Things to do

Exclusive Packages — Uniquely designed for Peppertree Guests

1. TUTORED WINE TASTING AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Two days of contrasts – A perfect opportunity to learn about the techniques and process of making the world acclaimed Montana wines followed by a 3-course wine matched lunch. The following day you can relax on a guided tour in the Awatere valley, combining history and stunning scenery with wine as well as olive oil tastings. The experience of picnic lunch on a high country sheep and cattle station is not to be missed.

2. THE PEPPERTREE GOLF TOUR I

Two days of Golf on Marlborough’s famous courses accompanied by your own professional along with luxurious accommodation. In partnership with Peter Giles, (N.Z.PGA “AAA” member) Teaching and Club Professional in Blenheim.

3. THE PEPPERTREE GOLF TOUR II

Four days of Golf on one of Marlborough’s famous courses accompanied by your own professional to start the process of achieving your handicap certificate, along with luxurious accommodation. In partnership with Peter Giles, (N.Z.PGA “AAA” member) Teaching and Club Professional in Blenheim.

4. A PEPPERED TREAT FOR HONEYMOONERS

Flower-filled gardens, boutique vineyard just meters from the homestead, a touch of Mediterranean with the olive grove and discrete attentive service make The Peppertree a delightful honeymoon treat, or even the venue for your special marriage service.

5. EXPERIENCE THE EXCITEMENT OF FISHING

One day of river, lake and high-country fishing accompanied by your own guide with many years experience along with luxurious accommodation. This great day gives you a good range of different fishing locations and skills, shows off the scenery and gives a good mix of relaxation and excitement.

6. EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF MOLESWORTH — JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME

Four days Marlborough and High Country experience with a must-do journey through New Zealand’s largest and iconic cattle station – 180,000 hectares and 10,000 head of cattle. Its shear size, isolation and history will capture the imagination. Molesworth Station is situated in the remote high country regions of Marlborough, Canterbury and Nelson in the top half of the South Island of New Zealand.

Swimming Pool

Comfortable deckchairs are in the pool area.

Petanque Court, Lawn Croquet & Gym

Enjoy this popular French game. Or how about lawn croquet? Play a game on the expansive front lawn. Feeling more energetic? Utilize our small gym for your daily workout.

Sheep in the paddock

Would you like to feed our sheep? They are very friendly and you can even take a photo – all, especially Bobby, are most photogenic.

Cob Cottage: historic museum built in 1860

Through the years the Cob Cottage has been used as a farm owner’s cottage, workers’ cottage, shearers’ quarters and was even home to the Riverlands School (1906-1909). The list of its uses even continues further – bookies’ headquarters, stud sheep shelter, Home Guard store and headquarters, storeroom and hay shed.

Cob Cottage was fully restored in the early 1960s, the mammoth project involving 5000 hours of mainly voluntary labour. In the last 40 years, general upkeep has been performed and now restoration continues to ensure this part of The Peppertree family remains for future generations to visit.

Walking Tracks

Wairau Lagoons Walk

3 hours to walk around this loop track
It is a flat walk with the opportunity to see a variety of bird species. To start the walk head south from The Peppertree on SH1 for 1 Km, then turn left at Hardings Rd. The entrance to the walkway is a further 2 Kms on. The beginning of the walk goes past a sewerage pond, which can be a bit smelly, but once you’re past that it is an enjoyable stroll! Note the track can get a bit boggy in winter.

Wither Hills Farm Park

Walks vary from half an hour to 5 hours return
This series of walkways, which take hikers over the parched Wither Hills, comes highly recommended. Walkers are rewarded with spectacular views over Blenheim and the Wairau Valley. Walks begin from the entrance at the end of Redwood Street off Taylor Pass Rd, which is an extension of Maxwell Rd.

Another route starts right from The Peppertree Entrance Gate; walk past the Cob Cottage turn left into Cob Cottage Rd. After 1 Km turn right at “Summer Valley” step over the stile, walk through the vineyard and continue up Wither Hills. Very soon you have a stunning view and on a clear day you will see even as fare as Wellington.

Vineyards & Wineries

Marlborough’s potential for wine growing was first recognised in the early 1970s. Today it is not only the largest wine growing region in the country but its Sauvignon Blanc is considered to have a key role in putting New Zealand on the world wine map.

Visiting the vineyards and wineries is a real pleasure. Each has a distinctive style from a Tuscany-influenced building to a Mediterranean setting or the down-to-earth, friendly natures. In addition to tasting and purchasing wine, you can dine at a number of vineyards, offering the opportunity to put to the test Marlborough’s reputation as a gourmet province.

Touring the Vineyards

You needn’t have your own transport to enjoy the pleasure of a wine trail. Heidi & Werner are happy to arrange transport for you. The transport options range from minibus to horse-drawn carriage to limousine. You need to allow at least half a day to see a good selection of vineyards and wineries, longer of you plan to relax over a lazy lunch, which we can highly recommend.

“De Vine Tours” invites you to explore the Marlborough region on foot. Wend your way through vineyard and over low hill country to some of the finest cellar doors where tastings await.

With most vineyards set over a compact, flat area, biking is also a practical and fun option. Bikes can be hired. Just let us know…we are pleased to assist you with any arrangements.

Tours around the Montana Brancott Winery

Montana Brancott Winery, today New Zealand’s largest winery, is only a two minute drive away from The Peppertree. Tours around the winery leave on the hour from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday. For bookings phone 578 2099.

On the winery tour you’ll see the only French Coquard grape press in the Southern Hemisphere and the first bulk grape tipper tanks in the world. The guides will also outline the traditions of winemaking as you pass the presses, rare oak cuve and barrel halls. After the tour, displays and audio-visual presentations at the wine education centre expand on some key topics. A specially designed kiosk allows you to experience the unique sensation of smelling the key components of major New Zealand grape varieties. At the wine tasting that concludes each tour you can enjoy these same flavours again…this time after the winemakers have worked their magic on the grapes!

Driving Range

Two minutes from The Peppertree
Head south from The Peppertree on SH1 for 500 m, then turn right at the sign “Driving Range”.

Golf Courses (7 within 20km)

Fairhall Golf Club, Fairhall, Blenheim

10 mins drive from The Peppertree
A picturesque 18-hole course in the heart of wine trail country. Hills and flats, streams and ponds combine with mature trees and watered fairways to present a golfing challenge that will help you push the clouds away. Green fee is free for The Peppertree’s guests. Please let us know, so we can make arrangements.

Blenheim Golf Club, Parker Street, Blenheim

10 mins drive from The Peppertree
A flat 9-hole golf course is set in the midst of Pollard Park in Blenheim.

Picton Golf Club, SH1 Koromiko

15 mins drive from The Peppertree
This picturesque 9-hole golf course is set in the countryside south of Picton at Koromiko.

Rarangi Golf Club, Beach Rd, Rarangi

20 mins drive from The Peppertree
This 18-hole tree-lined, championship-length course is located on the coast north of Blenheim. Easy walking with watered greens & fairways; greens that will test all players.

Wairau Valley Golf Club, Morse Rd, Wairau Valley

30 mins drive from The Peppertree
A well maintained 9-hole country golf course.

Awatere Golf Club, AH1, Seddon

25 mins drive from The Peppertree
This 9-hole golf course ambles over rises and small gullies beside the Awatere River.

Nopera Golf Club, Nopera, Kenepuru Sound

This is a classic country course with electric fences around the greens and sheep on the fairways. It is a 9-hole course and the locals tell us it’s quite challenging.