Stuff Travel Go-To Guide: Marlborough

New Zealand’s Amalfi Coast

In Marlborough, you may discover New Zealand’s model of the winding Amalfi Coast — solely with cliffside farms somewhat than vineyards. Formally often called the Croisilles Harbour–French Move Highway, this is likely one of the nation’s finest hidden gems. The highway is just 60 kilometres however it would take you greater than an hour and a half to drive. It is dramatically windy, at occasions following the ridgeline, with imposing cliffs to the bays under. At nearly each flip, you may see a brand new secluded bay, surrounded by native bush and emerald waters. Read more

Marlborough’s startling alien-like salt lake

The Crimson Sea is just too far-off for many of us to go to. Even Australia’s pink lakes are at the moment out of bounds, however the results of the identical situations which make these our bodies of water so distinctive will be seen simply half an hour’s drive from Blenheim. The startlingly alien-like Lake Grassmere (Kāpara te hau), which varies from pale to purple, is attributable to the presence of tiny algae and pink shrimp within the water. You may’t swim right here, however stick with it alongside the highway and also you’ll get to Marfells Seashore. Read more​

The world’s most scenic mail route

The Pelorus Mail Boat units out three days every week from the little city of Havelock, to cruise by way of the Marlborough Sounds delivering not simply publish, however way more, to the individuals who dwell tucked away within the bays alongside this convoluted shoreline, a few of them so distant that they don’t have any highway entry in any respect. On board the snug catamaran, everyone seems to be welcomed and proven the ropes earlier than passing seashores, bush-clad hills, and mussel farms. Read more

A floating resort at sea

Chartering a yacht seems like one thing solely the wealthy and well-known do. Nonetheless, Sounds by Sail presents a luxurious evening afloat its 32-footer for $395 per individual, which incorporates dinner in a distant bay with native wine. The skipper will even row ashore for the evening to assist you to benefit from the atmosphere. The boat is operated by Phil and Deborah Clegg, who’ve distinctive data of the native space – and can fortunately allow you to get behind the helm and have a go at crusing. Read more

Kayaking with stingrays

Top-of-the-line methods to discover the Sounds is with Sea Kayak Adventures, which has a base within the coastal village of Anikiwa. A guided tour can have you feeling faraway from civilisation inside minutes as you glide alongside previous bush-clad cliffs. The guides are glorious at selecting out wildlife, together with dolphins and the occasional killer whales, which come on the lookout for stingrays. As you paddle deeper into the Sounds it is common to identify huge stingrays, which come up for a more in-depth look. Read more