The Marlborough Lodge

It’s our pleasure to welcome you to The Marlborough. A luxury country estate located in the heart of the famous Marlborough wine region, The Marlborough is nestled within 16 acres of secluded parklands, providing the ultimate retreat to relax at in New Zealand’s gourmet province. Our ten contemporary rooms are elegantly designed to ensure your every comfort is met.

Whether you’ve spent your day relaxing on the property or exploring further afield, finish each day with a peaceful wander through our 16 acres of gardens and vines then enjoy the guest Chapel Bar and our outdoor fireplace as you watch the sunset and listen to the birdsong before dining on fresh local cuisine at our in house restaurant “Harvest”.

With elegant, contemporary rooms, gourmet local cuisine, beautiful gardens that run into the surrounding vineyards and attentive staff on hand 24 hours a day, luxury is second nature at The Marlborough.

This is your perfect base to explore the stunning Marlborough region, an idyllic setting for your weekend away, special birthday or dream wedding, and a secluded haven to create time for yourself and reflect on as much – or as little – as you desire.

Steeped in history with a recent contemporary renovation, The Marlborough has a timeless, welcoming quality that enables you to leave the world behind at least for a while.

OUR STORY – The Convent
Designed by Thomas Turnbull and built in 1901 for the Sisters of Mercy, this historic Victorian Convent was originally located next to Saint Mary’s Church in Blenheim. It provided nineteen bedrooms for the nuns, a library, music room, sewing room, office and a beautiful chapel upstairs on the first floor.

Native timbers were extensively used in the construction including Matai, Rimu and Kauri. One of the many splendid examples of Victorian craftsmanship is the substantial carved staircase, constructed entirely from Kauri.

In 1994, the Convent was moved in five pieces to its present location in Rapaura, Marlborough. The task of restoration then began under the guidance of architect Sir Michael Fowler.

And the property operated as Old St Mary’s Convent B&B until May 2016 when it was sold and underwent an extensive refurbishment before opening in November 2016 as The Marlborough, offering 10 luxury suites.

We encourage you to tour through the site so that you may get a full understanding of our unique Luxury Lodge sitting in 16 acres of parkland like garden, surrounded by the world renown vineyards of Marlborough.

Location
The Marlborough is located in the centre of New Zealand at the top of the South Island. Fly into Auckland or Wellington and connect with direct flights to Blenheim. Marlborough, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, is accessible with direct flights from Auckland and Wellington to Blenheim Airport.

The Marlborough is located in the beautiful Marlborough region – famous for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc wine, as well as the stunning Marlborough Sounds, whilst also having the most sunshine hrs in New Zealand.

Nestled in the heart of the scenic vineyards on 16 acres of established gardens, The Marlborough is 8 mins drive Blenheim Airport, 15 minutes drive from Blenheim township, 25 minutes from Picton coastal township and the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, 90 minutes from Nelson and 4 hours from Christchurch.

Gardens
With 16 acres of sprawling gardens and vineyards, The Marlborough’s grounds are an oasis of flora and fauna. The lawns and gardens meander down to Spring Creek and out into the surrounding vineyards, providing a sanctuary for the abundant birdlife that inhabits.

This is the ultimate tranquil retreat for you to explore and relax in. Wander among the established trees, stroll through the gardens and explore the wide arrange of vegetables, fruit, berries, herbs & citrus, all of which feature on our ala carte menu at “Harvest” our in house restaurant

Enjoy a stroll at any time or join our gardener on a tour of the garden and vineyards. Explore the grounds, learn its history and sample the produce whilst being surrounded by birdsong

Vineyard
Our vineyards makes up part of The Marlborough Lodge grounds, where we grow the world-famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as well as Riesling, Malbec & Merlot.

Explore the grounds, learn about our vineyard or join one of our more indepth wine experiences where you will get to meet the personalities that produce our wine and understand their philiosphy and passion that goes into each vintage.

The vineyards are wonderful for wandering and exploring at any time of the day but are particularly beautiful as the sun rises. The vineyards and the rest of the grounds create a striking backdrop for any special occassion photography.

Pool
Enjoy our outdoor heated swimming pool, surrounded by the rolling lawns, established trees and birdsong – (heated Nov – Mar).

Relax and soak up the Marlborough sunshine poolside or work up an appetite by swimming some lengths in the 12 x 5 metre pool. Poolside service is available so that you can enjoy the beautiful surrounds whilst keeping cool and refreshed

Tennis Courts
Right next door to The Marlborough is the Rapaura Tennis Club, founded in the 19th century, offering six well-manicured grass courts available during the summer months for our guests.

