This info pack is designed to help educators plan and coordinate field trips to Marlborough, for students focusing on key aspects of Tourism or Hospitality in their studies. Information is provided about available and discounted accommodation and food options for groups, as well as interactive sessions at activity operator sites.

These sessions include a combination of talks from industry professionals, on current and relevant business and tourism topics, as well as discounted activity options, for those looking to combine practical learning opportunities with time spent in an operational environment. More information on Education and Training options in your region can be found at www.tourism.net.nz

Activity And Talk Options

MarlbouroughNZ

MarlbouroughNZ is the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) responsible for coordinating, facilitating, motivating and developing the marketing of Marlborough. As the neutral tourism contact point for the resort, they work with local businesses, tourism operators, the hospitality industry, accommodation providers, retailers, service sectors and DOC to promote Marlborough as a unique, international visitor destination, that offers visitors truly memorable experiences. They are responsible for the branding and positioning of Marlborough, as well as liaison with key markets, leveraging advertising investment, maintaining relationships, developing new contacts and providing updates on events, developments, new products and relevant news in the region is all part of their job.

Talk Topics:The knowledgeable, local team can provide a talk for groups on the following topics, if contacted in advance:

• Tourism in NZ
• Who they are and what they do
• Marketing strategies
• Communication and Media
• Trade Marketing
• Conference and Incentives

Timings: Allow approx. 30 mins for talk + Q&A

Activity Options: The iSITE team can assist with any activity bookings

Locations / Opening Hours / Contacts:

Havelock iSITE

• 61 Main Road, Havelock
• 03 574 2161 / [email protected]
• Summer: 10am – 4pm, Weekdays. 10am – 2pm, Weekends. Winter: closed

Picton iSITE

• The Foreshore, Picton
• 03 520 3113 / [email protected]
• 10am – 4pm, Weekdays. 10am – 2pm, Weekends

Blenheim iSITE

• 8 Sinclair Street (beside the Railway Station), Blenheim
• 03 577 8080 / [email protected]
• 10am – 4pm, Weekdays. 10am – 2pm, Weekends

Cost: FOC

Department of Conservation Waitohi / Picton Office

For information on what the region has to offer tourists, including the many walks available in the area, the DOC team can assist your group. Rangers have first-hand, in-depth local knowledge about conservation places and activities. The iSITE offices can also help with hut bookings and information. The Marlborough area has a variety of easy walks where you can experience landscapes such as the sounds, beaches, stream, lake and wetlands. The DOC website has information on numerous options on local attractions, including Queen Charlotte Sounds, Pelorus Bridge and Snout Track, including an alert system,advising visitors of any issues and managing all bookings for huts/camps or the purchase of camp/backcountry hut passes. Nelson visitor centre focuses on providing information about DOC activities. Picton office focuses on the commercial support of visitors to places, such as privateaccommodation and transport.

Contact:

• Nelson Visitor Centre – 03 5468210 / [email protected]
• Picton Office - 03 520 3002 /[email protected]

Location:

• Nelson Visitor Centre - 79 Trafalgar St, Nelson
• Picton Office - Port Marlborough Building, 14 Auckland Street, Picton

Opening Hours:9am – 5pm, Weekdays

Cost: FOC

E-Ko Tours

E-Ko Tours are Marlborough's premiere wildlife specialists offering a variety of fully guided tours in the world-famous Queen Charlotte Sound. Whether your group is after an exclusive opportunity to swim with the free dolphins that inhabit the region, or a historic and informative wildlife experience, E-Ko Tours can provide a personal and conservation focused trip.

Talk Topics: Talks on the following can be provided:

• Sustainable Tourism (Qual Mark Gold)
• Wildlife
• E-Ko Conservation Fund
• Projects for schools to be involved in the replanting of native trees in the Sounds. Practical learning project to enable Environmental Education.

