Page 35 of New Zealand Island Discoveries Shore Tours by P&O Cruises

picton napier magnificent clifton station approximate duration 4 hours npe-k offering the very best rural new zealand has to offer we have created a very interactive up close and personal encounter with the new zealand farming lifestyle in the most beautiful natural setting clifton station a truly memorable experience the queen charlotte sound named after the wife of king george iii was important for the maori called totaranui the sheltered sound was used for travel and provided bountiful seafood for the many maori who lived there in 1770 captain cook anchored in ship cove a place of endearing beauty he stayed there five times between 1770 and 1777 and this tranquil retreat has remained virtually unchanged from that time since that time the area has been the scene of a diverse range of activities from gold and antimony mining whaling and fishing through to tourism and forestry leaving the queen charlotte sound and its immediate area full of interesting history today picton serves as a thriving tourism destination and is the centre for marlborough sounds fishing and aquaculture the charming village of picton is nestled on an attractive foreshore and offers enjoyable activities ranging from fishing dolphin and seal watching to award winning eco tours mountain biking kayaking and both long and short walks picton is located in the marlborough province the largest wine growing region in new zealand with over 40 wineries currently located in the wairau valley there are more than 9,000 hectares of vineyards planted predominantly with sauvignon blanc chardonnay riesling pinot noir pinot gris and gewurztraminer picton will show you another side of new zealand the wines are fantastic and the scenery here will remind you of norway s magnificent fjords if you ve sailed them and prove literally staggering if you haven t notes if you choose to be dropped off in town at the conclusion of the tour you are responsible for making your own way back to the ship to make your day as enjoyable as possible please ensure that you wear comfortable flat-soled shoes clothing suited to the weather conditions a hat and jacket and bring along some sunscreen and bottled water what you visit clifton station on arrival at clifton station you will initially encounter magnificent views spanning across the bay to napier and the mahia peninsula creating a classic farming landscape you will be given a brief orientation of the farmyard before having your turn at feeding a sheep and watching trained sheepdogs in action as they perform their duties with the livestock on the farm a truly kiwi experience moving inside the rustic wool shed you ll be treated to an informative look into new zealand s traditional farming methods the station boasts an extensive collection of antique operating tools many of which are still operational and will be demonstrated for you you will also be given plenty of time on your own to view the many informative displays historic pictures and to learn about the farming industry and its importance to the new zealand way of life before departing the woolshed you will be invited to watch a sheep shearing demonstration and maybe try your hand at shearing refreshments enjoy a delicious morning or afternoon tea at clifton café situated on the water in hawkes bay the café was built by angus dinah gordon the owners of the historic clifton station this beachfront `café in a paddock with its rustic design is based on the original clifton station which burned down in the 1920s photo opportunities te mata peak enjoy a scenic drive through the tukituki river valley before beginning the ascent of this majestic mountain rising some 399-majestic metres above sea level the peak dominates the fertile plains and provides 360degree vistas across to mahia the ski slopes of mt ruapehu and out towards the ruahine ranges what you see along the way returning to napier your tour with conclude with a drive along tennyson street for a look at napier s fascinating art deco architecture a noted trademark of this re-built town at the conclusion of the tour guests may return to the ship or remain in town to spend time at leisure things to see and do in and around picton picton serves as your gateway to pristine queen charlotte sound and the magnificent marlborough wine country the friendliness of this quaint waterfront village snuggled between the hills and the sea brings people back again and again blenheim the capital town of marlborough with a population of approximately 27,000 is known as new zealand s sunniest town montana wines brancott the region s largest winery view state of the art technology including the 65,000-litre tipping tanks the audiovisual presentation experience the aroma wheel and enjoy the traditional cooperage halls forrest estate a complete hands-on family of vintners who grow produce and market their own wines passionate about wines john forrest and his wife bridgit will unveil the art of wine tasting the etiquette the language and how and why wines are blended woodend gardens the home of colin and eldred boyce seven acres of splendour from its sweeping lawns to its countless flowers and trees this is one of marlborough s top gardens pathways and box hedging lead through to masses of roses dahlias azaleas lilies and rhododendrons barewood this historic sheep farm is located in the heart of the awatere valley the homestead is surrounded by lawn that leads down to a woodland area containing shade loving perennials and onto a pergola planted with roses and clematis motuara island bird sanctuary see bush robins bellbirds pigeons small blue penguins in the breeding season and perhaps even the rare south island saddleback edwin fox museum located only a stone s throw from the picton pier see the 9th-oldest ship in the world the edwin fox also has the distinction of being the only surviving wooden immigrant ship to new zealand 1873 and the only surviving wooden troopship from the crimean war 1854 queen charlotte sound dominated by bush-clad shorelines deep bays and coves the sound is ideal for exploring by sea kayak stretching between the queen charlotte and keneperu sounds is the queen charlotte track a 71 kilometre hiking trail renowned for its stunning views and contrasting landscape historical landmarks and wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife napier 66 67 picton

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