6 Nights – 3 nights Escape to Picton

3 nights Brookhurst Boutique Accommodation

Escape to Picton is situated in the heart of the picturesque town of Picton, the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds and just 20 minutes from the world famous Vineyards of Marlborough. We offer the discerning traveller luxury accommodation including a restaurant and wine bar with a decor and service that is second to none. Brookhurst Boutique Accommodation is entirely unique, stylishly relaxed. Brookhurst sets a new standard in boutique accommodation. Discover a home with heart, warmth and a remarkable sense of tranquillity. Genuine old world charm seamlessly blends with contemporary comfort and elegance.

Day 1
Arrive at Escape to Picton. Relax in your suite before strolling into town for a meal.

Day 2 - Greenshell Mussel Cruise (B)
Your Greenshell Mussel Cruise departs Havelock Marina at 1.30pm. There are 2 ways to get there. First option is to take the Queen Charlotte Drive from Picton. This 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!! The second option is to drive the main highway between Picton and Blenheim, turning off at Spring Creek and along Rapaura Road. This drive will take you through the heart of the wine region and Rapaura Road is known locally as the golden mile of wine making. At the end of Rapaura Road you will rejoin state highway 6 for the drive through to Havelock. Again travel time of approximately 1 hour. This cruise is truly unique as it takes in the three highlights of Marlborough; the stunningMarlborough Sounds, the Greenshell™ Mussels and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.Experience a perfect match of all three in a beautiful part of Marlborough.Cruise Itinerary:

* An afternoon scenic cruise through the Kenepuru Sound. (A stunning area of theMarlborough Sounds.)
* Take in the natural beauty of the native bush and the tranquility of the Sounds.
* Learn from your experienced Skipper the history of the Marlborough Sounds andthe history of the pioneering families who have settled in the Sounds over 6generations.
* Visit a Greenshell™ Mussel farm where your experienced skipper will explain theintricacies of growing this delicacy in the Sounds
* Taste a local favourite – freshly steamed Mussels matched perfectly to acomplimentary glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Day 3 - Ship Cove Eco-Cruise & Walk (B)
Departing Picton at 1.30pm this tour is clean green New Zealand at its very best! As we cruise the length of the beautiful QueenCharlotteSound, you'll experience and learn about playful dolphins (98% encounter rate), fur seals and amazing seabirds before landing at historic Ship Cove of Capt. Cook fame. After being welcomed ashore by the cheeky resident wekas, oystercatchers and paradise shelducks, you'll spend approximately 45 minutes enjoying the untouched native forest, fascinating history and breathtaking scenery. Spectacular views toward MotuaraIsland and open ocean Cook Strait waters will leave you speechless. After returning to the boat, sit back and relax with a free hot drink and cookies before making our way back to Picton approximately 5:30pm.

Day 4 - Drive to Blenheim (B)
Today you head down to the wine region of Blenheim. You may like to visit EdwinFoxMuseum 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 Brookhurst Boutique Accommodation. Relax and enjoy complimentary regional wines and canapés before you are chauffeured to the restaurant of your choice to dine. Day 4 - The Taste of Marlborough (B,L) Explore and discover with us Marlborough’s gourmet treasures. Relax as we drive you through the beautiful Marlborough countryside to visit local food growers and producers who will share their enthusiasm and stories as we sample their mouth-watering products. From locally roasted coffee to kick start your day, to picking and eating luscious seasonal fruit, to devouring decadent dark chocolate, we will delight your senses from start to finish. Tour highlights:
* Visit spots not usually available to the public
* We pick you up from and drop you off to your accommodation
* Sample pack of goodies to take home
* Lunch and private wine tasting at award-winning local winery restaurant
* Friendly, enthusiastic guides who share their local knowledge and passion for food

Day 5 - Awatere Valley Wine Tour (B,L)
Travel to the AwatereValley, 20 kilometres south of Blenheim pausing along the way at Montana Wines. Walk to a wine tasting and winery tour at the original label in this area, Vavasour. This is an ideal introduction to the history of this wine region which is fast becoming the engine room of the Marlborough wine industry.From here, we will drive to a vantage point for a spectacular view over the vineyards that make up this area.Travel south to the Old Ward Garage for a display of lobster fishing in the coastal area. Enjoy a tasting of local wines and lunch, with crayfish as an option on the menu.View the Marlborough Salt Works while travelling to one of the numerous vineyards for a close look behind the scenes in this dynamic production area.

Day 6 (B)
After a delicious breakfast it is time to say farewell and continue on your journey.

INCLUSIONS:
3 nights accommodation
Escape to Picton
3 nights accommodation
Brookhurst Boutique Accommodation
Daily breakfast, 2 lunchesGreenshell Mussel CruiseShip Cove Eco-Cruise & WalkHalf Day Taste of Marlborough TourFull Day The AwatereValley Wine Tour

***BLOW BUDGET THE OPTION***
Private Wine Tour & Herzog lunch.A 6 hour private guided tour of the Marlborough region in the comfort of our luxury vehicles. There are no set itineraries for this tour as we are more than happy to create something special based on the clients personal interests. Enjoy the luxury surroundings of a special 3 course wine and food match dining experience at Herzog Winery.