Posts Tagged ‘New Zealand’

January in the Marlborough Sounds

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Where has January gone – somewhere amongst the haze of peak summer season in Picton?  The Marlborough Sounds was a popular place for many New Zealanders, Australians and Europeans over the Christmas/New Year period and we have had a great time launching adventures for visitors from a few hours to a few days.  As you can see from the photos below, our month was dominated by a range of weather, unfortunately unseasonably cool which did make some trips quite interesting.

The month also saw a fantastic New Years eve party and fireworks on the foreshore, the hosting of another Marlborough Farmers Market and the Picton Maritime festival - celebration of all things maritime, followed by live music and fireworks (again!). Picton really has been the place to be over the summer.  A highlight for January has to be Dave appearing large as life on the front page of the Marlborough Express on our stand-up-paddlle boards – a new edition to our hire fleet.  http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/6215985/Paddle-boardsproving-popular.  He has been getting a suitably hard time about being Picton’s new “pin-up” boy!

February is a busy time for Marlborough residents and visitors with Blues & Brews, the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival early in the month, the Winery Tour visiting on 17 February with Gin Wigmore, Atlantic City and The Muttonbirds playing.  Lots to see and do, mixed with a few days rest and recreation in the Sounds thrown in as well.

So as we rush into February we wish you a very belated happy and properous new year.

 

 

 

Picture Postcard day for Volendam Visit to Picton today

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

After a grey, damp morning the weather has cleared to a picture perfect day for cruise ship visitors on the Volendam.  Seen here parked up against the Interislander ferry,  Picton hosts the Volendam regularly as it navigates around New Zealand during the summer.  Visitors are greeted by the ladies from the Lions Club who have gathered flowers from local gardens and created “boutonnaires” for cruise ship guests to wear whilst in Picton.  Cruise ship guests can be seen wondering around the town, enjoying the market on the foreshore, coffee on the waterfront, and enjoying cruises, eco-tours, walks on the Queen Charlotte Track and sea kayak trips in the Sounds.

Society of American Travel Writers Hike Queen Charlotte Track

Monday, November 14th, 2011
The SATW team depart Picton for the Queen Charlotte Track

After a conference in Wellington 19 members and their partners of the Society of American Travel Writers flew into Marlborough to join us for a 4 day walk on the Queen Charlotte Track. Departing Picton with The Cougar Line on Saturday with our guides Ray and Dave, they have spent the days hiking and nights staying at the three hotels on the track, Furneaux Lodge, Punga Cove Resort and Portage Resort Hotel.   Some have even managed to squeeze in an afternoon sea kayak in the Kenepuru Sound and the collection and boiling of some fresh green-lipped mussels.  There will be no doubt some great stories and images coming from the trip so we look forward to hearing and seeing the tales of their journey over the next few months.

Labour Weekend in Picton

Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

It has been a chilly start to Labour Weekend in Picton after a stunning day here yesterday.  Fantastic to see so many Christchurch residents here this weekend and see them relaxing, enjoying the peace and quiet of Picton and the Marlborough Sounds.  There is lots to do this weekend with sea kayaking, mountain biking, hiking on the Queen Charlotte Track all excellent options for a day or two.  Coffee on the waterfront is proving to be a popular option along with our hot chocolates - cocoa beans specially roasted by Ozone Coffee Roasters (yum!).  The pubs and cafe’s are gearing up for the big game tomorrow night and there certainly seems to be a few nerves around!  Go the All Blacks