Upon arriving in Blenheim, we are driven to the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust. Established in late 2008 by dedicated individuals, this trust aims to ensure the survival of the karearea, New Zealand’s last remaining endemic bird of prey. The small but committed team of volunteers works tirelessly to boost the karearea population by rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing these falcons back into the wild.

After this enlightening visit, we head to one of Blenheim’s renowned vineyards for a delightful lunch among the vines. Later, we check into our accommodation for our first three-night stay.

Lunch, Dinner

Today, we’re in for a real treat as we drive into Awatere Valley with one of Marlborough’s most renowned farmers, Doug Avery. Doug, an award-winning farmer and acclaimed speaker on resilience in farming, has written a book and earned the title of Farmer of the Year. As he takes us through the valley to his beautiful farm, which features a vineyard and native plantings, he’ll provide insightful commentary.

Doug takes us out for a lovely lunch and completes the day with a visit to a nearby olive farm, where we’ll taste their small-batch olive oil. Delicious!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

This morning, we’ll head to Havelock, the coastal village at the head of Pelorus Sound, famously known as the greenshell mussel capital of the world. We’ll meet our skipper at the wharf, a third-generation local who lives deep in the sounds. He’ll take us on a scenic cruise of Pelorus Sound and Kenepuru Sound aboard his working mussel boat. Along the way, we’ll learn about local history, visit a mussel farm, and enjoy freshly steamed mussels paired with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The Marlborough Sounds are teeming with wildlife, so keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, penguins and stingrays!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

With our bags packed, we start the day by visiting two stunning gardens: Hortensia House and Welton House. Hortensia House, named after the French word for hydrangea, features a laissez-faire approach and Monet-inspired color palette, surrounding a sparkling creek with a magnificent garden.

Next, we explore Wendy’s historic Welton House, a garden of National Significance. It boasts unique topiary hedges reflecting the stunning Richmond Ranges, along with impressive wooden steps, platforms, and pergolas that anchor the garden in its surroundings. Wendy will also treat us to a fabulous lunch before we depart for Picton, the next stage of our adventure.

Upon arriving at Picton Wharf, it’s “Anchors away!” as we join the skipper on the local Mail Boat Cruise. We’ll share in the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers New Zealand Rural post bags, groceries, and freight to the residents of the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways. Once we reach the luxurious Furneaux Lodge, we’ll disembark and settle in for our next two-night stay.

Furneaux Lodge is a locally owned and operated boutique resort set right on the water’s edge. With a backdrop of native forest, the lodge’s iconic historic homestead overlooks lush rolling lawns and the stunning green-blue sea. Simply beautiful.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Spend your morning relaxing, enjoying a hot spa, trying your hand at fishing off the wharf, or exploring one of the many scenic walks surrounding the lodge.

At midday, we’ll meet at the wharf for a cruise to Whekenui Bay on Arapawa Island, a small island covering just 75 km². There, we’ll be warmly welcomed by Mike and Antonia Radon, the owners of Arapawa Seafarms. They will personally guide us on a tour of their farm and demonstrate how the unique Blue Pearl or Paua Pearls are produced. We’ll also visit their on-site jewellery studio, where custom-made pieces are displayed and available for purchase if you’re tempted to treat yourself or a loved one.

Towards the end of our visit, Mike and Antonia will invite us into their home for a beautifully prepared lunch before returning back to Furneaux Lodge in the afternoon.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Later this morning, we bid farewell to Furneaux Lodge and the Marlborough Sounds as we board a water taxi for our return to Picton. In Picton, you’ll have ample time to explore the town, enjoy its waterfront dining, and browse the boutique shops at your leisure.

Next, we head to Blenheim for a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, where we’ll take a guided tour through Peter Jackson’s impressive collection of WWI and WWII aircraft and artifacts. Afterwards, we’ll proceed to Blenheim Airport to say goodbye to this beautiful part of the country as we make our way home.

Breakfast.