Bring your own racquet or choose from a selection we have on site and have a friendly hit or a formal match in this lovely rural club setting.

Stay
Relax and unwind in one of our ten contemporary roomsset over the two floors of our historic building. Enjoy your own private haven with spacious private ensuite and balcony access to enjoy the scenic views. Choose from our range of – Premium, Deluxe or Queen Rooms.

Enjoy a full breakfast each day as part of your tariff and then dine at our in house restaurant “Harvest” (additional charge) where our Head Chef and his team will entice with their ever changing ala carte menu showcasing the regions seasonal produce.

Relax in the 16 acre estate where you will find pentaque, crocquet, tennis courts, walking trails, heated swimming pool and birdsong making this the ideal location to stop, relax and enjoy.

Alternatively explore all that the top of the south has to offer with a range of touring, cruising, wine and food tasting activities offsite.

Exclusive Use

The Marlborough is available for exclusive use, for special occasions, groups or weddings. Enjoy the full range of 10 rooms with private ensuites across the ground and first floors, plus a Twin Room with shared ensuite with a Premium room.

Options for double and twin share configurations for all except the Queen Rooms which are double only. Make the most of 16 acres of parkland and vineyards exclusively for your use – enjoy the lodge pool (summer months), next door grass tennis courts and our onsite bikes.

Our 24 hour Reception/Concierge will ensure all your needs are met any time of the day. Our professional Housekeeping team provide daily service and evening turndown.

Dine
We warmly welcome you to The Marlborough and Harvest Restaurant, where we specialise in showcasing Marlborough’s gourmet produce.

Our Chef and his team know how the food has been produced, where it has travelled from and understands how to bring out the most subtle of flavours to ensure a mouthwatering dining experience with the use of their Mibrasa Charcoal oven.

Guests staying will begin each day with a continental or cooked breakfast, then explore the area or relax on the property before winding down in our in house Chapel Bar or by the large outdoor fireplace, to enjoy cocktails/canapes as they watch the sunset, listening to the birdsong.

On onsite restaurant “Harvest” offers an every changing la carte menu along with an excellent wine list featuring Marlborough, New Zealand and International wines and beverages all of which are at an additional charge.

At Harvest, the ethos is simple – authenticity…
We aim to create a space that celebrates authentic hospitality where you can relax, enjoy and have your every need anticipated. All aspects of the restaurant is guided by this philosophy, creating a place where guests are genuinely welcomed and farewelled as friends.

Relax in one of the stunning dining rooms or enjoy the Marlborough sun on our large garden deck area and enjoy the gastronomy on offer. Alternatively, find a shady spot in the beautiful gardens or vineyard with a small bite and refreshing beverage.

No matter the occasion, at Harvest we create an atmosphere and experience that reminds diners of the true meaning of hospitality.

Charcoal Cooking Experience
Charcoal cooking is versatile, hands-on and creative allowing us to push the limits of the menu. We want to appeal to all your senses and our Mibrasa Charcoal oven gives us another dimension in the language of gastronomy.

The Mibrasa Charcoal oven is widely used in Michelin star restaurants  all over the world and we are excited to showcase to you how ours can provide a hint of smoke that will enhance the exceptional local produce, creating unique, memorable flavours to entice you back.

Seasonal Menus
Our menus are carefully crafted and very accessible, driven by quality, using familiar ingredients found in New Zealand. Seasonal, local produce and sustainable practices are used where possible and collaborations with local food heroes means we change our menus regularly to make the most of the produce on offer.

Each dish on our menus is prepared with care and passion with a “fork to fork” philosophy and by evolving and developing our on-site gardens and working with local food heroes we are assured of the best produce which we can then showcase, making it the hero on our menus.

