charli47

Having a hard time deciding between two nights in the Blenheim/Picton wine area or choosing one night and then one night in Akoura. Found a lovely farmstay in Akoura but can't decide on a place in the wine country. Do we need two nights to enjoy the wineries?

Any help is most appreciated.

Charli47

Melnq8

Two nights in a wine region will give you one full day for wine tasting and local exploration, without having to worry about driving after imbibing. The Marlborough wineries are concentrated around the Blenheim and Renwick area, not many near Picton that I can think of. Another option would be the Nelson region wineries, situated between Motueka/Nelson and near Nelson around Hope and Richmond.

Where are you coming from/going to after Marlborough?

Melnq8

Here's a Marlborough winery map that might help:

http://www.cloudybay.co.nz/files/Con...e_Trailmap.pdf

charli47

HI Melnq8

We will be at Abel Tasman from October 19 - 22nd. We were then going to spend 1/2 day in Nelson for the Saturday market (23rd) and then spend the other half day around Havelock/Picton area. That Saturday night (23rd) we were trying to spend either one or two nights (23rd and 24th) in the wine area. We were then headed to Christchurch, via Hamner Springs on the 25th . We have a flight out of Auckland on the 27th so we are flying from Christchurch on the 26th.

Melnq8

Lots of wineries between Nelson and Motueka, easily accessible from Abel Tasman, unless you're planning to spend all that time within the park. There are wineries near Christchurch too, particularly in Waipara, which you'll be driving right through on your way to Christchurch. Only one winery on Banks Peninsula that I'm aware of.

So you're driving to Christchurch from Blenheim via 63 to Murchison, then picking up 65 to Springs Junction and 7 to Hanmer Springs, then on to Christchurch?

Refresh my memory, were you the person looking at St Arnaud?

charli47

Yes, way back a week or so ago...I was looking at St. Arnaud. What are your thoughts on us staying at the Endeavour Inlet area (by boat and off the Queen Charlotte Track) instead of Blenheim, etc. Is it similar scenery as the Abel Tasman area? We will do at least one wine tour while at Abel TAsman so maybe this is enough?

Melnq8

I personally love the Marlbrough Sounds and would never discourage someone from staying there, but keep in mind, you'll be somewhat captive. Once you're back there, you're back there, as water taxis are expensive and the drop off/pick ups are limited.

Scenery wise, I guess it's somewhat similar to Abel Tasman, with the coastal areas and all, but you'll get gorgeous views into the sounds from the Queen Charlotte Track that you won't get in Abel Tasman. I personally prefer the scenery of the Marlborough Sounds to that of Abel Tasman. Shall I post a few photos or have I already done that?

I'd think that a full day wine tour from Abel Tasman would give you a good taste of the wine region (assume that tour is going to the Nelson area wineries?)

You can always stop at other wineries enroute as you drive across the SI. They're everywhere.

Blenhim isn't pretty, it's flat, flat, flat with vineyard after vineyard. If I had to choose between Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds, I'd pick the Sounds in a New York minute.

charli47

Thanks so much. That is so helpful. My itinerary is set up until the drive around Saturday afternoon...continue going south. I initially thought of Kaikoka but I remember reading that you weren't that impressed with that place. Or am I correct? Where would you stay after seeing a day trip in Havelock and Picton en route to Christchurch?

Many thanks,

Charli47

mlgb

Kaikoura is a lot more interesting than Blenheim!

The other wine tasting region to consider if you are going to see Christchurch is the Waipara between Kaikoura and Christchurch. Pegasus Bay is there (I think they just won best winery restaurant in Cuisine Magazines annual contest).

www.waiparawine.co.nz

If you like the small family run wineries I recommend also Torlesse and Waipara Springs.