SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an exclusive insider’s tour of a farm that grows rare paua blue pearls for exquisite jewelry that is available at the homestead. To reach the farm, you will cruise cross Queen Charlotte Sound and on through Whekenui Bay, where you will disembark on Arapawa Island, a former whaling hub. Today, the Radon family cultivates lustrous blue pearls there in special tanks that they invented to re-create an aquatic environment that mirrors a natural habitat. While following some of the family members around the property, you will see firsthand how the blue pearls are sustainably produced, harvested, and graded for quality. You will also learn unusual facts such as how the color of the pearl is affected by how the paua – a species of abalone – is fed and where the seeding insert is placed. Later, you can see the blue pearls set in exquisite earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and other jewelry.

HIGHLIGHTS

•See how rare paua blue pearls are raised and harvested in tanks on Arapawa Island.
• Meet the owners for an insider’s look at their innovative farming process.
• Browse a collection of jewelry that features the lustrous blue paua pearls.
• Admire the gorgeous coastal scenery while cruising a catamaran to and from the island.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride a beautifully restored heritage train through some of New Zealand’s most picturesque countryside, an ever-changing landscape of river valleys, vineyards, and wetlands. After settling in on the Marlborough Flyer, you will travel along a historical route between Picton and Seddon that dates to the late 1800s. The terrain will vary dramatically throughout the journey. One of the highlights will be passing through the Marlborough region, where 75% of New Zealand’s wine is produced. The train will also cross the viaduct over the Waitohi River as a prelude to climbing one of the country’s steepest rail gradients. Ahead lies the serene Para wetlands, a protected haven of indigenous flora that attracts water birds. Upon reaching the Awatere Valley, you may spot snow-capped Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku rising in the distance. While stopping at the Seddon rail station – the half-way point – you can watch the locomotive decouple from the carriages and recouple for the return.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View an ever-changing rural landscape while riding the vintage Marlborough Flyer.
• Pass through the Marlborough wine region, Awatere Valley, and the Para wetlands.
• Climb the steepest rail gradient in all New Zealand.
• Stretch your legs in Seddon while the train turns around for the return journey.
• Enjoy the fresh air and unobstructed views from the balconies on the train carriages.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy tastings at three premier wineries in New Zealand’s largest wine region and come away with a great appreciation for their unique terroirs and commitment to sustainability. The wineries are located south of Picton around Blenheim, the most populated town in the Marlborough region. The exact wines for the samplings will vary but you can be sure that they will include at least one Sauvignon Blanc. Although this green-skinned grape variety originated in the Bordeaux region of France, it flourishes in the Wairau Valley surrounding Blenheim, which lies in the heart of Marlborough. Ninety percent of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc is produced in this region. As the tastings will reveal, these Sauvignon Blancs are crisp well-balanced varietals with heady citrus aromas. And what better complement to wine than chocolate? While pausing at the chocolatier Makana, you will be offered samplings of its confections, all hand-made in small batches to ensure their quality.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample a selection of inspiring wines at three wineries in the fertile Marlborough region.
• Taste the region’s iconic Sauvignon Blanc, by far the most popular wine produced there.
• Gain an appreciation for the different terroirs within the Marlborough wine region.
• Enjoy a tasting of handmade chocolates at the confectionery Makana.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Browse an outstanding collection of World War I and World War II aircraft and learn about the extraordinary men and women that flew them. After riding in an open-air mini train through the countryside, you will arrive at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Inside, you will find dozens of aircraft displayed by conflict and type. In the Knights of the Air dioramas – which holds the collection of Sir Peter Jackson, the New Zealand filmmaker behind “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy – you can see planes such a rare Caproni CA.22 and three-winged Fokkers. The Dangerous Skies WW2 exhibition includes a single-seat Spitfire, an American-built Lockheed Hudson and a Messerschmitt once owned by a German ace. Other areas showcase personal items of legendary pilots such as Eddie Rickenbacker and the Red Baron. Be sure to see the display on Lydia Litvyak, the world’s first female fighter pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See meticulously restored rare and classic aircraft from World Wars I and II.
• Browse exhibitions that display the personal effects of legendary fighter pilots.
• Learn little-known facts and stories about the men and women behind the planes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Savor the full appeal of the Marlborough region with visits to a historic aviation museum, an artisanal craft brewery and a chocolate factory. About 30 scenic minutes’ coach drive from Picton, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre showcases one of the world’s largest private collections of WWI aircraft and vintage aviation memorabilia. See everything from Chinese Nanchang trainers to the rare, bird-like Etrich Taube, a Curtis MF Flying Boat, an agile Fokker like the Red Baron flew, and the only Caproni Ca 22 parasol monoplane in existence. This unrivaled collection that also includes historic artifacts and personal belongings from flying heroes. Not far away is Moa Brewery, where you can enjoy a flight of a different sort: of beers and ciders. Produced using zesty New Zealand hops, other local ingredients, and labor-intensive traditional brew techniques, their range is a delicious labor of love. So are the sweet temptations waiting for you at Makana Confections, one of the country’s foremost producers of hand-crafted truffles, macadamia bark, Marlborough wine gelées and even some sugar-free treats. You’ll love every bite of this visit.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach into the Marlborough region, where historic and gourmet landmarks are on the agenda.
