Marlborough and Sounds
The Marlborough region is one of the most diverse in New Zealand. Comprised of many sunken river valleys known as ‘Sounds’ it offers countless adventure and relaxation opportunities. Surrounded by bush-clad mountains and clear waters, Marlborough is home to an abundance of marine life and seabirds including dolphins, seals, penguins, the fantail, bellbird and wood pigeon.
Spread across 4,000 km² it lies at the South Island's north-easternmost point, between Tasman Bay and Cloudy Bay. Sparsely populated, many of the isolated houses and resorts are only accessible by boats making this an ideal getaway destination. The main sounds are Queen Charlotte, Pelorus, Kenepuru and Tory Channel - a major arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. Between them they isolate the hills of Arapawa Island from the mainland.
Hobbit Barrel Run Kayak Trip
Immerse yourself in Sir Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit' when you take this Hobbit Barrel Run River Kayaking trip. Journeying down the Beautiful Pelorus River you'll see actual filming locations including the rocks where Bilbo Baggins stood, the place where the dwarfs exited the barrels and the exact location where Kili was shot. Not just for Lord of the Rings fans, this spectacular kayaking trip will enthral anyone wanting to experience the beauty of New Zealand's rivers.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.
Pelorus Mail Boat
Join the world famous Pelorus Mail Run in the Marlborough Sounds and visit isolated homesteads nestled in quiet secluded bays, delivering crucial supplies and mail the same way it has been done for decades. View mussel farms and see why Pelorus Sound is the mussel capital of the world. Old timers row out in dinghies to meet the boat, while some receive their supplies on tiny, unspoilt beaches. Mail was first delivered to the Marlborough Sounds by Government Steamer in 1912. The Steamer put the mail ashore at various small Post Offices throughout the area and the residents had to row to these points to pick their mail up. In 1925 the Government decided to put the Service out to Private Operators and the Mail Run, as it is today, was born. In the early years most of the goods carried were farming supplies and a few tourists. These days as most of the farms have ceased operating, tourists are the only passengers as well as the mail.
Marlborough Tour Company - Greenshell Mussel Cruise
The Greenshell Mussel Cruise takes in the highlights of the Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds, two of the little known and little travelled Sounds that make up the Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy the stunning scenery, the remotely quiet feeling of this area, a visit into a Greenshell Mussel Farm and a wonderful tasting of fresh steamed mussels served with award winning Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Experience this perfect match in a beautiful part of Marlborough.
Queen Charlotte Sound Kayak & Walk with Wilderness Guides - Lunch Included
Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds with this one-day guided sea kayak trip & walk. Your tour begins with a 20-minute scenic drive to a spectacular western end of the Sound. After the drive, you will experience a beautiful guided sea kayak tour in the Western arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. You will explore the shoreline and learn about the native bush, rays and sea birds. After kayaking, you will depart for your independent hike or bike of the Queen Charlotte Sound from Ngakuta Bay to Picton. You will travel through stunning natural environment - lush bushes and beautiful beaches - this walk has it all!
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.
Explore Furneaux Lodge
Explore Furneaux Lodge and its stunning surroundings. Guests staying at the lodge have access to Sea Kayaks, Stand Up paddle boards, torches for glowworm hunting, hot tub and board games. The team can also help you with fishing to catch your dinner. Not to mention all the amazing walks around the area. Within a 10-minute walk, you will find a 1000-year-old Rimu Tree and if you are feeling like a longer walk there are options to walk to neighbouring Resolution Bay or Punga Cove.
Hans Herzog Vineyard & Winery Tour and Tasting
Understand the unique terroir, climate and why Hans & Therese Herzog settled in Marlborough. Enjoy a short stroll along their organic vineyard and beautiful Mediterranean gardens to learn how great wines are grown. Have the chance to encounter Hans in the vineyard, followed by a Winery Tour and seated in-depth tasting of 4 wines in the exclusive Wine Lounge.
Hans Herzog Wine and Food Masterclass
The ultimate combination of all elements that make Hans Herzog wines so special! Explore the vineyards, their winery and the unique selection of grape varieties. One of their knowledgable wine ambassadors will guide you through a seated tasting of 7 different wines, combined with a sumptuous Winemakers Platter of organic and local produce in the exclusive Lounge.
Hans Herzog Wine Tasting
Explore the wines and philosophy of Hanz Herzog, with a tasting at the Cellar Door of 4 handcrafted wines. A perfect way to enjoy Hans’ bold, limited-production cult single varietals and blends. Enjoy a rotating selection of their releases.
Hans Herzog Winery Tour and Tasting
Take a look behind the winery doors of this unique estate. Their passionate wine ambassador will lead you on a stroll to the winery for an unveiling of the wine production and a journey to the holy grail - the Barrel Hall and Ageing Cellar. This unique tour culminates with a seated in-depth tasting of 4 handcrafted wines in the exclusive Wine Lounge.
Marlborough Wineries
Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine growing region and has a global reputation for producing some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc. Mots wineries are centred around the township of Blenheim but the Marlborough regions stretches much further south and grapes are also grown in the Awatere Valley and Kaikoura.
With over 23,000 hectares of grapes planted (around half of New Zealand's entire production) a third is the Sauvignon variety with Chardonnay and Riesling also being produced to high standards.
