old apple loading wharf, but is now a collection of shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars, click here.

Jellyfish Cafe and Bar

The Apple Shed Cafe & Bar

The Golden Bear Brewing Company, is a boutique brewer, typical of many.

Kaiteriteri

Right on the edge of Able Tasman National Park, beautiful beaches, swimming, kayaking, picnicking or places to eat.

For more info click here.

Nelson

more here

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Picton to Havelock and Pelorus River

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This is a short and scenic journey which takes you along Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock and then on to the Pelorus River. (an option is to return via Blenheim, which takes about the same time).

Its takes approximately 1 hour to Havelock

Try The Mussel Pot in the main street

or Slip Inn Cafe down by the marina

Heidi’s Cafe in the main street is my favourite for something simple.

Things to do in Havelock

Boat trips, or kayaking

http://www.havelocknz.com/

http://www.newzealand.com/us/havelock/

Pelorus River

This is about 15mins along State Highway 6, it is great for picnicking or simple short walks in the forest. This is a favourite swimming spot.

This is an area administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC), for details of walks click here

There is a small cafe, parking and toilets located here.

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Fine Food and Wine

Marlborough Vineyards

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You can sample excellent wines and at many of the wineries indulge in first class cuisine, this is after all the reason for coming to Marlborough.

You can choose a tour see below, or explore yourself.

The best place to start is Wine Marlborough and follow their map, which you can download. On the back are listed the wineries, with address and contact details. If you plan on eating it is definitely recommended to make a reservation.

My favorites for vineyard dining are :

Saint Clare Vineyard Kitchen

Wairau River Wines

Wither Hills Winery

Tours

Fine Tours New Zealand

Marlborough Wine Tours

Sounds Connection

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Marlborough Gourmet Shopping

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One of the worlds great regions for fine wine, food, and goodies like chocolate.

Here is a circuit for a shopping trip.

Pataka The Foodstore, Selmes Road, off Raupara Rd. A gourmet deli, excellent local cheeses can be found here, (try the Cranky Goat Smoked Goats Cheese).

Makana Chocolate, corner Rapaura & O’Dwyers Roads.

BV Gourmet, centre of Blenheim.

Picton Eating

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Picton is very small and most places are just a walking distance,

Picton Map

The main streets are London Quay, Wellington Street and High Street, most of the Bars, Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants are located here.

Corner of London Quay & High Street is Cafe Cortado and on the opposite corner is the Seabreeze Cafe & Bar

Walk down London Quay and pass Le Cafe, a bar, cafe restaurant, sometimes with live music.

Next, on the corner with Wellington Street is Oxley’s Bar and Kitchen.

Along Wellington Street there is Seumus’s Irish Bar and then Escape to Picton.

A little way up High Street is Gusto’s, (excellent for breakfasts), and one block further up is Plaza India Bistro and Tandoor.

For the basics,

a good local baker is Picton Village Bakkerij

and for groceries, wine and beer, there is Fresh Choice supermarket at the top of High Street

For the best and freshest seafood, Ngamahau Fisheries in Kent Street, only open Thursdays and Fridays, they are busy fishing on other days.

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Fine Seafood Dining in Port Isaac

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	A Plan -Scotland 2,… on Smaller Whisky Distilleries of…
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Stemmo's Travels

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Author Archives: admin

Picton to Kaikoura

Picton to St Arnaud

Picton to Nelson, Mapua, Kaiteriteri

Picton to Havelock and Pelorus River

Fine Food and Wine

Marlborough Vineyards

Marlborough Gourmet Shopping

Picton Eating

Fine Seafood Dining in Port Isaac

Cornish Hogs Pudding