Foresters Cafe/Restaurant

Marlborough - A brief overview

Across the Cook Strait at the top of the south island is New Zealand's gourmet
province. Marlborough is famous for its abundance of fine wines and gourmet
foods, with more than 30 wineries competing to produce internationally award
winning wines. Newcomers to the region are Alsation and German style fruit.

The Marlborough Sounds are a maze of deep channels, sheltered waterways
and secluded bays offering a wealth of activities from fishing to walking the
Queen Charlotte Track. At the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound is the
picturesque seaport of Picton, which is the transit point for ferries between the
North and South Island.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO:

At Mount Richmond:

Spa Pool – relax in our hydrotherapy spa pool. At night time you can gaze up
at the stars.

Tennis – have a bit of a work out on the court.

Walk into the bush - see the inquisitive robins and fantails.

Glow worms – see our resident glow worms.

Trampoline for supervised children

Wildlife – as you would expect in a rural location we have a plethora of birds,
with a large number of tuis and fantails. We also have kingfishers, gold finches,
green finches, silvereye, riflemen amongst others. Rare long tailed bats have
also been detected.

Sit on your deck and read!!

Arboretum – There is stand of trees bordering the estate on the northern side
which was planted during 1937/8 for training of the young arborists. This
includes a massive range of New Zealand native and exotic trees.

Marlborough Sounds and Local Area: 

River Fishing – the Rai and Pelorus rivers are excellent for trout. Ask for more
details of our guided fishing.
Also see this link - www.nzfishing.com

Rai Valley Cottage – Built in 1881, this cottage is one of the oldest in the area.
Furnished in the style of the 1890/1900 period, it is well worth a visit.
www.historicplaces.org.nz

Sea Fishing - Born and bred local Mike Turner is well known for his knowledge
of sea fishing and diving. Mike can take you out for a day’s sea fishing. Scallop
fishing runs from mid July to mid February. You can also try for other fish including
cod, snapper, groper (Nov – March) and the occasional kingfish. Diving might also
be possible for cray.

Horseriding - You’ll get a great welcome at Pelorus River Horses. Roz will take
up to three people at a time; with a choice of routes, either through the river or
higher up into the hills with some great views down the valley. Available at
weekends and during school holidays.
www.pelorusriverhorses.co.nz

Kayaking - There are plenty of bays to take your kayak for a fantastic day out
or several days. If you don’t have your own kayak they can be hired in several
different bays including Cissy Bay, Elaine Bay and at French Pass.
www.seasafaris.co.nz
www.marlborough.gen.nz/seakayak

Tui Nature Reserve - Voted 8th best eco destination in the world by BBC
Wildlife Magazine the Tui Nature Reserve Wilderness Park is a lot more than
just tuis!! 42 hectares of mature and regenerating bush is the vision of Brian
and Ellen; their hard work clearing the area of vermin and predators has created
an area for protecting native species. Go and see the Marlborough Green Gecko,
Red Crowned Kakariki and, hopefully, the elusive Giant Weta. Trips leave from
Havelock (9am) and Elaine Bay (10am).
www.tuinaturereserve.co.nz/

Walks – There are many walks and tracks in the area. The most notable are
the several different walks (and swims) around Pelorus Bridge, a Department of Conservation site.
Click for more - www.doc.govt.nz
Complete your walk with a tea or coffee and cake at the Pelorus Bridge café.

Nelson and Area:

Happy Valley Adventures - Approximately 35 minutes away towards Nelson,
just after Hira is the turn off to this adventure playground. Sure to have something
for all the family, Happy Valley has a range of activities that include Sky-wire
Flying Fox, paintballing, horse treks, quad bike tours, argo amphibious vehicle
ride. There is also a café for refreshments.
www.happyvalleyadventures.co.nz

World of Wearable Art, Nelson - More than art, more than a fashion show,
more than an awards show. World of Wearable Art is an amazing combination
of all three and more. Explore the world of fashion in it’s widest context. WOW
has it’s own café too.
www.worldofwearableart.com

Blenheim:

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - Voted 'Best Museum in the World' by
Sydney Morning Herald, it has fantastic, realistic displays that bring all the
drama of those early flying days to life.
www.omaka.org.nz