Weddings
A truly special place for your perfect wedding. The Marlborough offers a luxurious venue for an intimate wedding where every detail is perfect, the setting is idyllic and the experienced staff meet your every need; ensuring your dream day is memorable

• Hold your wedding ceremony in the beautiful grounds or inside one of the buildings
• Take your photos throughout the buildings and the 16 acre estate – featuring gardens and vineyards – while your guests enjoy drinks and canapes.
• Enjoy your lavish gourmet wedding reception in the beautiful Harvest restaurant dining rooms with a maximum of 50 guests sit down.
• Dine on gourmet local cuisine prepared by our experienced Chef team.
• Exclusive use can accommodate up to 20 of your guests in 10 contemporary elegant rooms and a twin room that interconnects through a bathroom with a Premium room providing a total of 22 guests – children of any age are welcomed with an exclusive use booking.
• Offer your guests a range of local activities including Marlborough Sounds cruises, hiking or wine tours.
• Transport your guests to and from Blenheim airport – just 8 minutes from The Marlborough.
• Weddings at the lodge can cater to a maximum of 50 guests for your wedding ceremony and reception

Corporate Events & Incentives
With its central location, close proximity to Blenheim Airport, large gardens, flexible rooms, inhouse dining, and luxury accommodation for 20 people over 10 suites all with private ensuites, the Marlborough is the perfect venue for your small corporate meetings, incentives, workshops, retreats, team building or promotional events.

• Meetings can be held in our recently converted Chapel which provides privacy and space and other breakout rooms can be offered on the ground floor of the main building.
• Our inhouse chef team ensures guests can be nourished with fresh, local cuisine throughout the day and evening
• Up to 20 guests can be accommodated overnight in contemporary elegant rooms in the main building, across 10 rooms. Twin share and double options available.
• Ultra fast complimenary Wi-Fi and business services available.
• During down time guests can enjoy drinks in the beautiful grounds, swim in the heated pool (summer months) or play tennis at the grass courts next door.
• Nearby wineries offer an easy biking option for wine tastings
• A range of local activities including Marlborough Sounds cruises, wine tours, walking and biking trips offer plentiful options to break up work sessions and showcase the region.
• Transportation and transfers are available for any size group and there is ample parking for cars.

Experiences
Marlborough and the top of New Zealand’s South Island is a treasure trove of food, wine, arts, culture and scenery just waiting to be explored, and The Marlborough sits right in the heart of it all.

Take a look at what appeals to you and we can help you plan your itinerary whilst you’re staying with us. Self drive or let us organise a guided tour with one of our excellent partners. Alternatively, if you wish to stay close to home, there is plenty happening at The Marlborough Lodge everyday within the 16 acre estate.

On Site Activities

• Garden tour with our head gardener (no charge)
• Cooking demonstration with one of our talented Chefs $80pp
• Massages (please choose from our wellness menu)
• Wine tasting onsite in our “wine shack” – private with wine maker of choice (POA)
• Dinner at Chefs Bench (no charge)
• Mountain Bikes available (no charge)
• Grass Tennis courts (racquets and balls provided – no charge)
• Swimming pool (heated summer months)
• Croquet and boules
• Walk trails through the gardens

Wine Tours
Marlborough is recognised as one of the premium wine regions of the world. It is New Zealands leading and largest wine region producing 70% of all New Zealand’s wine. Marlborough draws international acclaim that far outweighs its size.

In the span of just a few decades winemakers have embraced this small, yet geographically diverse region, exploring the nuances offered by its landscape to craft exhilarating flavours in many different wine styles. You can experience these wines in a variety of ways and they can be tailored to your requirements.

Following are some options as a start point

• Private half day wine tour: morning or afternoon (10am/12.30pm) 2-3 Wineries with an experienced guide. Your choice of wineries or we can recommend.
• Private full day wine tour: 6-8 wineries, lunch stop (own expense), start time 10am. This covers small and large wineries to provide you with an extensive array of styles and tastes
• Half day cycling wine tour: morning or afternoon (10am/12.30pm) 2-3 Wineries with an experienced guide (private or group).
• Full day cycling wine tour: 6-8 wineries, lunch stop (own expense), start time 9.30am (private or group). Both of these cycling tours will take you off the road and into some of the more unique smaller wineries, you will meet winemakers and walk through the vineyards which will provide you with a full understanding of what makes this area so unique and its wines world renowned. Support vehicles travel with the tours which means if you no longer wish to cycle you can still be part of the tour.
• Group wine tours with a winemaker (full day) visiting a variety of wineries with a winemaker providing you with their knowledge and insights into each of the styles tasted.
• Private tasting with individual outstanding winemakers onsite at our “Wine Shack” – your request of winemaker or we will match a wine maker to your taste.

Marlborough Sounds – Cruises – Private
The Marlborough Sounds are a network of submerged valleys and waterways, numerous Islands and tranquil sheltered bays, native bush-clad hills and almost 1500 km of deep-water coastline to explore, it is a cruising paradise.

