The Marlborough Lodge, New Zealand

Unique, personalised experiences elevate a stay at the exclusive Marlborough Lodge on New Zealand’s spectacular South Island.

Walk, talk and taste

Our Head Gardner Maria takes guests on a complimentary walk through our 16 acres of gardens, where they will discuss the species, visit the hidden areas and taste the produce grown on the property.

With over 600 trees and shrubs, native areas, a creek, small lake, citrus grove, vegetable gardens, orchard, berry enclosure, vineyard and our free range chickens and wide variety of birdlife, there is much to talk about as our guests explore and discover hidden areas of our gardens.

 

Discover Marlborough Sounds

There are many ways to explore these vast waterways and experience the wide variety of marine and bird life.

One of our guests’ favourites is chartering the boat Katabatic. Grant Orchard, the owner/operator, is a local and built the boat himself, so his knowledge onboard and of the area is second to none.

A short 20-minute drive from The Marlborough Lodge will see you in Picton where guests will be welcomed on board by Grant.

Here they will be greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread (Grant is also a qualified chef) straight out of the onboard oven.

It is then out for a leisurely cruise into the Queen Charlotte Sound where you may stop to feed fish in a protected area, motor into secluded coves, get an understanding of aquaculture and discover the stunning scenery of this area.

Grant prepares lunch onboard. It will likely include green lip mussels that are pulled from the water in front of you before being steamed and served alongside a by a crisp sauvignon blanc that the Marlborough Region is renowned for.

Until you have visited this area it is hard to explain the peace and tranquillity you will find.  This area is virtually uninhabited and with native bush running down to the waters edge it is quite magical. With seals, penguins and dolphins living in the Sound you will be in for a treat when they come to visit as you cruise along.

Depending on the duration of the cruise you may also stop at Ships Cove at the outer reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound, the landing place of Captain Cook on four of his voyages to NZ and the first place he encountered the Maori people.  A short 10 minutes away is Motuara Island, a native bird sanctuary that’s a must visit.

Return late afternoon to Picton and transfer back to The Marlborough Lodge to refresh and ready to relive your days adventures over pre dinner drinks by the outdoor fire as the sun sets in the distance.

 

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