Joanne Trathen

Maungatapu Manor Lodge & Cabin is a dairy free B&B over looking the beautiful Pelorus River. The accommodation is conveniently located approximately halfway between Blenheim and Nelson, it is only 1 hours drive from Picton and the ferry to Wellington. Bird-watchers will enjoy sighting the endangered lesser short-tailed bat unique to New Zealand or the Karearea, NZ's only falcon, and endemic to New Zealand. For nature lovers there are a number of guided walks, listening to birdsong, as you walk along the crystal clear waters of the Pelorus River. Or you can canoe, kayaking, swim or picnic.

There are also Cruises available from Havelock (Greenlip Capital of NZ). They take you into the Marlborough sounds, visiting Mussel Farms, and experiencing the last mail boat run. Which services the remote areas of the Marlborough sounds where there is no road access.