Day Excursions

Escape Day Trips (return from Wellington)

Gourmet Wine Experience

Available 1 November 2012 to 30 April 2013

The Gourmet Wine Experience is personalised in such a way that it is truly the ultimate experience for anyone who takes their fun with food and wine at all seriously. At day's end you will have an enhanced understanding that will heighten every wining dining experience from here on, and of course, memories that will endure for a lifetime.

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Half Day Marlborough Wine Trail

Available all year round.

Invest half a day with four of Marlborough’s most popular vineyards, after using your free time to enjoy Picton’s waterfront cafés, craft shops and museums. This option is ideal for individuals wanting to join a small personalised tour, and offers flexibility in the choice of which of Marlborough’s charms to visit.

Package price includes return travel with Interislander and an escorted wine tour with Sounds Connection. The cost of lunch is not included.

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Group Marlborough Wine Experience

Available all year round.

Travelling with a group of 8 people or more? This package allows you to customise your wine trail in consultation with Sounds Connection tour operators – the perfect solution to a group getaway.

You will be picked up directly from the terminal and chaperoned around Marlborough’s finest wineries by your own Sounds Connection guide who will look after your group and be on hand to provide gems of local knowledge.

Package includes a winery stop for lunch (at own cost). To customise your itinerary, call Sounds Connection on 03 573 8843 once you have booked here. If you decide not to call, Sounds Connection will tailor an itinerary for you.

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The Sounds Delivery Cruise

Available all year round.

Become personally acquainted with the beauty and wildlife of Queen Charlotte Sound on a leisurely three-hour cruise. You’ll explore the secluded bays and coves, pausing to glimpse the homes, hideaways and lodges that are nestled around the edges of the sound. You also have the chance to see dolphins as they swim alongside the boat.

The price includes return travel on Interislander and a three-hour cruise with The Cougar Line. Lunch is not included.

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Art & Nature Discovery Walk

Available for bookings to 4 June 2012 and from 27 September 2012.

Discover the secrets of the Marlborough Sounds. Cruise with Interislander to Picton then head out on a launch to the award-winning Lochmara Wildlife Recovery and Arts Centre. The 15 minute trip passes through small bays and inlets giving a glimpse of life in the Sounds. At Lochmara you can relax or explore. Hike to the Lochmara Lookout on the Queen Charlotte Track for 360o panoramic views (3 hours return) or pick your own path on the bush trails, learning about the region’s unique environment and discovering New Zealand art both inside and in the bush.

Perfect for nature and art lovers, hikers, and families, the package price includes return travel with Interislander, optional Queen Charlotte Track Panoramic walk, return cruise to Lochmara and entry fee to the Wildlife Recovery and Arts Centre including Kakariki feeding, beach, free use of kayaks and hammocks and access to facilities. Lunch is available at Lochmara Café, not included.

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Half Day Marlborough Sea Kayaking Trip

Available 1 November 2012 to 31 March 2013

Sea kayaking is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a particulary beautiful area of Queen Charlotte Sound. The Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound is renowned for its bushclad shorelines, golden beaches and deep coves. Your guide enjoys sharing their knowledge of local flora and fauna, myths and legends as you paddle along. This is an ideal trip for a wide range of fitness levels and paddling experience from the novice paddler to the more experienced.

Minimum 2 adults, 18 years and over.

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