How about this summer, you head out and meet your neighbours in Marlborough? The locals will tell you that it is brilliant every day. From heading on a cruise to spot wildlife to wine tasting by the fire at a cellar door, there is an adventure waiting in Marlborough for absolutely everyone.

FIVE STAR SEA VIEWS

Bay of Many Coves is a five-star luxury lodge in the Marlborough Sounds. Relax in a spacious apartment with uninterrupted views of the blue waters and native bush-clad hills. A mere stone’s throw from the water’s edge, your apartment will enjoy uninterrupted sea views from indoors and from the generous sized private balcony, with options from one bedroom up to three. The interior colour palette reflects the natural hues of warm wood, sand, and stone, with textured designer fabrics and superb architectural detailing.

PAUA, TEA, AND BIKKIES

Arapawa Homestead has successfully spawned wild pāua by growing larvae and release juveniles back into the wild to replace and increase wild stocks over the past 15 years. They also grow Haliotis Iris pearls, also known as blue or pāua pearls. Take a tour through the facilities where you can feed the pāua and watch a short video in the comfort of Mike and Antonia Radon’s home, along with a cup of tea or coffee and some home baking. Check out their long-finned pet eels as you depart the property!

CRUISE CONTROL

Scheduled mail boat cruises are a fantastic way to see the way of life in the Sounds. Mail, food, and supplies are delivered to people living remotely in the area, and this is a brilliant opportunity to see parts of Marlborough that few know even exist. No one day is the same, as routes and delivery points change daily depending on what the residents need. Your skipper will provide interesting commentary throughout the journey as you pull alongside the wharves in sheltered bays.

SALMON AND A SAV

Sample fresh salmon and mussels straight from the waters below. Some of the world’s finest seafood is grown in the Marlborough Sounds. Join a seafood cruise from Picton or Havelock and taste fresh salmon and mussels, matched with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Learn about how these delicacies are grown as you pull up near a salmon farm and a mussel farm, and have your camera at the ready as you are likely to see cheeky seals hanging around the salmon nets.

HERE, FISHY FISHY

Marlborough boasts some fantastic fishing year-round, and the calm, sheltered waters are fantastic for small boats and families. Let a skipper take you to the best spots, with a half or full-day fishing charter. The Sounds is also well suited to smaller craft such as kayaks and dinghies due to the calm waters and sheltered bays. It’s a perfect way to escape from reality for a few hours. Top tip: D’Urville Island is the mecca for big snapper and kingfish.

THE BEAUTY OF THE BUSH

Explore 1500km of winding coastline, secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves, and island sanctuaries, fostering kiwi and other native species. Beautiful beaches and native bush surround the sunken valleys of water, and every bay beckons. Some can be reached by road, but the only way to really discover these sounds is by water. Cast for kahawai and salmon at the mouth of the Wairau River, or find trout in the tributaries of this beautiful braided river.

Find out more on your next adventure at marlboroughnz.com

SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER