RAI VALLEY COTTAGE - Rai Valley
The Rai Valley Cottage was built in 1881 and is protected by the Historic Places Trust, its construction is regarded as rare. the cottage was built by Charles Turner and built of Totara and Beech slabs, the fireplace was built of river stones and the roof shingled, the cottage consists of four-rooms.
Location: Opouri Road, Carluke, Rai Valley.
Price: free
Hours: 9am till 5pm, outside viewing​ only.
Photo courtesy of Historic Places Trust
FRENCH PASS (ANARU) - French Pass
The French Pass (Anaru) is a famous stretch of water which separates the mainland from D'Urville Island, there is also a small settlement at the western most point of the Marlborough Sounds. The Pass is renowned for its fast flowing water which can reach speeds of 14 knots in a flood with views which are spectacular.
Viewing the photo tidal flows from Tasman Bay (off to the left) and Admiralty Bay (right) collide in Current Basin (left) at high tide.
Location: French Pass, 1½ - 2 hour from Rai Valley.
Price: free
Hours: 24
Photo courtesy of TEARA
​MOUNTAIN BIKING MARLBOROUGH - Blenheim
For those not wishing to bike around the wineries there are a few mountain bike tracks you can make the most of. The region offers a 40 hectare Mountain Bike Park (Withers Hills Farm Park) which offers a variety of rides including the Mt Vernon Traverse which is a challenging ride over ridgelines. Conders Bend Mountain Bike Park is also available and offers approximately 6 kms of curved largely flat track, its located next to the Wairau River near Renwick.
Location: Wither Hills: Taylor Pass Road, Blenheim.
Price: free, bike hirage will cost.
Hours: 24
Web: http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/About-Marlborough/Walking-and-Biking/Mountain-Biking.aspx
Photo courtesy of Kenett Brothers, www.kennett.co.nz
Photo courtesy of kaipupupoint.co.nz
KAIPUPU POINT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
- Golden Bay
Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary is a community based project to establish a 'mainland island', isolated by a predator proof fence on a nearby peninsula in Queen Charlotte Sound in which the natural ecosystems and native flora and fauna flourish. The only access is by water. The sanctuary offers a graded track which winds through the bush and provides views of the Sounds.
Tour operators will supply access by boat to Dolphin Bay.
​Location: Shakespeare Bay, Picton.
Price: free​
Hours: 24.
Web:
WAIHOPAI DAM - Waihopai Valley
The Waihopai Dam is a concrete arch dam which rises 33 metres above the riverbed on the Waihopai river. The dam was built in 1925 to supply electric power to the Marlborough Region. The dam is 4.3 metres thick at the base reducing in thickness to 1.2 metres 10 metres below the crest.
​Location: Waihopai Valley Road, Waihopai Valley,.
Price: free,
Hours: 24
Web:
Photo courtesy of Murray Neill, radio-weblogs.com
CYCLE THE WINERIES - Marlborough
Winemaking began in the early 1980's in Marlborough, with producers being drawn by the high sunshine hours and stony fertile land. The region is famous for its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc wines which are world renowned. You can go it alone or choose a tour either by car or bike to enjoy the 40 cellar doors open for you to taste and buy within the region. Many of the wineries also have restaurants for you to enjoy the wine at its best, served with the matching meal of choice.
Location: Blenheim, Nelson, Marlborough.
Price: Price will vary with tour operator and bike hire provider.
Hours: vary depending on service provider
Web:
Photo courtesy of Destination Marlborough
Helpful Links
Marlborough Sights
Rob Suisted
Blenheim, Picton, Havelock, Seddon, Ward, Rai Valley, Renwick, Clarence, Clifford Bay