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.

OVERVIEW

Cruise pristine Queen Charlotte Sound by catamaran, surrounded by beauty as you explore the rugged shoreline. Like the other sounds that combine to form the Marlborough Sounds network, Queen Charlotte was formed when deep river valleys filled with seawater at the end of the last ice age. The result is a meandering wonderland of azure separated by steep green hills and laced with alluring bays and coves. A few scattered settlements dot the otherwise-wild coastline, most of them so isolated they can only be reached by boat. In fact, this landscape hasn’t changed much at all since James Cook sheltered here during his exploratory voyages in the 1770s. And that’s the true beauty of it. Your own exploratory voyage begins right from the pier, aboard a comfortable catamaran designed for sightseeing on these typically calm waters. Rounding the bays, you’ll be treated to panoramic views bound to capture your imagination as few other places can. Along the way, you’ll loiter in Double Cove a while to feed the locals – who usually include hungry herring, mullet and cod. Don’t be surprised to see king shag cormorants swooping in to feast too; they’re highly skilled anglers. Your tour ends in downtown where you will have some time to explore on your own before taking the shuttle back to your ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Be immersed in natural beauty on a catamaran cruise around Queen Charlotte Sound.
• Gaze in wonder at this network of river valleys swamped by the sea some 10,000 years ago.
• Round a rugged shoreline little changed from when Captain Cook sheltered here in the 1770s.
• In a quiet cove, spend time feeding grateful herring, mullet and cod – and watch cormorants swoop in for their share.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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. Your tour ends in downtown where you will have some time to explore on your own before taking the shuttle back to your ship.

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. Your tour ends in downtown where you will have some time to explore on your own before taking the shuttle back to your ship.

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. Your tour ends in downtown where you will have some time to explore on your own before taking the shuttle back to your ship.

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.