Blenheim or Picton?
 

Hi! I'm in the process of planning a 3-week honeymoon on the South Island of NZ. We have most of it set, but are having trouble picking between 2 nights in Blenheim (Vintners Retreat) or 2 nights in the Sounds (Bay of Many Coves Resort). This part of the trip is right after we spend 2 nights in Kaikoura and right before we spend 3 nights at Abel Tasmen. Any advice on Blenheim versus Picton/Marlborough Sounds? Which did you find to be the better experience? Thanks!

Hi Chicago -

Just typed you a long response and promptly lost it - ugh!

Here's the short version - I'd choose Bay of Many Coves - been there, loved it and plan to go back in August. Great place for a honeymoon - peaceful, beautiful and ideally located. You can take water taxis to several spots on the Queen Charlotte Track if you're interested in walking a section - Ship Cove to Furneaux is
absolutely gorgeous.

Blenheim isn't nearly as scenic, but of course the wine is wonderful. Haven't stayed at Vitner's Retreat, but have stayed in Blenheim a few times and if I had to choose between the two places, I'd pick Bay of Many Coves.

Caveat - Bay of Many Coves is the type of place you sit back and relax and enjoy the surroundings. It doesn't make an ideal "base" for day trips (Queen Charlotte Sound excepted) as you're somewhat limited by the water taxi schedules. It's crtainly doable though.

Pardon the typos - public computer deranged keyboard.

Bay of Many Coves looks divine. I can't believe I haven't heard of it! Having been to Blenheim and the Sounds area, the latter wins hands down for scenic beauty. I'm already trying to work out when I can get there myself!

Melnq8 is right...go for Bay of Many Coves. Don't forget to do the Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock, for some green mussels with a Savignon Blanc (just heaven)

Thanks for the good advice! We are going to go with Marlborough Sounds and the Bay of Many Coves :)

One thing that has not been mentioned regarding the Bay of Many Coves - it is only accessible by boat/ferry. No road access. So it is purely a secluded upmarket resort.

Also, a note on Kaikoura - it is famous for whale watching. The town itself is very small so nothing much else to do. Personally I would not dedicate 2 nights to it.

s