Activity Options:

• Dolphin Swim and View Tours: Prices start from $149/adult and $75/child (5-15yrs). 2-4hr tours depart daily at 9am June to November
• Motuara Island Wildlife and Dolphin Watching Tour: See Bottlenose, Dusky, Hectors Dolphins and Orca. Prices start from $149/adult and $75/child (5-15yrs). 4hr tour depart daily at 8:30am and 1:30pm
• Whale Watching Tours: Bottlenose, Dusky, Hectors Dolphins and Orca. 8am daily departure June, July and August. Prices: $145/adult (16+) and $125/child (12-15yrs)   THIS TOUR IS BEING REVIEWED AND PRICES WILL CHANGE
• Bird Watching Tours: See King Shags and Orange Fronted Kākāriki. Small Group Tours with Expert Guides. Prices start from $129/adult and $65/child (5-15yrs). 4hr tour depart daily at 1:30pm
• Queen Charlotte Track Drop-Off/Pick-Up Ship Cove Cruises: Daily departures: Winter 10am and 2pm, Summer 8am and 1:30pm. 90min Cruise. Prices: $100/adult (16+), $40/child (5-15yrs)
• Walks: The Queen Charlotte Track is a unique partnership between the DoC, Marlborough District Council and private landowners. Section walk options range from 1.5-4hrs. A Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (QCTLC) Pass is required for all land between Kenepuru Saddle, Torea Saddle, Te Mahia Saddle or Anakiwa, whether walking or biking the Queen Charlotte Track, prices start from $12.

Location: 1 Wellington Street, Picton (corner of Wellington and London Quay, Picton Waterfront)

Contact: Paul Keating; Manager - [email protected] / 03 573 8040

Cost: From $65/student. Contact Paul for group booking details and rates

Other: The E-Ko team are very passionate and enthusiastic about the incredible amount of wildlife species NZ has to offer both on land and in the sea. They are the only operator that has 1000 hectares of predator-free island sanctuary to explore and are also the only place in the country with 5 species of dolphin to meet.

Bike Hire Marlborough

Hire bikes and enjoy a tour around Marlborough. Based at the Vines Village, Bike Hire Marlborough has off-road parking and an on-site café to pick up a picnic lunch or drink, so you have everything you need from one great location.

Timings:Allow 3-6 hrs

Contact:Karen Walshe; Owner - 021 846 607 / [email protected]

Location:The Vines Village,193 Rapaura Road, Rapaura

*Free pick up and drop off from Blenheim/Renwick accommodation if booking full day hire

Opening Hours:10am – 4:30pm, daily from 1st Sept - 31st May

Cost: $45/3 hours, $60/full day. Please contact Karen for group rates

Other: Helmets, maps and locks supplied. Adult tandem and adult electric bikes available, as well as normal bike. Riders should bring/wear: comfortable clothing and shoes, sunscreen, water bottle.

Pelorus Eco Adventures New Zealand

Head off on a fun adventure with the Hobbit Kayak Tour, a unique kayaking experience on the most beautiful river in NZ, the Pelorus river. The river is an easy paddle for all age levels and anybody who takes part in this awesome kayak will definitely remember it as a highlight. This is a great guided adventure and introduction to canoeing for school groups amongst NZ’s most beautiful landscapes.

Talk Topics:

• Sustainability and environmental impact
• Eco-Tourism and Tourism
• Native Wildlife and forest; learn how the flora and fauna were utilised by Māori
• History of the area; gold and timber industries that shaped the top of the South

Activity Option:Pelorus Eco Adventures offer the opportunity for student groups to kayak in a safe controlled environment. No experience necessary. The Hobbit Kayak Tour explores this famous Middle-Earth filming location by standing on the same rocks and passing the same waterfall as Bilbo and his friends.

Timings:Allow 4hrs. Time on the river may vary due to river levels or weather conditions. Trips Depart Havelock at 9am and 2pm Daily.

