This is one of the small independant producers of Port, they grow their own grapes, stomp on them, make the wine, then blend and age.
They are only 12 minutes down river from Pinhao, and tucked in a beautiful small valley.
A little hard to find, but well worth the effort, south west of Pinhao
Located in the town of Sabosa not far from Vila Real or Pinhao, it has been in the family for 300 years, experience true Portuguese hospitality
Where to go and what to do
Look for the i SITE Visitor Centre in Picton and Blenheim
i-SITE Visitor Centres are part of New Zealand’s official nationwide Visitor Information Network.
In Picton it is on the Foreshore, and in Blenheim it is beside the railway station on the main highway through town.
They are your one stop travel shop for everything to see and do and stay in Marlborough. They are a free advice and bookings service, for all accommodation and adventures in Picton, Marlborough Sounds, and the Marlborough regions.
They offer maps, weather, guide books, information on events, restaurants & more.
Useful websites :
http://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/marlborough-attractions/
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Things to do and places to go
Picton and Marlborough Sounds
For the more energetic there is Cycling, Kayaking, Hiking etc,
http://www.wildernessguidesnz.com/
http://www.marlboroughsounds.co.nz/
http://www.queencharlottetrack.co.nz/
Combine short walks with a boat cruise
other tour boat operators are http://www.beachcombercruises.co.nz/
Visit museums,
Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum
Discover the fascinating history of the Edwin Fox, the worlds 9th oldest ship
Visit the National Whale Centre
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These are short journeys which will result in a very pleasant outing for the day, These destinations are about 2-3 hours away.
1Â Head down the coast to Kaikoura
2Â Up the Wairau Valley to St Arnaud and Nelson Lakes National Park
3Â Across to Nelson, Mapua and Kaiteriteri
and a shorter journey to Havelock and Pelorus River which is on the way to Nelson
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.newzealand.com/int/kaikoura/
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
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.
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
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.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.
Stemmo's Travels 