There are over 40 wineries within a short drive of Blenheim. Some of the best known such as Allan Scott, Montana (Brancott), Cloudy Bay, Forrest Estate, Grove Mill, Hunters Wines, Lawson's Dry Hills, Saint Clair and Spy Valley all have cellar door and tasting facilities.
For more great information on Marlborough wines visit Wine Marlborough. One of the best ways to experience the wineries however is on a wine trail tour with Sounds Connection which offers a great range of tours or can tailor one to suit you.
Off the Mapp - Spray Point Station
An adventure wilderness awaits when you step Off the Mapp at Spray Point Station. Whether you want to just relax or be more active, this place has it all. Relax and rejuvenate in our outdoor baths, showers or brave the river, explore the property on foot and discover hidden valleys of ecological significance, horse ride, mountain bike or take a 4WD tour to the tops to marvel at the spectacular views, take a thrilling helicopter ride, hunt for wild boar, goat or deer (or just observe and photograph them), enjoy some trout fishing or bird watching, help us in the conservation and pest eradication programmes, and step back in time as you learn the fascinating history of Spray Point Station and the Waihopai Valley...
Complimentary activities
Relaxation and rejuvenation Savour the isolation for a truly relaxing retreat. Take time out on the deck, find a secluded spot to sit with a book, simply enjoy the views or relax in front of a winter fire. Marvel at the visibility of the stars while soaking in a hot outdoor bath.
Hiking and walking Explore the property on foot. There are over 20km of tracks through a variety of vegetation unique to Marlborough high country, from open tussock to matagouri and mature bush. Watch out for rarer species such as native broom, miniature kowhai and large tree fuchsias. Keen walkers can also take the track which links Cob Quarters to Boundary Creek Cabin. Those looking for a challenge can take a guided trek to the top of Mt Stronvar (summit 1350m).
River activities Swim in the crystal clear Waihopai or Spray Rivers. Borrow a tube from the homestead and drift down the river. Rides back upriver are available on request.
Mountain biking The tracks on the property are suitable for mountain-bikers with a range of experience and skill levels looking for a new challenge. Sample trips range for an easy family ride up the Spray River to more challenging rocky and steep downhill rides. Two bikes are kept at the Cob Quarters for complimentary guest use.
Roland's trapping/hunting museum Housed in the shearing shed, and now open to the public, is Roland's collection of historical traps, hunting gear, farm implements and other fascinating items gathered over many years.
Conservation and Carbon Farming Conservation volunteering opportunities are available with Off the Mapp. We are engaged in a range of environmental protection and restoration activities, including a carbon farm. Spend part of your visit helping with this work, and make a lasting difference to the future of this area.
Additional activities - please check for current pricing
4WD Touring If you’re looking for a more relaxing option, arrange a 4WD tour of the station taking in the variety of native vegetation and the breathtaking views from ridgeline tracks. Watch for introduced game – red deer are plentiful and can often be seen from the cottage and heard during the roar. Fallow deer, wild pigs and goats are frequently seen from the tracks.
Heli Touring Explore the high country by helicopter, reaching isolated parts of the Station with magnificent views. Stop for a picnic lunch at the summit of Mt Stronvar (1350m).
Horse trekking Sample trips including taking the full day ride between the cottage and the cabin, stopping on the way for a picnic lunch and at some excellent swimming spots. Alternatively, follow a shorter loop road from the Cob Quarters through a steep climb to enjoy a ridge-top ride with wonderful views, then descend through grazing and matagouri covered country into the Cannister Valley. From there, a no-exit track to native beech forest makes an excellent lunch stop.
Hunting and Fishing Off the Mapp provides guided management hunting trips from Boundary Creek Cabin all year round for meat, and trophy hunting is also possible during the roar in the New Zealand autumn. All hunts are fair chase and all the animals are entirely free ranging. Fly fishing with a professional guide is available in nearby rivers with good supplies of trout. Alternatively, sea fishing/scalloping/diving trips to the outer Marlborough Sounds can be arranged with a guide who has generations of local knowledge.
Guided wildlife watching There are lots of opportunities for bird watching throughout the Station. Keen birdwatchers and photographers will see swallows, kingfishers and terns by the cottage. Listen to the bellbirds; watch for paradise ducks, Californian quail and many other breeds. The river is also home for the elusive and rare New Zealand blue duck (whio). The Waihopai is also a natural habitat for the rare New Zealand falcon and is home to the Falcon Research Centre. In the rock bluffs of the Cannister Valley visitors can often see a nesting pair.
Queen Charlotte Drive
Queen Charlotte Drive travels the Marlborough Sounds coastline between Picton and Havelock. Magnificent views of the sounds can be had from many vantage points so allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. If you can spare the time take the narrow windy road to Portage along Mahau Sound and Kenepuru Sound with their bush clad hillsides and secluded sandy coves.The small port town of Havelock has a great variety of cafes and restaurants to choose from so plan your journey to arrive in time for lunch. The highway between Nelson and Picton also crosses the Pelorus River and just at this junction is the famous and historic Pelorus Bridge. From here there are a number of forest walks with the most popular the 30 minute loop through beech, rimu and totara forest to the swing-bridge.