Private charters are a great way to quickly get out into the Sounds allowing you time to explore the many hidden coves and waterways. With a local knowledgeable crew you will get to experience all that this fantastic area has to offer and learn a little of its history.

There is an abundance of marine and bird life along with stunning scenery with native bush running down to the waters edge and virtually no one else about.

Whether you wish to cruise, moor, swim, fish or simply sit back relax and explore this beautiful area this will be a highlight of your time in the Marlborough Region. With a skilled Chef on board a stunning lunch will add to your day. With options of half or full day experiences we can customise to your requirements.

Katabatic Charters (Motor Boat, 14m), half day, full day, sightseeing, fishing, diving or a combination. For those looking for a little more exercise then perhaps walking a section of The Queen Charlotte Track and cruising the Marlborough Sounds with lunch is the answer – there are many options available so let us help create your perfect day.

Combination Helicopter/Cruise/Fishing (POA)

• Helicopter sightseeing flight over the Marlborough Sounds landing at Ship Cove (Captain Cooks first interaction with Maori in 1770 took place here) enjoy a picnic lunch at a secluded location and then return by water taxi stopping at the predator free Motuara Island Native Bird Sanctuary, where you will be guided by a conservationist, who will provide details on the native NZ birds, penguins, flora on the island and details on the abundant marine life that inhabit the waterways of the area such as Dolphins which you are likely to see on your return to Picton, Fur Seals, Gannets and other sea birds.
• Departing from the gardens of the Lodge your luxury helicopter sightseeing tour of the magnificent Marlborough Sounds will take you over the many waters and rugged native bush clad hills that run down to the water’s edge. This remote area at the top of the South Island is predominantly uninhabited and its ever changing and rugged landscape make it quite spectacular. Landing on D’Urville Island (discovered in 1827 by French explorer which it is named after it is home to just 52 residents on its 150 sq klm expanse). This outer island of the Marlborough Sounds is where you get to try your luck at catching some of the local blue cod, we give a 99% chance of success of doing so and will not doubt have you reeling them in after just a few minutes! You will then be hosted to a casual BBQ lunch, which will include your freshly caught Blue Cod, seasonal salads and of course a glass of Marlborough wine. There will be time to relax and take in this remote beautiful location prior to boarding your helicopter. The return flight will take you over waterways, the Richmond Ranges and into the Wairau plans where you will see the extent of New Zealand’s largest wine growing region of NZ as you fly over the vast expanse of vineyards before landing back in the secluded gardens of the Marlborough Lodge

Marlborough Sounds Shared Cruises
The Marlborough Sounds is made up of four distinctively different Sounds – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, Pelorus, and Mahau – the winding waterways and sheltered bays and the abundance of marine life and native flora make for great cruising whichever way you choose

• Half day Dolphin watching where there is a 90% chance of seeing the playful Hectors, Bottlenose or Dusky Dolphins and then a walking tour of Motuara Island, a predator free native bird sanctuary.
• Half day cruise in morning or afternoon, with tasting of seafood from the region, the green lipped mussels which are only found and farmed in the Marlborough Sounds and this is paired with a taste of the famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
• Half day cruise of the Marlborough Sounds and take in the magnificent scenery plus a wine tour in the morning where you will visit 2-3 wineries to experience some of the exceptional wines of the region.
• Mail boat: Come along on the Mail Boat Cruise and share the excitement of Mail Day as the skipper delivers the New Zealand Rural post bags, groceries and freight to the residents that call the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways home

Private Helicopter Flights 

• Heli scenic flights of the magical Marlborough Sounds, Vineyards, Whither Hills & Richmond Ranges or to the pristine Able Tasman region. Each trip is customised to your requirements ensuring that you have an unforgettable day
• Transfers between Lodges or to your choice of destination such as Wellington to visit TePapa museum
• Heli-Gourmet, for a dining experience unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, begin by boarding a luxurious helicopter from our garden and enjoy a scenic flight over this beautiful region on the way to your secluded destination within the Marlborough Sounds where a gourmet picnic style luncheon will be served or perhaps head into the alpine region with a visit to a high country sheep station and casual lunch or land on a remote beach and enjoy a BBQ lunch

Warbird Adventure Flights

• 3 exhilaration flights experiences to choose from in a high- performance World War II Fighter Aircraft. Experience the adrenaline rush of 500klm/hr aerobatics in a newly overhauled V-12 powered Russian Yak 3

Bespoke Driving Tours: (POA)
We can create a bespoke tour of Marlborough and top of the South Island in a luxury vehicle with a driver/guide at a time and duration that suits you with an itinerary designed to cover your areas of interest.

