Bay of Islands vs Marlborough Sound
 

Want to add a week on my own onto a 17 day group tour. Considering either Bay of Islands after tour which ends in Auckland or Marlborough Sound/Blenheim before tour which starts in Wellington.

Which would you suggest for scenery, hiking and overall interesting things to do? Planning for late February.

Will you have a car?

Most likely. Imagine we'd need one for either place.

It's been too long since I was at Bay of Islands to make a comparison, but I love the Marlborough Sounds, particularly the Queen Charlotte Track. You can take a water taxi to several points along the track, walk for several hours and then have the taxi pick you up. The sounds are beautiful, and you can truly experience them by walking some of the track and/or taking a mail boat/water taxi.

Picton has several walking tracks on offer, including The Snout, which will take you to a lovely point overlooking the Sounds.

I prefer staying in Waikawa Bay (about a five minute drive from Picton) to staying in Picton itself. I've also stayed in the sounds a few times - there are some lovely accommodation options there, some on the Queen Charlotte track, others only accessible by boat.

Lots of options.

Blenheim isn't particularly pretty, but it is the home of some fabulous Sauvignon Blanc - wineries galore. Do make time for a long leisurely lunch at one of them.

Bay of Islands is rather busy. We spent 6 nights on the east coast of Northland and preferred Whangarei Heads and Whangaroa Harbour/Totara North more. The highlight of Whangaroa Harbour was our hike to the top of Duke's Nose, but I understand they've removed the access to the top now.

http://discoverwhangareiheads.nz/walks/tracks/
http://www.newzealand.com/us/article...-stream-track/

I could easily spend 3 weeks in Northland. I think 3 days at Marlborough Sounds would be enough for me.

There are some wonderful wineries in Northland: http://www.northlandwinegrowers.co.n...0trail_map.pdf

(I wouldn't bother with Longview or Karikari Estate... Marsden, Ake Ake and Paroa Bay were wonderful places with great wines)

Any suggestions of wineries to visit around Blenheim? I'm not really a fan of Sauvignon Blanc, which I know is the main varietal there. Any others that are produced or do I just need to move up a notch on the SB that I've had in the US?

Oh man...

Marlborough Sauv Blanc is unique - do give it a try - it's unlike any Sauv Blanc I've had from the US or...well... anywhere.

While Marlborough is known for its Sauv Blanc, the region also produces some wonderful Riesling and Pinot Noir, amongst others.

If you like dessert wine, do try the region's Noble Riesling - fabulous!

http://www.wine-marlborough.co.nz/

http://www.saintclair.co.nz/wines/va.../riesling.aspx

As for particular wineries, I don't think I have a favorite - they're all good. I'll check my notes, but I suggest you select a winery that offers lunch.