Location:Blue Moon Lodge, 48 Main Road, Havelock

Contact:Asha and Shane McKay; Owners - 0800 252 663 / [email protected]

Opening Hours:9am – 9pm, Daily

P/P Cost: Adults usually $185. School groups starting from $90pp, Please contact Asha for group rates

Other:Blue Moon Lodge accommodation is run by Pelorus Eco Adventures, see ACCOMMODATION section for details.

Food And Talk Options

Ritual Cafe

Menu: Cuisine suited for a large variety of dietary requirements, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free.

Best For: Breakfast and Lunch

Location: 10 Maxwell Road, Blenheim

Opening Hours: 7am - 4:pm, Mon – Fri; 7am - 3pm, Saturday; 8:30am - 2pm, Sunday

Contact: Julie McDonald; Owner – 03 578 6939 / [email protected]

Cost:$10 – 20

The Vines Village Café and Deli

Menu: Located in the heart of Marlborough Wine Country, 15mins from Blenheim, is the Qualmark-rated Vines Village. As well as the Café and Deli, discover 8 artisan stores, a foodie hub and family-friendly activities nestled amongst expansive tranquil lakeside grounds.

Best For: Breakfast and Lunch

Location: 193 Rapaura Road, Rapaura, Blenheim

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 7am - 4pm. Sat and Sun 8:30am - 4:30pm. Final orders at 2:30pm

Contact: Lesley Wilson; Operations Manager - 03 572 7170 / [email protected]

Cost:$10 – 20

Bamboo Garden Restaurant

Menu: From classic Chinese to Thai and Japanese dishes, Bamboo Garden Restaurant embraces the richness and diversity of Asian cuisine. View the menu here.

Best: Lunch and Dinner

Location: 31 Maxwell Road, Blenheim

Opening Hours: Open Daily 11am-2pm and 5pm-9pm

Contact:Amy; Manager - 03 579 1118 / [email protected]

Cost: Mains from $18

SpeightsAle House Blenheim

Menu: Proud to be serving true southern hospitality to locals and visitors to Blenheim. They offer a range of main meals, small & starter plates and dessert options. Gluten free & vegetarian options are also available

Best For: Lunch & Dinner

Location: 111 Middle Renwick Road, Springlands, Blenheim

Opening Hours: Monday - Tuesday 3pm – Late. Wednesday – Sunday 11.30am – Late. Trading hours subject to seasonal change with the plan to be open 7-days for lunch and dinner in the near future. 

Contact: [email protected]  or Matt Bygate; Manager - [email protected] / 03 5779992

Cost: Value for money options with sides from $7 and pizza from $18

Other: Group bookings of up to 30 people can be accommodated. The venue also provides a function room with Indoor and outdoor dining options. Plenty of off-street parking is also available.

Accommodation And Talk Options

Spring Creek Holiday Park

Accommodation Type: Nestled close to the crystal-clear waters of Spring Creek and surrounded by trees in a quiet park atmosphere, the Holiday Park offers a variety of accommodation and facilities at competitive prices. Traditional NZ campground with powered sites and tent sites, cabins and self-contained units available, which can accommodate up to 75 people.

• 1-5 person self-contained units: Ensuite $130 per night for 2 people. Extra person $30 per night. Bedding included. Kitchenette with microwave and shower/toilet/basin. Bed configuration: Queen bed, set of bunk beds and sofa bed.

• 1-4 person Cabin: Standard cabin $90 per night for 2 people. Extra person $30 per night. Bedding included. Kitchen bar with mini fridge, cutlery, crockery, toaster, kettle. Small dining table with 2 chairs. Bed configuration: Queen bed, set of bunk beds.