Below are some of the options available in the area

• Omaka Heritage Museum – Sir Peter Jackson’s personal collection of World 1 & World war 2 aircraft are displayed depicting actual events. The rare memorabilia on display is worthy of any national collection and ranges from beautifully crafted “trench art’ through to personal items belonging to the famous Red Baron himself a must for any visitor to the area
• Art Galleries & Sightseeing – visit local painters and ceramists in their private studios and combine this with a sightseeing tour of the coastline of the region
• Artisan Food producers and wineries – the region has an abundance of artisan producers such as Manuka Honey, Goats Cheese, Black Garlick, Wild game Charcuterie, Mussels, Clams, Hazelnuts, Saffron, handmade chocolates and many more to choose from to create a fabulous day of food & wine.
  Sheep farm visit – the backbone of the country for many years the visit will provide you with a sheep encounter and a great insight into the industry and how it has evolved
• Gardens of the area – having the most sunshine hours in the country a good level of rain and fertile soil has created the perfect environment for a diverse range of magnificent gardens within the region.
• Maori Cultural site & wood carving gallery
• Culture & History
• Eco tours/Bird watching
• Nature Walks

Wellness at The Marlborough
Relaxation Massage (60 minutes – $150 / 90 minutes – $180)
Relaxation massage is a gentle Swedish massage that uses smooth, gliding strokes to help you relax while easing any muscle soreness and tension. Compared to therapeutic massages, the massage therapist will move at a slower pace and use lighter pressure.

Deep Tissue Massage (60 minutes – $180 / 90 minutes – $220)
A type of massage therapy, deep tissue massage involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). It’s used for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.

Hot Stone Massage (60 Minutes – $170 / 90 minutes – $ 200)
Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones to warm up tight muscles, so they can work on pressure points and problem areas to alleviate tension and stress. Hot stones may either be placed on the body or used as an extension of the therapist’s hands, which allows the therapist to work more deeply and more quickly.

Head, Neck and Back Massage (45 minutes – $100)
Great for relaxation, targeting all the places you hold the most tension – the head, neck, shoulders and back! Great for those that have been traveling long hours, or just need some “me” time.

Head and Foot Massage (45 minutes – $100)
In this massage we will start with the head taking extra time for the scalp, and then ending with a 20-minute treatment on the feet. Perfect for those who have been out on long hikes or walks and are feeling a bit sore.

Swimming with Dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds ($185pp)
New Zealand’s best dolphin swimming experience can be found in the shimmering, flat waters of the scenic Marlborough Sounds. Swimming with wild dolphins is a genuine bucket list activity

Dusky, Bottlenose, Common, Orca and the rare Hector’s dolphins frequent the area and will provide you with an amazing dolphin experience.

The tour is Fully Guided with Qualified Staff and the only permitted operator to swim with dolphins in the area, so you are in safe hands. Calm Sheltered Warm Waters with a ‘no seasickness guarantee’ should set your mind at rest.

If you decide not to swim there are plenty of opportunities to see the dolphins as well as the stunning scenery you will be provided with an array of fantastic photo opportunities

Kayak, Hiking, Mountain biking the Marlborough Sounds – Private/Shared: (from $140 – $400)
With 1500km of coastline to explore, stretching from just north of Kaikoura to the tip of D’Urville Island, the Marlborough Sounds is a truly remarkable sea kayaking, hiking and mountain biking destination.

Kayaking will get you up close and personal with nature as you explore the beautiful bays and coves of this pristine area where you will learn about the native plants from your guide and you will likely see Sting rays, Eagle rays a wide array of sea birds as you paddle, and if your lucky Dolphins, Fur seals, Penguins and Albatross.

Within the Marlborough Sounds there is the Queen Charlotte Track which is widely rated as the best single track in New Zealand and is also one of this country’s 23 Great Rides and there is little wonder why!

With its wide, benched surface, spectacular views, native bush and, in parts, technical difficulty, the track offers Hikers and bikers an exhilarating challenge. Whether you choose one or combined a couple of these activities you will be astounded by the beauty of this region

Some of the options which are in groups or can be private

• Guided Kayak trip half day/full day in the Marlborough Sounds
• Half day guided kayak trip in the morning plus hike a portion of the Queen Charlotte Track
• Hiking Queen Charlotte Track with water taxi transfers – Guided
• Mountain biking Queen Charlotte Track half/full day – guided or freedom

Wairau Lagoon Kayak & Walking Tour – (from $275pp group tour with max 6 guests)
A four hour, eco kayak and walking tour at the Wairau Lagoon, Marlborough, with a delicious homemade picnic.

