Insider Guides

Describe yourself in three words:

Sociable, Motivated, and Competitive

Where is your favourite place in Marlborough?

Aratawa Bay, Bay of Many Coves in the Queen Charlotte Sound. We had a bach there when I was growing up until I was about 20. The best times were had!

If you only had 3 days in Marlborough, how would you spend the time?

Tough one. There is so much to do!
Day 1, A winery tour. Sounds connection are always great fun to take you around. I have lots of favourites, (we would try go to all of them) and lunch would need to be at Wairau River (how good are the beef cheeks!). To complete the tour, a wee afternoon cider at Moa while relaxing in a bean bag would be ideal.

Day 2. A section of the Queen Charlotte track. I used to do some guiding with Marlborough Sounds Adventure company just after I finished University and there are no views better! I would pick the Ships cove to Furneaux Lodge section, only beacuse there is more chance of seeing dolphins on the boat ride out there!

Day 3 A walk up the Tirohonga track in Picton to start, followed by a day at Kumototo beach with the boat, skiing, biscuiting, swimming, eating, drinking etc. Would need to finish off at (award winning) Seumus’ Irish Bar of course, mojito or gin in hand, listening to live music.

The region has a lot on offer for families, what are your top two things to do with your children in the area and why?

Any of the biking and walking tracks around Marlborough are popular with our family. The Grovetown lagoon, Taylor river or the wither hills farm track are frequently visited by us and the bikes.

Anytime spent on the water in my parents yacht or on a beach in the sounds. Such good fun for everyone and the kids love exploring, driving dinghies, fishing and swimming.

Marlborough produces world class wine, beer, and cuisine, what are the ingredients to an ideal local feast for you?

Sauvignon Blanc and Scallops.