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Winter, wine & whales in NZ's South Island
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items Winter is a great time to explore New Zealand. There are less people around, there can still be great weather and what better way to finish a day than in front of a roaring fire with a glass of red wine?!
Sections
5
Blenheim
Kaikoura
Hanmer Springs
What to wear
What to read
Blenheim
Located in the Marlborough wine region - a great place to enjoy wine and the sounds
Centrally located with a lovely park just across the road the Scenic hotel is a cosy place to stay. The breakfast is really good and the restaurant has good options for dinner. Swimming pool for the summer, spa can be booked (free) during the winter.
Scenic Hotel Marlborough, Blenheim
Explore the sounds from the sea while enjoying an interesting commentary and tasting seafood.
From Picton: Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Seafood
You can't come to a wine region without doing a wine tour!
Marlborough Full Day Wine Tour
When Sir Peter Jackson is involved, you know it's going to be good. Get the WW1 and WW2 combo ticket to check out both exhibits. Allow 2.5 hours to explore and break in their cafe to refuel.
Blenheim: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Kaikoura
Where else in the world can you stand on a black sand beach and look at snowcapped mountains? With the sea floor dropping away steeply just offshore it's a great place to see whales.
A modern, well appointed hotel just across from the beach and a short drive to the township.
Sudima Kaikōura
Get out on the water and see whales, dolphins and birdlife. During my visit June 26 we saw both sperm and humpback whales just 10 mins boat ride from the shore.
Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise
Hanmer Springs
A thermal inland resort with some lovely walks, boutique shops and of course, hot pools.
It used to be the Heritage, now it's the Edit Hanmer Springs. From a bygone era this hotel is located in the middle of the main street of Hanmer Springs, a short walk to the hot springs.
Edit Hotel Hanmer Springs
Great for young and old. Fun pools and slides for the young or young at heart, plenty of relaxing pools to soak away any aces and pains.
Hanmer Springs: Thermal Pools Single or Return Entry Ticket
The jet engine was invented in NZ so it's a great place to go for a spin in a jetboat. Get your adrenaline fix!
Hanmer Springs Jet Boat Tour
What to wear
New Zealand winter can throw up a range of temperatures. The key? Dress like an onion… lots of layers
Natural fibres like merino are great for a base layer.
Womens Merino Sweater
Parkas are great to throw over everything for an extra layer of warmth
Womens PUFFTECH Parka
A raincoat is also a must for NZ at any time of year.
Mens BLOCKTECH Parka
Packing cubes the best thing ever invented for travel!
7pc Packing Cube Set with Compression
What to read
Shameless self promotion but… readers are loving my new novella series. Each one is set in a dreamy European location. Each is travel romance but with different sub tropes. All on Amazon and in KU.
Esther is sent to work in a chateau in France as punishment by her father. She doesn't expect to find Benji, and herself.
A Fish Out Of Sparkling Water
Bella lives in a campsite in Antibes but each night, she takes a group of tourists to Monaco. It's there she meets Jock. He seems too good to be true. That's because he has a secret.
Paint Me A Lie
Clare is sent to run a new villa hotel on the Amalfi Coast. When she starts asking too many questions, Luca is sent to watch her every move.
Love, Lies & Lemon Trees