Page 36 of New Zealand Island Discoveries Shore Tours by P&O Cruises

picton wines of marlborough approximate duration 4 hours picton pcn-a discover marlborough by land sea approximate duration 41/2 hours pcn-b travel in one direction by motorcoach through the waterfront township of picton snuggled between the hills and sea out into the rich farmland and wine growing areas then in the other direction cruise from momorangi bay through the notes pristine beauty of queen charlotte sound your marlborough scenic drive travel from the pretty port town of picton out into the rich fertile wairau valley dotted with the many vineyards which have progressed since the early 1970s the rolling farm plains rise to meet the scenic mountains which in winter provide great skiing opportunities after visiting blenheim venture through the okaramio valley to the tourist settlement of havelock at the head of pelorus sound lord rutherford the nuclear physicist and the man who split the atom and dr william pickering of the u.s space programme both received their early education here what you visit blenheim the capital town of marlborough with a population of approximately 27,000 is known as new zealand s sunniest town one of the highlights here is pollard park where you will have time to wander through its beautiful gardens your queen charlotte sound cruise join your comfortable catamaran at momorangi bay for a delightful cruise of queen charlotte sound delve into many small bays where you will see numerous exclusive holiday homes ­ many only accessible by boat a stop will be made to feed the pet fish at double cove before being treated to morning or afternoon tea onboard shopping during your visit to blenheim there will be limited time for souvenir shopping take a trip to the picturesque region where production of chardonnay pinot noir sauvignon blanc and riesling rule supreme tour marlborough s largest winery and in contrast appreciate the passion of a family-owned boutique winery your winery tours and tastings montana wines brancott take a guided tour through its 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 embrace the opportunity of taking part in an educational tasting of award-winning wines whilst partaking in a cheese and fruit platter 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 john s aim is to capture the fresh variety of flavours of marlborough wine and enhance the drinking pleasure for you hunter wines an award winning vineyard operated and owned by jane hunter who has had wine in her blood since the early days of growing up in south australia located in a delightful garden setting the winery has been the recipient of gold medal awards in such countries as switzerland united kingdom and australia refreshments wine tastings can be enjoyed at each of the three venues one of the venues will also provide cheeses to compliment the wines shopping time is allowed to browse through montana hunter and forrest estate s individually unique wine shops choose a wine to savour later or select a winethemed memento of your visit to marlborough what you see along the way pass through the picturesque small town of picton home to about 3,600 people then out into the province of marlborough ­ famous for its vineyards after visiting the wineries continue back through the settlement of spring creek and tuamarina notes wine-tasting participants must be 18 years of age or older this tour requires an estimated 30 minutes of leisurely walking time this tour operates in a motorcoach with a driver/guide local currency is recommended for purchasing wine and souvenirs 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 picton this tour may be operated in reverse order local currency is recommended for shopping 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 68 69 picton

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