3 Nights at Old St Mary’s Convent – Blenheim

Cougar Line water taxi will transfer you Bay of Many Coves Resort in the Marlborough Sounds.  

Bay of Many Coves Resort, a luxury accommodation resort is an exceptional destination for exceptional travelers. Relax in a spacious hillside apartment with uninterrupted views from your private balcony to the blue waters and native bush clad hills. Dine at our "Foredeck" restaurant, swim in our fresh water all-seasons pool and cedar hot-tub, fish from a dinghy, enjoy a short bush walk around the bays, or read the newspapers over coffee at either of our two licensed cafés - "Kumatage" and "Bight". We offer an exclusive retreat in Marlborough, the heart of New Zealand's finest wine growing country, a playground for sailing, cruising, fishing, diving, walking and kayaking in an un spoilt natural environment. In the heart of Marlborough's wine growing area lies Old Saint Mary's Convent -- a haven for the discerning traveller, where luxury boutique accommodation and an intimate retreat may be found. Old Saint Mary's Convent is situated on an estate of 60 acres of vineyard and parkland and is surrounded on all sides by the vineyards and olive groves Marlborough is famous for. 

Enjoy the magnificent views and peaceful surroundings before dining in the restaurant. 

The Lady Karen is a 43’ Kauri twin engine launch, built in 1957.  Cruise the beautiful bays of the Marlborough Sounds, perhaps drop a line down to catch lunch, scallop when in season, visit historic Captains Cook’s Monument at Ship Cove, be amazed by the cheeky robins on Motuara Island or just simply put the anchor down and soak up the Sounds experience.  Take one or two on board kayaks and visit the shore. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy.  Maybe a spa treatment at Makoha Spa, a walk through the native bush or put your feet up with a bottle of Marlborough’s best wine and soak up the scenery. 

After a delicious breakfast you will be transferred to Picton by Cougar Line Water taxis. Today you head down to the wine region of Blenheim.   You may like to visit Edwin Fox Museum where you can walk right into the hulk of the ship before departing Picton.  It is only 30 minutes to Blenheim however an option is to take the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive via Havelock to Blenheim.   The Queen Charlotte Drive is not a main highway and the road is fairly windy and narrow in places.  It’s quite a slow road to drive but the stunning views are the reward with amazing views down the Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds.  This scenic drive will take approximately 1 hour, but make sure you allow longer as the photo opportunities are around every corner.  Enjoy a nice lunch at the Slip Inn Café in Havelock before driving on to Blenheim.  This is approximately 30 minutes. Arrive at Old St Mary’s Convent.   Explore the beautiful property and grounds or simply relax in your suite before dining out in one of Blenheim’s many restaurants.  

Day 4 - The Wairau Plains Tour      

Start the day with a drive through the heart of the Marlborough wine region, to an organic vineyard. 

Amble through the vines to a tasting and winery visit at Seresin. Meander to a private vantage point that has a 360 degree view of the valleys. Take time to view and taste different varieties of grapes (season permitting) at Grove Mill.
Travel to Highfield Estate for a wine tasting and simply scrumptious lunch.
Afterwards, stroll or drive through the rolling vineyards of Dogpoint Vineyard to gain an understanding of what goes into producing a fine Marlborough wine. This is followed by a wine tasting at Matua. Complete the day with a visit to boutique chocolatiers, Makana or alternatively, another winery of your choice. 

The day is free to do as much or as little as you desire.The centre of Blenheim (pop. 28,200) is conveniently compact, making it easy to enjoy the town’s amenities on foot. Market Place in the middle of town features a 100-year old rotunda and wide piazza; a great place to soak up the relaxed ambience all around. Explore the shops at a leisurely pace, with a pause for a seriously good coffee or a lightly chilled Marlborough wine in the sunshine.Take time to explore Blenheim’s parks. Visit Seymour Square in the middle of town, and nearby Pollard Park / Waterlea Gardens, with childrens’ play area, golf course (one of 8 in handy reach to visitors) and sweeping bedded gardens. Come here again after-dark to view the special-effects lighting that illuminates the entrance to the park.If art and craft appeals visit the Marlborough and Millennium Galleries in central Blenheim and the many regional galleries and fascinating craft studios that stretch from the Awatere region in the south to the Marlborough Sounds in the north.     

After a delicious breakfast it is time to say farewell and continue on your journey.