You will paddle into the channels of the Wairau lagoon and explore some of the points of interest such as the archaeological remains of the Maori tuna, (eel) traps, historic buildings and the hulk of the SS Waverly, get up close to many beautiful New Zealand birds, including the Royal Spoonbill, Black Fronted Tern & Bartailed Godwit. Hear stories from your guide about the hardy people who once lived here.

The Wairau Bar is New Zealand’s first known place of human settlement and where the Polynesian Maori once paddled their waka (canoes) trading their harakeke (flax) and kai (food) . A kayak tour on this gentle tidal estuary allows close encounters with New Zealand nature and native birds.

Relax on shore and take a stroll, later enjoy a homemade picnic and if the tide is suitable you can collect cockles and cook these over a gas fire and you can also try your luck at kawa fishing (, just let us know beforehand if you would like to do so.

Kayak Pelorus River – (from $185 per Adult, $155 per child)
Fully guided adventure kayaking down the Pelorus River, used in the filming of the second Hobbit movie “The Desolation of Smaug”. Taking you through easy rapids in stable, inflatable tandem canoes. Drift down the crystal-clear Pelorus river paddling your own canoe.

Enjoy New Zealand’s pristine native forest as you float past & learn how the flora & fauna were utilised by the Maori people. Learn the history of the gold & timber industries that shaped the top of the south.

Fly Fishing: POA
Excellent fly fishing can be had in the Marlborough region in the Wairau River which is a wide braided river with more than 140 klms of untamed fishing heaven in the upper and lower reaches. The Pelorus River offers a large number of both brown and rainbow trout and is easily accessible.

The Rai River is a small river also easily accessible for dry fly and nymph fishing and holds good numbers of brown and rainbow trout. We can arrange private fly-fishing guides to take you out for a great days fishing either by 4-wheel drive or helicopter into the upper reaches.

Golf – Marlborough Golf Club – Green Fees $40pp
Located among vineyards you’ll enjoy the scenery and course challenge when you play at Marlborough Golf Course, Fairhall, Blenheim – the region’s premier course.

Founded in 1900, it’s one of New Zealand’s oldest courses. The par is 72 over 6052 metres off the blue tees. With only 400 members, the course is never crowded. It’s a friendly club where visitors are always welcome.

Whale Watching
Kaikoura Whale Watching ($170pp), private transfer to Kaikoura $300 per way approx. 2 hrs drive each way – option to transfer via Helicopter or fixed wing aircraft (POA)

Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show along the Kaikoura coast and are year-round residents. On a typical Whale Watch tour, you may also encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross.

Marlborough Whale Watching – (Seasonal) $160pp
May – August is the time of year to go looking for whales in the Cook Strait as it is the annual migration of the Baleen Species of Whales. Departing from Picton your tour will take you through the majestic Queen Charlotte Sound to Tory Channel, where you will see a variety of marine wildlife on the way.

The fully covered and stable vessel and your own set of binoculars provides the perfect combination for your whale watch experience. Staying within 2klm of the coastline the tour will take you along the path of the migrating whales as they travel on the surface in what is becoming known as a whale hotspot.

This tour will also take in the Perano Whaling station which is the only restored station in New Zealand. Here you will learn about the history of whaling and how the families lived and work and how they changed from hunters to conservationists.

Rainbow Ski Field, seasonal June to August (from $ 159pp)
Rainbow Ski Area is high in the north of this great mountain chain within the world-famous Nelson/Marlborough lifestyle region. Reaching a height of over 1760 metres, Rainbow captures regular winter snow, complemented by extensive snow making, all superbly groomed to create a stunning winter playground. Approx. 2.5hrs drive from The Marlborough Lodge

The wide uncrowded slopes and well-groomed trails provide superb terrain for beginners and intermediates while advanced skiers can challenge themselves in the high powder runs and chutes. Snowboarders love the varied terrain, jumps, bumps and drops. A terrain park has been developed, offering more thrills & spills for adventurous boarders and skiers.

Website: www.themarlboroughlodge.co.nz

Rooms: 10

Price: from 765 EUR per night