"Quick Trip" to Barossa and Marlborough
 

Hi there,
Am taking a "quick" business trip to Barossa Valley in Australia and Marlborough in New Zealand for business (7 days total).

I won't have much time to explore on personal time, but if I had just 2 days to explore on my own, what are the must-see's or must-do's near the areas I am traveling to?

This is my first time to this part of the earth and I have just started my research! I'm very excited but somewhat overwhelmed.

Thanks!

Hi iorioj,
As these are both prime wine growing areas, I'm guessing that might be the reason for your visit and you're looking for something outside of the Wineries & vineyards?

If so, the Barossa's steeped in the history of the Lutheran Germans who settled the area, and very close to Adelaide, IMHO one of our most charming cities. If you can give us an idea of your interests, I'm sure someone will give you more specific suggestions.

Can't speak for Marlborough - haven't visited it - it's products make housecalls to our place (LOL) ;)

Marlborough is one of my favorites...

You might consider spending a few days in the Marlborough Sounds - you can catch a water taxi in Picton and be transported to an out-of-the way spot for some serious R&R. If you're a walker, you might enjoy spending a 1/2 day walking a portion of the Queen Charlotte Track.

Marlborough is full of things to see and do - wineries, arts and crafts, walks, whale watching (Kaikoura), swimming with dolphins, exploring the parks, etc. You'll be spoiled for choice and wishing you had more time...

Rockfords, Charles Melton and Bethany in the valley - all worth a look.

If you go to Marlborough and you like wine, go to Mud House, Huia, Nautilus, and Villa Maria.

iorioj,
I just spen 2 nights in the Barossa last weekend at the Peppers Hermitage. My gf and I took a personal tour with Auburn Tours (ask for Trevor). I think any hotel or B&B should be able to get you their number. I cannot recommend this highly enough. It's not wildly expensive, and he can get you to any winery that you want and recommend what's good and why. They know the areas and the workers at the wineries, can arrange lunches, tours, etc. Great way to see a lot and relieve the stress of having to plan everything yourself (plus, you can drink all you want because you aren't driving!). As for wineries, our favorites were Rockford, Seppelts, and Gibson. Hope this helps.

Since it appears you're in the wine business (as am I), I can give you a few wine-oriented suggestions, based on my visits to NZ in 2003 and 2005 (I haven't been to the Barossa, so I cannot personally speak to it).

Kaikoura, the whale-watching centre, is 75 minutes south of Blenheim (the centre of Marlborough wine country) on Hwy. 1. You can catch a three-hour whale-watch cruise in mid-morning (around 10) and early afternoon (around 1) most days.

Picton, the ferry terminal on Queen Charlotte Sound, is 25 minutes north of Blenheim, and affords access to the Sound by water-taxi, pleasure craft and kayak. The southern end of the 42-mile Queen Charlotte Walkway is close by in Anakiwa, from where you can walk an hour or a day, then take a water-taxi back to Anakiwa or Picton.

Another possibility, if you want to visit an additional wine region, is to take the ferry from Picton to Wellington (2-1/2 hours), rent a car and drive an hour north on Hwy. 2 over the Rimutaka Range to Martinborough--home to some great producers of pinot noir and pinot gris. (If you make this trip, Ata Rangi, Martinborough Vineyards and Palliser Estate are must visits.) Est and A Taste of Martinborough are superb spots for dining.

In Marlborough, Cloudy Bay, Villa Maria, Matua, Nautilus and Allan Scott are favorite winery stops. Twelve Trees--the restaurant at Allan Scott--is memorable, and the restaurants at Hunters Winery and Highfield Estate are highly regarded and worth a visit.

Thanks all for the wonderful suggestions...you've given me a lot to go on and get excited about!

Johnnyriles, how did you like Peppers Hermitage? (That is where I'll be staying while in Adelaide.)