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From its dynamic peaks and endless coastlines to its lush native forest and underground cave systems, the rivers, lakes, mountains and valleys that shape this part of the world is a veritable paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. We hope this seven-day guide to the best of the outdoors in the top of the south will assist you in planning your holiday and maybe even inspire you to stay a little longer.
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For people who want the freedom to explore Nelson Tasman by bike in their own time, The Gentle Cycling Company offers premium self-guided cycling tours based in and around Nelson’s Great Taste Trail. From half day trips to multi-day adventures, The Gentle Cycling Company has got you covered.
The Nelson Market is well known for its fine produce and quality artistry. Every Saturday morning for more than 40 years, Nelson artesans have welcomed visitors to shop for fresh fruit and vegetables, taste gourmet local produce, browse locally made arts, crafts, jewellery and clothing and share brunch and coffee under the warm Nelson sun.
Situated by the stunning Waimea Estuary, Mapua Wharf is the perfect destination to enjoy some retail therapy and dining with a sea view. Enjoy great coffee at Rabbit Island Coffee or Alberta’s, local seafood at the Smokehouse, wine with a view at Rimu Wine Bar or award winning meals at Jellyfish or The Apple Shed.
The Gin Room in Marlborough is THE place to taste some of the rare boutique gins produced right here in New Zealand, including the award winning Roots Marlborough Dry Gin. Sample hard-to-find gins and boutique tonics and enjoy a classic Roots Dry Gin and Tonic, or take a bottle home.
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Live like a local in Marlborough’s newest urban retreat, 14th lane. Designed and operated by some local legends in the Marlborough food scene, 14th Lane is a fully refurbished heritage building that combines elegant simplicity with luxury. Your restful stay is complemented with delicious breakfast options and a host of other services.
The newest eatery in downtown Blenheim is Frank’s which opened its doors to much acclaim in 2022. Led by chef and local lad Sam, who has travelled the world, cooking up a storm, Frank’s offers an interesting and unique menu designed for sharing - highlighting the best local, seasonal fare on offer
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Lawson’s Dry Hills has been making award-winning wine in Marlborough for more than 30 years, with a philosophy based on authenticity, enjoyment and sustainability. Pop in for a warm welcome, a tasting of their reserve wines and maybe even something a little bit special, such as one of their limited release wines.
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On your way to Blenheim, stop in at Tūpari Wines cellar door for a taste of their unique wines, which are grown in the Awatere Valley sub-region of Marlborough. The Tūpari range is a true reflection of the varietals that grow best in the Upper Awatere Valley and comprises Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé and more.
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Enjoy sumptuous dining, featuring some of the best ingredients from Hurunui and New Zealand Head at the renowned No.31 Restaurant. This delightful little restaurant has been wowing guests for more than 10 years, with their award-winning menu, carefully curated by Chef Dean Robinson. Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment.
Established in 2001, Waipara Hills has a proud history of creating award winning wines that celebrate their provenance. Sample their distinct range of aromatic varietals, plus Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé and Pinot Noir. Then soak up the serenity of their stunning vineyards and rolling hills, while enjoying a delicious lunch at their licensed café.
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Named one of New Zealand’s top five wine producers, by the hallowed Master of Wine Bob Campbell, Pegasus Bay Winery has a reputation as one of Waipara’s top wineries, producing wines that are adventurous and unique. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of a wide selection of estate grown wines, including
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Sought after by chefs and foodies around the world, Kaikōura crayfish is a true delicacy and nowhere does it better than Nin’s Bin. This iconic family business has been running for 50 years - one taste and you’ll understand why. Fresh, quality ingredients cooked simply - utterly delicious!
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For the definitive guide to Nelson Tasman and Marlborough, get in touch with Wine Art and Wilderness, which specialises in exclusive luxury tours that get to the heart of what makes these regions so unique. Choose from a range of tours or ‘trust the guide’ to design a tour based on your specific interests.
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Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the afternoon Seafood Odyssea Cruise, departing Picton. As you cruise through Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound, take in the natural beauty of the area and sample local seafood such as Regal salmon, Greenshell mussels, paired beautifully with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
They may be simple, but there’s a reason why the toasted sandwiches from Toastie Picton have become an instant classic since opening in 2021- they’re mind blowingly delicious! The ultimate in comfort food and the best thing to warm yourself up with after a day on the water, Toastie is a definite Picton must-do!
Situated on the Kaikōura waterfront, The Pier Hotel is a classic Kiwi pub set in an iconic nineteenth century character hotel guesthouse and restaurant. Sip a beer outdoors while soaking up the magnificent sea and mountain views, or enjoy a delicious meal in the cosy restaurant, famous for the freshest seafood and locally caught crayfish.
Enjoy a wine tasting and learn about Yealands Wines commitment to sustainability at their cellar door near Seddon. Set among their stunning vineyards, take the 40-minute self-guided tour along The White Road, with wetlands, chickens, classical music in the vines, miniature babydoll sheep, kunekune pigs and plenty of beautiful picnic spots along the way.
Located in Greymouth, the iconic Monteith’s Brewery is the original home of craft brewing in New Zealand. Take the guided 45-mintue brewery experience tour to learn about craft beer and the brewing process. Pour your own beer from the tap and relax in their lively restaurant and enjoy something from their locally inspired menu.
Mitchells Restaurant and Bar is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold drink after a day out exploring Lake Brunner’s tracks and trails. Enjoy dinner in front of a roaring fire in winter, or live music and a drink on the expansive deck overlooking the picturesque Lake Brunner
Located right on the edge of the stunning Kaikōura coastline, Sudima Kaikōura is a brand new 4.5-star hotel with stunning views of mountains and sea. It’s just a short walk from the township’s retail centre and main activity and attraction booking centres, making it the ideal place to stay.
