International recognition for Queen Charlotte Track
The stunning Queen Charlotte Track has received double international recognition recently. Lonely Planet awarded the starting point of the track, Ship Cove, a place on the travellers Blue List. National Geographic has included Wilderness Guides' new Lodge to Lodge guided walk on the Track in the 25 best new trips in the world. www.wildernessguides.co.nz
Marlborough home of best Leisure Activity in NZ!
Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company has won the 2007 Tourism Industry Association award for Best Leisure Activity in New Zealand. The company offer guided and freedom walking, sea-kayaking, and mountain biking on Marlborough's iconic Queen Charlotte Track. www.marlboroughsounds.co.nz
Top gin in world made in Marlborough!
Blenheim Bay Premium Gin made by the Prenzel Distilling Company in Marlborough has received a major international award – three stars in the 2007 Superior Taste Awards run by the International Taste and Quality Institute in Brussels. For more information visit www.prenzel.com
Windhawk Helicopters
Windhawk Helicopters is a new operator offering professional flight services within the Marlborough region. Company director and pilot Ben Barnett, a born and bred Marlbaurian, is passionate in taking Marlborough to new heights with a thirst for soaking up the region from aloft. Windhawk already offers guided trout fishing, heli-hikes, lakeside/mountain picnics, wedding photograph and corporate charters and has recently added a new scenic flight “The Best of Marlborough.” Lifting off from Windhawk’s own base within the vineyards this unique scenic flight takes in the regions world renowned wineries, rivers and peaks before tracking north to the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. An hour’s flight and plenty of opportunity to pause high above some of NZ’s most splendid scenery before touching back down back at Windhawk for a glass of Marlborough’s finest!
Cougar Line
Cougar Line has added an one hour “Hidden Bays Cruise” to their range of activities. This is an excellent option for clients with a limited time in Picton or waiting for the ferry. The cruise departs Picton daily at 11.30 and 3pm taking in the secluded aquamarine bays surrounded by bush clad hills and golden sandy beaches of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. Keen hikers can disembark at Mistletoe bay to walk 4hrs to Anakiwa on the final section of the Queen Charlotte Track, where they will be picked up at 4pm. This trip is an affordable option for those with not much time who wish to sample a taste of what the Sounds have to offer. Perfect for families.
Endeavour Express Ltd
Endeavour Express Ltd has added to its range of water transport boat services with the addition of the “Exhilarator” a fast and exciting jet boat service. The Exhilarator will be making 3 main stops each day, Picton to Ships Cove direct, then on to Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove Resort to take day trippers for lunch or a short walk. Departs Picton at 10am and 2.30pm daily during the summer months and other times by arrangement. Also available for charter groups.
Sky Dive The Sounds
Skydive The Sounds continues to grow and cement itself in the NZ adventure tourism market. “Skydive into the South Island” picks up clients in Wellington and skydives them into Picton Airport. They will transport luggage and those who prefer to watch to meet them on the ground.
Sounds Air
Sounds Air, the locally owned and operated airline based at Picton Airport has welcomed the addition of a new terminal and administration block housed at the northern end of the also newly extended runway which opened just before Easter. Passengers will enjoy the chance to relax in comfortable sofas and enjoy the views from surrounding hills before their flight; the addition of a coffee bar will come soon. Sounds Air is also eagerly waiting the arrival of a new larger Cessna Caravan to add to their fleet.
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
The centre has just expanded it Knights in the Sky exhibition, with plenty of fascinating memorabilia and also an addition of a new aircraft. The new addition is an Italian Caproni aircraft, which dates from 1913 and is one of only seven ever built. Also exciting is the collection of aviation memorabilia including Blue Max medals, anti-personnel darts, vicious metal spikes that pilots would through down on to infantry below, an old ace’s uniform with money still stuffed in the pocket, an invitation to the medal- awarding ceremony of ace Ernst Udet with the original cigars still attached! The centrepiece, though, is the display about the greatest ace of all, the Red Baron Manfred von Richtofen. The German cross cut from the wing of Richtofen’s plane can be seen alongside his cigarette lighter, monogrammed handkerchief, and the silver cups that his father had made every time he scored one of his 80 victories. Open 7 days, with café facilities.
Marlborough Grape Harvest Update
Drawing to the end of what winemakers and growers are describing as a “winemakers vintage”, the 2007 grape harvest has seen lower than usual yields, but has been blessed with great weather, little disease pressure, and good clean fruit. With relatively low acids in the fruit this year wineries were picking at slightly lower sugars than they normally would to retain the acid, making the trick now for winemakers to watch the balance and flavours of the fruit. With a fairly relaxed vintage now close to over the industry anticipates some excellent quality wines.