An ideal province for summer holidays

Press, 16 December 1988, Page 31

An ideal province for summer holidays

By

RODGER KINGSBURY

It has been said on numerous occasions, and with justification, that Marlburians have no need to travel outside their province for holidays — they have it all here. For those less fortunate people who are compelled for various reasons to live in other less favoured regions of New Zealand, holiday time is a grand opportunity for them to experience and enjoy what they would otherwise miss altogether. Hyperbole aside, there is no doubt that Marlborough is the ideal holiday venue and that Marlborough Promotions is equipped, willing and able to provide the introductions. Their offices are in Arthur Street, Blenheim, and on the Picton foreshore. Visitors are always welcome and the office staff have a wealth of detailed and up-to-date information on the holiday and recreational activities available. Marlborough Promotions is the umbrella body for two other active promotional groups, Picton Promotions and Kaikoura Promotions.

Marlburians have a reputation for friendliness and hospitality. Their sunny disposition is matched only by the climate in which they live and the productivity of their land which nestles between the mountains and the sea. The fertile Wairau Plains are enabling exciting new developments to be made in viticulture and horticulture. Visitors are welcome at the many wineries and orchards that have blossomed in the countryside in recent years and even in recent months. With its rich variety of local delicacies there is little wonder that Marlborough has earned the reputation of being the gourmet paradise of New Zealand. The ideal climate and soil conditions for growing grapes, combined with the expertise of viticulturists and winemakers, has put Marlborough well out front for quality in the New Zealand and overseas wine scene. Marlborough is now New Zealand’s principal cherry growing area. Other crops found in abundance in season include apples, pears, kiwifruit, nectarines and apricots.

The area planted in citrus trees is being expanded every year. Exotic fruits such as avocados, tamarillos, nashi, pepinos and blueberries are becoming increasingly popular among growers. Accounts of week-end success with rod and net in the province’s sparkling rivers would lure the most sceptical or disillusioned angler to Marlborough where brown and rainbow trout grow to fighting size. For the seafood lover, Marlborough is the gourmet’s delight. The waters of the Marlborough Sounds offer blue cod and snapper in plenty. Cultivated mussels, scallops and salmon are part of the rich harvest which the Sounds have to offer. In addition to blue cod and snapper, the Sounds are also the home and breeding ground for kingfish, kahawai, terakihi, mackerel and groper. Fishing trips are available through local launch companies, and boats and yachts are for hire. Fishing from rocks and jetties can also bring its reward at times. In addition to providing culinary delights for the table the Sounds also offer sailing, boating and sightseeing in a labyrinth of waterways.