Peanut butter lovers, this one’s for you! Pic’s world-famous peanut butter tours have been designed for people of all ages to share the wonder in how New Zealand’s most-loved peanut butter is made. Complete your tour with a visit to their dedicated peanut butter store and eatery.
The home of locally brewed beer Renaissance, the Dodson Street Beer Garden is a family-friendly restaurant with a great selection of craft beers on tap and arguably the best beer garden in Blenheim! A brew and hearty pub feed in the sunny garden tops the must-do list for many locals.
Located in the beautiful seaside town of Kaikoura, Emporium Brewing is far more than just a brewery. With an 18 hole mini golf course, two Escape Rooms and a new on-site bar, Emporium provides a range of activities for all ages. Sample their local brews and enjoy some lunch at their on-site bar.
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Looking for some freedom and fun? Grab a feed at the local fish and chip shop and head to the beach! View the wildlife, explore the rocks, search the flotsam and jetsam and feast on some locally caught fish and chips - there’s no better way to end the day!
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For a genuine taste of the intrepid spirit of the West Coast and its people, a trip to the Reefton Distilling Co is a great place to start. Housed in one of Reefton’s beautiful heritage buildings, the distillery produces premium handcrafted spirits distilled from the West Coast’s lush rainforest.
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Set among mature trees, with stunning views of the Southern Alps, this beautifully restored local landmark has been transformed into a resort with outdoor swimming pool, tennis and petanque courts. Enjoy local wines and cuisine at the elegant restaurant and bar, which features a roaring fire in winter, or al fresco dining in summer.
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With its warm, sunny climate, flat terrain and large number of cellar doors, Marlborough is the ideal place to experience a wine tour by bike. With a wide range of bikes and e-bikes and located close to a dozen cellar doors, Explore Marlborough offers a range of guided and unguided cycle wine tours.
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For a relaxed gastronomical experience in a unique location, head to Harvest Restaurant. Located on the ‘Golden Mile’ of Marlborough’s winegrowing area and set among 16 acres of secluded park gardens and vineyards, guests can enjoy an ever-changing menu, featuring the best seasonal local produce, with attention to sustainable practices.
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Tucked among the vines in the heart of wine country, no trip to Marlborough is complete without dining at the darling of Marlborough’s food scene, Arbour. Established in 2015, by chef Bradley Hornby and hospitality superstar Liz Buttimore, Arbour offers innovative cuisine, an extensive wine list and warm, friendly service in a modern and relaxed environment.
If you are looking for the perfect way to explore and experience the very best of New Zealand wine, Marlborough Wine Tours’ half day tour is the ideal starting point. Tour four different wineries with an opportunity to taste a variety of the region’s best wines, including Marlborough’s flagship Sauvignon Blanc and world-class Pinot Noir.
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Treat yourself to a little luxury and stunning ocean views at the Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses. Set on Kaikōura’s rugged coastline, Hapuku Lodge is also one of the best places in the region to experience the stunning produce that is grown, caught and foraged right here in Kaikōura.
Experience the iconic Marlborough wine label at the Cloudy Bay cellar door. Discover their award-winning wines with a tasting menu, or enjoy a unique lunch at Jack’s Raw Bar, renowned for its freshly shucked oysters and vibrant sharing dishes. To delve deeper into Marlborough’s unique environment and its amazing produce, book a private tour.
Enjoy a scenic flight around the Peninsula & Kaikōura before landing on majestic Mt Fyffe. Take in the stunning views while sipping on award winning Mt Fyffe Distillery Gin, hearing the story behind it all from the distiller herself.
Tap into the rich food story of Kaikōura with a culinary adventure or dining experience at Hapuku Kitchen. Created by passionate foodies Fiona Read and Chris Sturgeon, their private cooking classes and culinary tours provide a tasty and tangible way to connect with the land and sea.
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Enjoy a meal of crayfish in Kaikōura at one of the many restaurants or roadside stores. A town well known for their seafood offering, the name Kaikōura translates into "to eat crafish".
Pop in for a tasting, or enjoy a long lunch at stunning Greystone Wines in Wairarapa, who have been proudly crafting award-winning, organic wines since 2004. Their menu is inspired by some of the region’s best local produce and their world-famous Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir and flagship Chardonnays are a must-try.
From the rolling hills and wineries of Waiparato the rugged limestone cliffs along the east coast, the incredible vistas, relaxed vibe and warm Kiwi hospitality in Hurunui offers an opportunity to slowdown and make the most of your visit.
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From the thrill of whale spotting by plane, trekking with llamas and visiting with seals, there are so many exciting opportunities to explore this unique area by land, sea or air. The waters in this part of the world are home to a vast array of marine mammals and birdlife which can be viewed from above and below the waves.
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Dreamy sunsets, calm reflections and star-filled nights - you couldn’t ask for a more inspiring backdrop to create un-filled holiday memories with your loved ones. Explore the four valleys that create Marlborough, meet the passionate people who live, work and play there and learn about their connection with the land.
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Nelson Tasman has an incredible arts and events scene, an exciting and diverse range of food and beverage producers and an indelible connection with the outdoors. Along with a vibrant array of fresh produce and artisan products, boutique wineries, craft breweries and award winning cider makers can all be found in this part of the world.
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From its stunning coastline to the epic peaks of the Southern Alps, the West Coast is a place of stunning natural beauty and the ideal spot for a getaway. Whether the hills are calling your name, or you prefer a more laid-back approach to taking some time out, there is no better place to re-set, recharge and reconnect.