10th February Mapau - Hill Top Retreat (near Blenheim)

Today our journey takes us through Nelson to a farm near Blenheim. First, we stop in Nelson. A short walk through the city center and then onwards towards the Malborough Sounds. From Havelock, we drive 40 km along the Queen Charlotte Drive, a steep and narrow road that offers great views of the Sounds. The Sounds are an extensive network of marine arms, peninsulas, bays, beaches, and waterways, formed by geological movements that slowly lowered the area, causing the valleys to fill with seawater. This creates many opportunities for swimming, relaxing, or boating. A stop at Pelorus Bridge is a must for fans of the movie 'The Hobbit' as they will recognize the river. The scenes were filmed on this river, with the dwarves and the hobbit escaping in barrels. Picton is not only the port for the Interislander Ferry, the ship connection between the North and South Island of New Zealand, but also a charming small town. Perfect for a little break. Afterwards, we head to the wine region of Malborough. The green wooded hills are replaced by hills covered in grass or vineyards as far as the eye can see. Tonight, we have booked another B&B. It is located amidst the vineyards on a hill. A dream, with a view of the sea from the terrace and the North Island, vineyards, and mountains in the background. After sunset, the stars appear in abundance, and the Milky Way is clearly visible. A sight that is rare in Europe.