The Scenic Marlborough Region Tour via Picton (Part I)

A trip to Blenheim is not complete without visiting local wineries in the area. Spend the day hopping from one vineyards to the other, sample local food and go for some wine tasting. The all time favorite includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. If you're travelling in February, don't miss the annual Marlborough Wine & Food Festival. Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth by heading over to Makana Confections located in the corner of  Rapaura & O'Dwyers Roads, just few minutes north of Blenheim. 

Start your day with a trip to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. See war planes from the first World War and historical WW1 memorabilia. Next proceed to The Millennium Art Gallery conveniently located  in the centre of Blenheim. You can then spend a relaxing day at the Pollard Park. The park has a barbecue area, making it a perfect setting for a family picnic. If you're visiting on weekends, don't miss the local produce at the Marlborough Farmers Market.

From Blenheim follow State Highway 63 for about 1.5 hours to St Arnaud, the gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park. Make your way to Kerr Bay Campsite located adjacent to the Lake Rotoiti. The lake is a popular spot for trout fishing, so make sure to bring your fishing gear. There are water taxis that will take you to the other side of the lake or  you can explore Lake Rotoiti with a kayak, canoe or a boat cruise. If you're traveling in winter, you might want to take a sidetrip to Rainbow Ski Field for some winter adventure.

Follow one of the many walking tracks available in Lake Rotoiti. The 15 minute Bellbird Walk is a great walk for beginners and gives an introduction to Rotoiti Nature Recovery Area. You can also do the 45 mins Honeydew Walk or the 1 hour & 30 minutes Loop Track. If you want a  more challenging tramping track, the 7 to 10 hours Lake Rotoiti Circuit is for you. Finally, end your day at the Manupirua Springs Hot Pools which is only accessible by boat.

First, make sure to pass by the Visitor Centre located in Motueka before heading to Abel Tasman National Park. This National Park is popularly known for  its golden beaches. If you're traveling with a campervan you can head over to Totaranui Campground conveniently adjacent to Totaranui Beach. Opt for a laid-back activity on your first day in Abel Tasman. Swim, snorkel, kayak or just simply walk on the beach's golden sand.