• 1-4 person Room: Backpackers $35 per night per person.  Bedding:  Bottom sheet, 2 pillows with pillowcases and a light duvet.  Small table and 2 chairs.  Bed configuration:  2 rooms have 2 singles in each, others have 2 sets of Bunk beds
• 1-5 person Cottage: $250 per night for up to 5 people.  No children on their own allowed.  Fully self contained.  Kitchen, dining/lounge area, 1 main bedroom and 2nd bedroom, bathroom.  Bed configuration:  Main - 1 Queen Bed, 2nd - 2 long singles, sofa bed in lounge.  All linen and equipment

Location:1199 Rapaura Road, Spring Creek, Marlborough

Contact: Gert and Judy Theron; Owners - 03 570 5893 / 027 206 8348 / [email protected]

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm, Daily

Cost: Please contact Judy for group rates

Other: Onsite facilities include a swimming pool, BBQs, laundry, 2 x ablution blocks, 2 x communal kitchens (ovens, stoves, microwaves, fridge and freezers), groups to provide their own pots and pans.

Picton Top 10 Holiday Park

Accommodation Type: Just 1km from Picton town centre, the TOP 10 Holiday Park is ideally situated to take advantage of all the area has to offer. Camping ground with tent sites, cabins and self-contained units available

• Tent Unpowered Site: Approx. $22pp/night
• Cabins: Bedding included (towels available to hire). Shared bathroom and kitchen facilities from $38.50pp/night
• Self-Contained Units: from $46pp/night

Location:70-78 Waikawa Road, Picton

Contact: Peter and Mel Drummond; Owners - [email protected] / 03 573 7212

Opening Hours:8am - 8pm, Daily

Cost: Prices vary across seasons, contact Mel and Peter for a quote and options for your group

Other: Onsite facilities include BBQ area, swimming pool. A talk about Top10, Picton Park, and the industry can be arranged for your group, contact Peter and Mel to discuss.

YHA Picton

Accommodation Type: The YHA Picton Villa is a converted 110 year-old boutique character home with sun-drenched rooms, gardens and verandas. Located in the centre of town, everything Picton has to offer is right on the doorstep. YHA Picton can cater for up to 63 guests across 15 rooms (both private and shared) with a separate, self-contained cottage that can be booked for a group of 19 or less. Hostel-style shared rooms (range of mixed and disabled bathroom facilities, all bedding provided, towels can be hired for $1):

• 1 x 10 bed multi-share room
• 1 x 8 bed multi-share room
• 3 x 6 bed multi-share rooms
• 1 x 5 bed multi-share room
• 2 x 4 bed multi-share rooms

Private rooms (bed linen and towels included):

• 1 x twin ensuite
• 1 x double ensuite
• 5 x double rooms

Location: 34 Auckland Street, Picton

Contact: Rob Burn; Owner and Group Coordinator OR Josh; Group Coordinator - 03 573 6598 / [email protected] 

Opening Hours: 8:15am - 9:30pm reception attended

Cost: Get an online group booking estimate here

Other: A talk about the YHA, Picton Hostel and the industry can be arranged for your group, contact Rob and Josh to discuss.

Blue Moon Lodge

Accommodation Type: Budget accommodation starts from $45pp/night for shared rooms & bathrooms, or if you prefer more privacy, private rooms with shared bathrooms start from $95/night. Situated in the town centre, with a stunning view over the marina & the Marlborough Sounds, Blue Moon Lodge is located within easy walking distance from the Queen Charlotte Track, Shuttles available for Nydia Track, Wakamarina Track & Pelorus River.

Room options include:
• 2 x family rooms: 1 x queen, 2 x single bunks from $95/night 2 pax, $20 per extra person
• 1 x 4 bed apartment with bathroom from $150/night 2 pax $20 per extra person
• 1 x 4 bed multi-share rooms $45 pp/night
• 1 x double ensuite from $130/night 2 pax
• 6 x double rooms from $95/night 2 pax

Location: Blue Moon Lodge, 48 Main Road, Havelock

Contact: Asha & Shane McKay, Owners - 0800 252 663 / 021 133 3705 / [email protected]

Opening hours: 9am – 9pm, Daily

P/P Cost: Beds from $45pp/night, please contact Asha for group prices

Other: Pelorus Eco Adventures is operated by the owners, please see the ACTIVITIES section for more information.