• Tour a fascinating, world-class collection of WWI-era aircraft at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
• See extremely rare planes and memorabilia, the personal collection of film director Sir Peter Jackson.
• Visit Moa Brewery, crafting award-winning beers from premium NZ hops and heritage methods.
• Stop in at Makana Confections, home of dangerously tempting handmade chocolates and other sweet treats.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Cruise pristine Queen Charlotte Sound by catamaran, surrounded by beauty as you explore the rugged shoreline. Like the other sounds that combine to form the Marlborough Sounds network, Queen Charlotte was formed when deep river valleys filled with seawater at the end of the last ice age. The result is a meandering wonderland of azure separated by steep green hills and laced with alluring bays and coves. A few scattered settlements dot the otherwise-wild coastline, most of them so isolated they can only be reached by boat. In fact, this landscape hasn’t changed much at all since James Cook sheltered here during his exploratory voyages in the 1770s. And that’s the true beauty of it. Your own exploratory voyage begins right from the pier, aboard a comfortable catamaran designed for sightseeing on these typically calm waters. Rounding the bays, you’ll be treated to panoramic views bound to capture your imagination as few other places can. Along the way, you’ll loiter in Double Cove a while to feed the locals – who usually include hungry herring, mullet and cod. Don’t be surprised to see king shag cormorants swooping in to feast too; they’re highly skilled anglers. Your tour ends in downtown where you will have some time to explore on your own before taking the shuttle back to your ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Be immersed in natural beauty on a catamaran cruise around Queen Charlotte Sound.
• Gaze in wonder at this network of river valleys swamped by the sea some 10,000 years ago.
• Round a rugged shoreline little changed from when Captain Cook sheltered here in the 1770s.
• In a quiet cove, spend time feeding grateful herring, mullet and cod – and watch cormorants swoop in for their share.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui on a luxurious catamaran while enjoying a plate of Greenshell mussels and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Although originally named for the wife of England’s King George III, the sound now also bears the Maori name Tōtaranui. One aspect of the sound hasn’t changed: the abundance of Greenshell mussels. These bi-valves, also known as green-lipped mussels, are indigenous to New Zealand. Besides being vitamin-rich, they are extraordinarily tender and flavorful. The taste is often described as clean and slightly sweet. You can decide for yourself while snacking on the plump mussels, which will be served with Sauvignon Blanc, the area’s iconic white wine. They pair beautifully. The scenery throughout the forest-rimmed sound will be just as delightful. Keep an eye out for fur seals, sea birds such as Little Blue Penguins and four species of dolphins – common, bottlenose, Dusky and Hector’s. Your tour ends in downtown where you will have some time to explore on your own before taking the shuttle back to your ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy Greenshell mussels and Sauvignon Blanc wine while cruising on a catamaran.
• Admire the gorgeous scenery while cruising through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui.
• Look for fur seals, sea birds and dolphins, which are all frequently spotted.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a sea-level perspective of Queen Charlotte Sound as you paddle its pristine waters, spotting seabirds and perhaps dolphins, penguins or fur seals. The adventure begins with a brief, immensely scenic drive through Whenuanui Bay Scenic Reserve, a natural wonderland that juts into Queen Charlotte Sound. At the other end is sheltered Ngakuta Bay, where you’ll receive a safety briefing and kayaking orientation before paddling off in your two-person kayak. For the next two and a half hours, you’ll be immersed in epic beauty – and likely solitude – as you skirt the shore of this isolated corner of the sprawling Marlborough Sounds, a water network so extensive it constitutes one-fifth of New Zealand’s entire coastline. Adopt an easy pace as you explore along unspoiled shores and secluded coves, keeping an eye peeled for the marine life that flourishes here. Possibilities include frolicking dolphins, fur seals basking in the sun, and little blue penguins – the world’s smallest – who congregate on the surface in small groups, then dive to feed on fish and squid. Looking skyward, expect to see endangered king shags and fluttering shearwaters who fly low and fast with bursts of rapid wing beats. Time permitting, you’ll paddle across to the wooded northern shore. Your tour ends in downtown where you will have some time to explore on your own before taking the shuttle back to your ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a drive across a scenic reserve area along Queen Charlotte Sound to sheltered Ngakuta Bay.
• After a safety briefing and kayaking orientation, paddle into the bay and adjacent Grove Arm waters.
• Spend two and a half hours immersed in beauty as you explore pristine shorelines and secluded coves.
• Spot abundant seabirds and marine wildlife that often includes dolphins, fur seals and diving penguins.
• If time permits, paddle across to the northern shore before returning to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing that can get wet.
• Flat, athletic shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, a bottle of water from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.